January 2025 – Page 9 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Month: January 2025

Toughie 3403

by Gazza  

Toughie No 3403 by Silvanus
Hints and tips by Gazza

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

Thanks to Silvanus for this very enjoyable puzzle which sets a high standard for Toughies in 2025 without being overly tough.
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DT 30813

by Shabbo  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30813
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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

Good morning and HNY to all fellow puzzlers.

No prizes at all for Guess the Setter today.  The Queen and the sweetheart give it away amongst 32 top quality clues from the master of brevity, who is getting ever closer to breaking the five words/clue barrier.  Today’s puzzle is 5.1 words/clue, to save you the trouble of working it out (it’s all part of the service) and not a double definition in sight! My LOI in this enjoyable puzzle was 21a, which took me a while to parse. I would also give a nod to the Quickie Pun. Thank you, RayT.

In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons.  Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.  Please also try to be positive – it’s only a bit of fun.

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DT 30812

by Senf  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30812

Hints and tips by Senf

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

A very Happy New Year to all from Winnipeg where the Nestaway Skating Trail on the Assiniboine and Red Rivers is open – I wonder for how long. … Continue reading