Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
One of the most difficult aspects of any cryptic crossword is the definition. Often the setter’s idea of a synonym is somewhat different from yours. See what you think about 4a, 24a, 5d and 17d – with better definitions this would probably be 4* rather than 3*.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment ****
A pinch and a punch it’s the first of the month and an entertaining puzzle by Elgar which has a definite eye on the calendar. Compared to some we have seen recently, this is a true Toughie that should delight the connoisseur and really stretch the newer solvers.
Elgar has worked so hard to ensure that all the across clues and several down clues all contain the F Word, and each one refers to a different word that means the F Word; a quite breath-taking feat. I would recommend having Mrs Bradford and her marvellous book at your side, if you still plan to tackle this and haven’t done so.
As usual the clue answers are hidden between the curly brackets for you to highlight with your mouse, if you wish to see them. We welcome your comments after the blog and you can rate the puzzle with our star system.
Masochists needing a further fix of today’s setter can find one just for today at this web link: –
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/puzzles/crosswords/cryptic/
As an extra bit of help today, here are the words for fool used in the puzzle, but not in any particular order!
ASS, CLOT, DOPE, GIT, GOWK, NERD, OAF, PRAT, SAP, TWIT
Off we go!
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
An easier crossword than yesterday in my opinion. with generally good surface readings. However there is a real mixture of clue quality, the worst for me being 23d or 13a, whilst the extra star (two stars has been usual for a while) for enjoyment is for 1a.
If you highlight the space between the curly bracket, you will reveal the answer. Please leave a comment, and I hope the CC enjoy this one.
Continue reading “DT 26203”
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Kathryn Friedlander and Philip Fine, at the University of Buckingham, are launching an on-line survey to investigate the cognitive skills, motivation and development of expertise of those who tackle cryptic crosswords. They are looking for participants who tackle a ‘broadsheet’ cryptic crossword (such as the Daily Telegraph, Guardian or Independent crosswords) on a fairly regular basis, and who manage to complete it at least sometimes. Ideally, participants will have been solving cryptics for at least one year.