February 2024 – Page 4 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Month: February 2024

Sunday Toughie 108 (Hints)

by Sloop John Bee  

Sunday Toughie No 108


by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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A proper Toughie from proXimal today that took me a fair bit longer than normal last night, some quite tricky anagrams, extractions and wordplay have hit t’ cutting room floor
I have hinted at half of an even 14a and 14d clues but if you want a nudge on any just ask and I will try to help if I can. CrypticSue’s red pencil seems to be a bit sharper than mine – beware t’ naughty step!

Here we go, Folks…

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EV 1630 (Hints)

by The Numpties  

Enigmatic Variations 1630 (Hints)

Mixed Doubles by Ifor

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Ifor needs no introduction for EV solvers. Dave Hennings’ crossword database tells us that he has been setting them since 2010 and this will be his 45th in the series.… Continue reading

ST 3252 (Hints)

by Senf  

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3252 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where we have been back in the deep freeze for a few days.

For me, and I stress for me, Dada quirky but not very friendly, but some of that was self inflicted with errors in two answers impacting on two others. … Continue reading

DT 30538

by Mr K  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30538

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty **** -  Enjoyment ***

Hello, everyone.  I felt miles off the setter’s wavelength today, with no flow at all as I worked on completing the X-less grid. But in hindsight there is nothing here that’s obscure or even unusually complex, so perhaps I’m just out of practice. I look forward to reading what others thought.  Continue reading "DT 30538"

DT 30533 (Full Review)

by crypticsue  

  • Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30533

A full review by crypticsue

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This puzzle was published on 10th February 2024

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

Looking at the clues for 1a, 6a and 10a, I did wonder why there were exclamation marks at the end of the clue as the definitions didn’t really require them. Once I’d solved 28/24a, the earworm inducing theme and the need for the exclamation marks was revealed

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