Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Enjoyment ***
Surprisingly gentle for a Thursday Toughie, pleasingly musical and studded with Kcit’s seemingly trademark one-letter deletions (and additions).… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30993
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
[As you may have noticed we are having problems currently in that comments cannot be posted. It’s not just us; the same problem has hit Fifteensquared, so please be patient]
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
Following the special anniversary puzzle yesterday, normal service has been resumed and we are treated to our fortnightly Thursday offering from RayT, including all of his regular trademarks and a word count of just a fraction over 5 words/clue. An enjoyable puzzle as ever and a very entertaining Quickie pun to boot..
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 to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment **
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
A very good Wednesday morning from Winnipeg on Centenary Day!
Firstly, while I haven’t been around for 100 years, although some might think I have, thanks to all the Puzzle Editors and Setters over the years for creating and maintaining a high standard of cranial challenges and entertainment for us mere mortals. With fond memories of those who are no longer with us and with especial fond memories of Big Dave for creating our blogging community.
For me, etc (I have to say that for Terence), a privilege to solve such a milestone puzzle, almost a theme but not quite enough clues to reach that definition it seemed; however a number of appropriate for the day clues. Don’t be put off by the ‘multis’ and cross-references – nothing like a NYDK SPP. I was thinking that we might get a ‘multi-setter’ puzzle but I am inclined to think that this is the work of one individual and I have two shiny King Charles Toonies that are suggesting that this is the work of our esteemed editor. If my Loonies go down the drain then thanks to whomsoever.
(Solved and Blogged with the aid(?) of a not so wee dram of amber nectar from the highest distillery in Scotland.)
Sunday Toughie No 182 by Zandio
Review by
Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 20th July 2025
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This puzzle was published on 20th July 2025
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Toughie No 3521 by Dada
Hints and tips by Whybird
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Welcome, one and all. Something new for me today – my first Blog “on the road” – temporarily relocated to the quiet Shropshire village of Shrawardine to celebrate a Significant Birthday for the present Lady Whybird.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty * Enjoyment ***
Overcast here in Harpenden this morning & with rain in the forecast this afternoon once again on a Tuesday no golf.
Today’s Plumb production is perfectly pleasant, neatly clued as ever & about on par with the usual level of difficulty for a Tuesday. I did enjoy it though didn’t think it one of the Prof’s top drawer puzzles & felt it lacked a bit of the pizzazz of yesterday’s back-pager
In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED & the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons. Please leave a comment below telling us what you thought & how you got on with the puzzle.
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We’re not going to be blogging this first puzzle in the Telegraph’s Vintage series but do feel free to add your comments and queries about it below.