Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Toughie No 3487 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ***
Beam is being extremely gentle with us today and I doubt whether my hints will be required. Thanks to him for the puzzle.
Continue reading “Toughie 3487”
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30939
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
Today’s puzzle was a steady solve for me with plenty of smiles along the way and wonderfully smooth surface reads throughout. My very crowded podium consists of 1a, 10a, 13a, 17a, 2d, 8d and 16d, but I could have listed many more. The Quickie Pun also has a big tick on my paper.
When I am blogging, I tend to concentrate on the parsing of each clue and it is very easy to miss how good the surface reads are. I have just re-read all of the clues and the surfaces are quite outstanding, so I have increased my enjoyment rating to 5*. Take a bow, clever setter.
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.