December 2014 – Page 4 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 27672

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27672

A full review by crypticsue

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

This puzzle was published on Saturday, 13th  December 2014

Quite a mixture of clues in this one, with several cryptic definitions which aren’t usually seen as much on Saturdays as they are in the week.

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Toughie 1312

Toughie No 1312 by Firefly

‘Tis the season to be grumpy

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

Comments on the last weeksworth of Toughies have been: “a bit flat” (Gazza, yesterday), “run-of-the-mill” (Toro, Tuesday), “neither difficult nor enjoyable” (BD, Friday), and “bog standard” (me, a week ago).… Continue reading

ST 2773

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2772

A full review by crypticsue

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

This puzzle was published on Sunday, 7th December 2014

 

I found this one a tiny bit trickier than recent Sundays – looking back at it ten days later, I have no idea why. As for a favourite, this week it has to be the trademark Virgilius clue – 18d.

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DT 27676

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27676

Hints and tips by Falcon

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***

Greetings from Ottawa where temperatures have been hovering around the freezing point meaning that the precipitation is wavering between rain and freezing rain.… Continue reading

Toughie 1311

Toughie No 1311 by Petitjean

Even Homer Nods

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

I’m usually a big fan of Petitjean’s puzzles but I found this one a bit flat. There is a trademark music-related clue but not much of his usual quirkiness. Am I just being a Mr Grumps? – Do let me know.
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DT 27675

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27675

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

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

We have got to the end of what has been a busy time for us. The last of our visitors has been delivered to the railway station. “The Book” has been successfully launched. (Check out the link at the end of the post if more detail is required.) All done in time to let us enjoy this clever, slightly tricky puzzle from Jay.

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DT 27674

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27674

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

It’s always good practice for a setter to get his or her best clue in early because it gives the solver a warm feeling for the rest of the puzzle. Today’s setter certainly achieves that with 1a. Do let us know what you thought of it and how you got on.
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DT 27673

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27673

Hints and tips by Miffypops

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

Today is National Cat Herding Day. A day for those of us who feel like we’re tasked with the impossible, Cat Herders Day recognises the frustration of trying to manage the unmanageable. Whether it’s work, home, school or other areas of life, if it feels like herding cats, today’s your day. I rather hoped Rufus would have an answer with a feline slant today to fit with the video clip I have had to use at 25d

I dedicate this day to those amongst you who feel like that when solving cryptic crossword puzzles.

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