Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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Sunday Toughie No 177
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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…
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According to my “sources”, Skylark is supposedly on the easier end of the solving spectrum. … Continue reading
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.
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BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
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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"
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This puzzle was published on 7th June 2025
BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
Yet more impossible boots to fail to fill.… Continue reading
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.