Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment **
I found this a real struggle especially down the left-hand side. In the end I gave up with two clues to go and consulted the oracle (i.e. BD). Because of the problems I had I feel obliged to give it 5 stars for difficulty. But it wasn’t a very satisfying solve and I think I’m probably being generous in giving it 2 stars for enjoyment.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment **
An uninspiring puzzle from an unknown setter.
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment *****
It was a lovely surprise this morning to find that I had an Elgar to review, though tinged with trepidation for what may be in store for the rest of the week to top this. There’s a theme, indicated by 15d/14a, based on many terms associated with a hospital theatre. I got the theme fairly quickly, but the grid is “cornery” and I was held up for some time in the NW and SE corners. I found it very enjoyable with the usual stock of “doh” moments which Elgar invariably provides. Although it is difficult I’ve only given it four stars for difficulty because Elgar can be even trickier and the theme, once you’ve got it, does make it a bit easier.
Let us know what you thought and please remember to click on one of the stars below to show how much you enjoyed it.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Another fine puzzle from our Wednesday Wizard. Keep them coming, Jay.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
Beam (aka Ray T) lives in Paris, where he teaches the finer points of the English language to French journalists. This is evident in the two long answers in today’s excellent puzzle.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment **
We have a workmanlike puzzle today from one of our unknown setters – let us know how you got on with it in a comment.
If you’re really stuck for an answer you’re allowed to highlight the space between the brackets under the troubling clue.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
A very enjoyable crossword today, I romped happily through most of it and then died a horrible death in the NE corner. For some reason the answers to 9a and 8d eluded me for ages. So they get my vote for the two best clues.
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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the better clues and provide hints for them.
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Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Gazza makes a welcome return to the NTSPP fold with an enjoyable and accessible crossword that should be well within the range of all solvers from the CC to the ACC. Favourite clues for me were 4a, 22a, 3d and 6d. Let us know your favourite and any feedback below.
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Welcome to the fifty second in our series of weekly puzzles.
This week our very own Gazza returns with a new puzzle.