May 2023 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 30313

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30313
Hints and tips by Huntsman

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

A dullish & slightly chilly start to the day here in Harpenden but the sun looks like it’s about to make an appearance.… Continue reading

DT 30312

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30312

Hints and tips by pommers

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

Hola from Almoradí where we’ve been having quite a bit of rain and cool temperatures over the last couple of weeks. I think the weather has been better in the UK, which often happens in May.  Still, forecast to have normal service back by the end of the week.

Today’s puzzle is well up to the usual Monday standard.  There’s a few gimmes to give you a good start but there’s also a few tricky little rascals so I’ve gone for *** difficulty. I’ll be interested to see who agrees and who thinks it was a breeze.
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Sunday Toughie 70 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 70 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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I started well last night but got a bit bogged down in the end, the very clever 11d lightened my mood. I have hinted half of an uneven 16a 14d clues but as usual some still tricky clues have hit the cutting room floor.
With 20d I may be missing something that no amount of Laphroaig (here finished in strong white 19d casks) last night or coffee this morning can entirely explain, I have the little Spanish girl and the Spanish word for is, but I cannot see the indicator that allows me to reverse her?

Thanks to Robyn for a fairly floughie toughie, with all the clues linked to 11d is that a theme?

And finally a get well soon to Robert, The blog and I have missed your erudite comments

Here we go…

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EV 1592 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1592 (Hints)

Warning by Gaston

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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This will be Gaston’s 26th EV crossword. He has been setting two or three a year for almost ten years, so you will probably have solved his crosswords before and know what a range of themes he handles – and that you are in good hands.… Continue reading