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

 Welcome

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”

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Toughie 3180

Toughie No 3180 by Osmosis

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

I struggled with this today, could just be me. It seemed an unfortunate combination of vague definitions and more than average general knowledge

Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading

Toughie 3179

Toughie No 3179 by Firefly
Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

There’s a theme in today’s puzzle. All the definitions shown as ‘8’ in the clues are examples of the 8d answer when it’s split 4,4. Clever!

Thanks to Firefly for the entertainment.… Continue reading

DT 30477

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30,477
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***


Our more experienced solvers will know the identity of our setter from his use of “sweetheart” in 17a. Ximenean sticklers will tell you that sweetheart cannot represent E, in much the same way as Maidenhead cannot represent M, but Libertarians will say that the intent is clear and therefore it is acceptable.… Continue reading

DT 30476

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30476

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

Kia ora from Aotearoa.
We have been rather lax with our crossword solving lately while we had guests staying. They went home yesterday so are back into our usual routine and able to give our full attention to putting this together.
Lots of good clues here and a pleasure for us to solve.… Continue reading

ST 3240 (full review)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3240

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 26th Nov 2023

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Greetings from Kolkata. A lovelier and friendlier puzzle from Dada this Sunday that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a full review which I now present for your kind reading and valuable feedback.Continue reading