June 18, 2023 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Sunday Toughie 73 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 73 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

Robyn brings us a puzzle at just the right level for a Sunday Toughie, a little bit of Shakespeare, Dickens and politics and an interesting appearance for the #Octothorp and ChatGPT adds an up-to-date feel. I rather enjoyed this but may be distracted by ongoing tiling works in the bathroom this afternoon, but I will check back occasionally if you need a nudge or two.
I would like to applaud Robyn for the surface reading of 7d – an extremely adroit bit of setting indeed, only unhinted because it is a relatively easy compound anagram.
Today we have 14a and 16d clues and I have hinted half 

Here we go…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 73 (Hints)”

EV 1595 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1595 (Hints)

Barred Off by Chalicea

Hints and tips by Phibs

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

To say that Chalicea is a prolific setter is akin to describing Elon Musk as quite well off. As with any puzzle by my fellow EV blogger, we can expect sound clues, accurate definitions, and a level of difficulty towards the lower end of the spectrum.

Continue reading “EV 1595 Hints”

ST 3217 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3217 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg, where we have had a smattering of cool bordering on chilly days – I am not sure if they can be attributed to the effect of drifting wild fire smoke or not – but we are forecast to be in the high 20s/low 30s, plus any ‘feels like,’ for the next couple of weeks.… Continue reading