Big Dave's Crossword Blog – Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English

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Welcome to Big Dave’s Crossword Blog

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You have reached the world’s biggest and best crossword blog.  If you are looking for help with the Daily and Sunday Telegraph cryptic crosswords or the Enigmatic Variations advanced cryptic, a total of 13 puzzles a week, then you have come to the right place.

If this is your first time, or for more information about this site, please click on Continue reading “Welcome”

Sunday Toughie 177 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 177

by Light

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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In recent conversations with Light/Twmbarlwm he says he has been permitted to be quite tough in this slot. He has certainly brought his A game today and I have reconsidered and re-parsed several clues overnight. It is hard to see beyond the sublime reversal of 1a for COTD but there are many fine clues here. 

I have hinted at half of an even 14a and 14d clues today, but I will try and provide a bonus nudge if required, although I will emphasise the advice that when in doubt look for a lurker (backwards too)

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 177 (Hints)”

ST 3321 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3321 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where there is good news for some of the wildfire evacuees as they are being allowed to return home.

For me, and I stress for me©, Dada quirkier, especially on anagram indicators, than he has been for quite a while – two long uns, five anagrams (two partials), one lurker, and no homophones all in a symmetric 28 clues; with 14 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid, you should be able to get the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues.  And, remember, my electronic blue pencil is at the ready and the Naughty Step is OPEN!

Candidates for favourite – 1a, 21a, 24, 25a, 2d, 19d, and 20d.

As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, a number of the more difficult clues have been selected and hints provided for them.

Continue reading “ST 3321 (Hints)”

DT 30952

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30952

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty **** Enjoyment ****

Hello, everyone, and welcome to a fine Friday puzzle. Lots of glorious misdirection and penny drop moments in this excellent crossword.  Continue reading "DT 30952"

DT 30951

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30951
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ****

Another excellent Thursday puzzle which was a joy to solve.  I will not attempt to guess the setter, as that would spoil it for you, dear reader.  Just one observation – it’s not RayT!

Ticks for me for 10a, 11a, 23a, 24a, 28a, 8d, 15d, 17d, 19d and 22d.  Which ones did you like best?

In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons.  Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.  Please also try to be positive – it’s only a bit of fun.

Many thanks to our setter and the DT Crossword Team.

Continue reading “DT 30951”