August 2025 – Page 7 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 31005

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31005
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

Good morning, fellow puzzlers.

It looks like it should be slightly cooler here in Welwyn Garden City today, so why not take some time out of your busy day and have a go at this enjoyable RayT puzzle?  All of his usual calling cards are on show: single word answers, single word clues and answers in the Quickie, the Queen, sweetheart and his usual brevity, with the words/clue count at just a fraction over five.

My Clue of the Day is the very simple 26d, with a nod to the Quickie Pun.

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.

Many thanks to our setter and to the DT Crossword Team.

Continue reading “DT 31005”

DT Vintage 17

Daily Telegraph Vintage No 17
Hints and Tips by Rossophile

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***  Enjoyment ***

An erudite offering today, where a grasp of the classics and good general knowledge will help. Starting to feel like our modern puzzles. I was able to hint this more quickly today having discovered the Windows Key + H comes up which brings up a dictation window. Also, Shift, Windows Key and S,  will allow you to open a resizable panel, and copy the contents of another window to the clipboard. The door is still open for any “wannabe” hinters; join this exclusive group on the World’s best crossword blog and get your nickname in lights. Yes hinting, can be harder than solving some clues, but is a rewarding and educational pastime.
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DT 31004

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31004

Hints and tips by Senf

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

A very good Wednesday morning from Winnipeg.

For me, etc (I have to say that for Terence), after what for me was a ‘night on the tiles,’ I was pleased to find that our setter was quite friendly with a very fair Wednesday challenge.  Thanks to whomsoever. Continue reading “DT 31004”

DT Vintage 16

Daily Telegraph Vintage No 16
Hints and Tips by Rossophile

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

Enduring another “heatwave” for 3-4 days, or so we are told by the media.  Yesterday was 28 degrees with some rain, and my water butts are full.  Pervious called an English summer. Another straightforward puzzle from the Sixties, some learned and geographical clues. A few explanations of that time alone, that are open to interpretation.
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DT 31003

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31003
Hints and tips by Huntsman

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BD Rating – Difficulty *  Enjoyment ***

It’s a lovely sunny day here in Harpenden this morning & it looks like it’ll develop into a scorcher so I’m still debating whether it’s too hot for golf.

Today’s Plumb production is a pretty gentle affair. Enjoyable enough but I can’t honestly say that I thought it on a par with last week’s cracker. Maybe that’s just me so it will be interesting to see what others think.

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.

Continue reading “DT 31003”