April 29, 2025 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3469

Toughie No 3469 by Dada
Hints and tips by ALP

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

Dada’s back again with a largely straightforward puzzle – just a couple of scratchy synonyms (17a) and one leap of faith (20a) kept me on my toes.… Continue reading

DT 30913

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30913
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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BD Rating – Difficulty *Enjoyment ***

I am standing in for Huntsman today as he is about to 1d in Portugal, provided that his flight was able to land given the power problems in both Spain and Portugal at the moment.  Anyway, who needs Portugal when you have weather like this in the UK.  Hard to believe that it is still only April (just!).

I found this to be considerably easier than yesterday’s offering.  In fact, if you were to choose a puzzle to teach beginners how to solve cryptic puzzles, this one would be ideal. All scrupulously fair and clearly indicated. I will almost feel guilty when I take my pint off Huntsman for stepping in for him!

I am not convinced about the Quickie Pun, not having much use for such products, if indeed I am correct.

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.

Many thanks to our setter and the DT Crossword Team.

Continue reading “DT 30913”