March 11, 2026 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3650

Toughie  No 3650 by Weatherman

Hints and Tips by crypticsue

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

Even allowing for the two words most of us have probably never heard of (both fairly clued), I thought this was just right for a Wednesday Toughie.  All I’ve got to do now is get rid of the ear worm!

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DT 31184

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31184
Hints and Tips by Deansleigh

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

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the midweek back-pager blog.  I found today’s puzzle suitably challenging for a Wednesday workout: there were a couple of (for me) obscure words that held me up, pushing me just into 3* time.  I found it very hard to pick a favourite clue, as there was so much to enjoy and admire, with some great misdirection and several amusing cryptic definitions.  I especially liked 10a, 14a, 3d, 7d and 9d, but today’s winner for me is 16d for its excellent surface reading and because it taught me a new word.  Many thanks to today’s setter.

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Sunday Toughie 214 (Review)

Sunday Toughie No 214 by proXimal

Review by

Sloop John Bee

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This puzzle was published on the 1st March 2026

The publication of the result contains the line;

The answer to 27a is misspelt. We apologise for the error.

Well done to J De Bruyn, Sheffield for winning

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ST 3358 (Full Review)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3358

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 1st March 2026

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Greetings from Kolkata. A highly entertaining puzzle from Dada this Sunday that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a full review of his puzzle for your kind perusal and valuable feedback. Continue reading “ST 3358 (Full Review)”