Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
ProXimal is Steve Bartlett, who sets crosswords for The Independent as eXternal (which he first used in our NTSPP series), and for the Financial Times as arteXlen.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment *****
We have come to expect nothing but top quality puzzles from proXimal. Excellent surface readings combined with innovative clueing makes for a most enjoyable solve
Definitions are underlined as usual.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Another most enjoyable puzzle from proXimal with some delightful clues. I hope you liked it as much as I did.
Definitions are underlined as usual. The hints are intended to help you unravel the wordplay.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Another very nice puzzle from proXimal, not stupidly hard, great surfaces, just my kind of thing – a great way to start the day.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment ***/****
Fair, not overly difficult and enjoyable puzzle from proXimal today. I started with 8a and worked systematically anti-clockwise, giving me the illusion of being in control.
Many thanks Tilsit for looking after last Friday’s toughie
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment *****
Beautiful clueing by proXimal. After some initial staring at the grid, I found a foothold after which I progressed at a reasonable pace. No obscurities, thank you setter, though I hadn’t heard of the valley (21d)
Identifying the definition in the clue is half the battle.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
I was happy to find that proXimal has again given us an accessible puzzle today with some lovely surfaces. I managed three quarters of this fairly rapidly, then the last quarter took as much time again.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
I enjoyed this – I much prefer proXimal when he is not as his most devious.
Definitions underlined as usual. The hints are intended to explain how the wordplay works, and you can reveal the answers by clicking on the ANSWER buttons.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ***
Good afternoon from South Staffs. Dutch is away this week, so I’ve been allowed out of my usual Friday morning slot.
It took me a little while to get going on this puzzle, with some well-hidden definitions and indicators, plus an element of General Knowledge, but once I got a toehold I was able to work steadily through.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
This was just right. A not-overly-difficult puzzle with loads of well-crafted surfaces. I’m always happy (relieved, perhaps) when I can solve a proXimal in reasonable time.
Definitions are underlined.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment ****
I found this slow going, yet in retrospect everything seems fair enough. I tend to find some proXimal puzzles quite hard, though his last few have been more accessible.… Continue reading