March 3, 2026 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3645

Toughie No 3645 by Dada
Hints and tips by Whybird

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

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

Namaste! Many thanks to Gazza for filling in for the past two weeks whilst I “trundled” around India seeing most of the cast of the Jungle Book, through some absolutely wonderful wildlife experiences– although the leopards weren’t black – and eating equally wonderful food .  I thought I might return somewhat lighter and slimmer, but that hasn’t happened at all. Fortunately, the return flight from Delhi was direct to Heathrow, and the normal route is well north of the Gulf, so everything went smoothly.  I’m disappointed to see I missed blogging a Tuesday Django – I’d been looking forward to that pleasure, so I hope the chance comes around again soon.

I was hoping for a gentle reintroduction to the blog, but that hasn’t happened.  Dada has given us a quirky puzzle, which I think would have fitted in reasonably well later in the week.  Perhaps the cough and head cold I have acquired, coupled with the “safari massage” my body has endured, has deadened my senses somewhat, but I found this rather tricky.  My podium places are occupied by 2d, 16a and 21a today.

Thanks to Dada for a re-baptism of fire.

Please let us know how you fared and what you thought of the puzzle. 

Continue reading “Toughie 3645”

DT 31177

DailyTelegraph Cryptic No 31177
Hints and tips by Huntsman

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty *  Enjoyment ***

Well I don’t know whether or not strictly speaking spring is here but after yesterday’s warm sunshine & a similar start to the day here in Harpenden it certainly feels like it.

I thought today’s puzzle (from Anthony Plumb I assume) about on a par with X-Type yesterday. As ever tightly clued & perfectly enjoyable albeit for me at least not hitting the heights of last week so it’ll be interesting to see what others make of it.

As usual there is a selection of music to enjoy or ignore.

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 31177”