Month: February 2025

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30855
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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

I really enjoyed this, but then I am fortunate to have been allocated Thursday as my blogging day – the puzzles are generally spot on in terms of both quality and difficulty.  I think we can rule out RayT on this one, so that leaves….

I have made this point before, but it warrants repeating here.  A great setter will produce clues which read like normal sentences, rather than like crossword clues.  This is a prime example of a master of this art at the very top of his/her game.

My ticks go to the bad indigestion at 10a, the boxer’s treat at 11a, the drunken multitude at 14a, the Greek character at 21a, the clandestine meeting at 27a, the senior female at 28a, the tea vendor at 3d, the drunk’s partner at 13d and the group of eight at 23d.  Which clues did you like?

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.

Thank you setter. First class.

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