The Guardian Quick Cryptic puzzle clues 2026 Oct 17

• Advance in school? (4) Crossword Clue
• Awkwardly ate meal (3) Crossword Clue
• Biting dessert? (4) Crossword Clue
• Catcalls? (6) Crossword Clue
• Claw hit earth that holds chalky colour (5) Crossword Clue
• Coastal iceberg covering girl who fell through hole? (5) Crossword Clue
• Darts venue, drunken escapades (10) Crossword Clue
• Eleven troopers guarding sports activity (5) Crossword Clue
• Engineering nerd with gin smiled (7) Crossword Clue
• Entertain, performing as Emu (5) Crossword Clue
• First Lady (3) Crossword Clue
• Fools, they often have a drink in them (4) Crossword Clue
• Give direction for starring role (4) Crossword Clue
• Hit flying mammal (3) Crossword Clue
• Inhuman villain holding blacksmith's tool (5) Crossword Clue
• Person involved in box-ticking exercise? (5) Crossword Clue
• Pub hidden by ruin nearby (3) Crossword Clue
• Rearing against nature? (7) Crossword Clue
• Rise for boisterous dances (6) Crossword Clue
• Rod, Dawn and Len cavorting in marvellous place (10) Crossword Clue
• Take note of moment in time (6) Crossword Clue
• Talk at length with small furry animal (6) Crossword Clue