Gazza – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3572

Toughie No 3572 by Osmosis
Hints and tips by Gazza

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

A properly tough Friday-level puzzle with no anagrams which I enjoyed doing battle with. Thanks to Osmosis.

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Toughie 3564

Toughie No 3564 by Sparks
Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

This is not too tricky for a Friday Toughie but enjoyable. There are two answers that I’d not heard of but both were very fairly clued. Many thanks to Sparks.
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Toughie 3556

Toughie No 3556 by Karla
Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

This is pretty gentle for a Friday Toughie but very enjoyable. Many thanks to Karla.

Please leave a comment telling us how you fared and what you liked about the puzzle.
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Toughie 3548

Toughie No 3548 by Osmosis
Hints and tips by Gazza

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

This is a proper 19d from Osmosis with loads of clever wordplay, a lack of anagrams and a minimum of obscurities. I made solid progress through the puzzle until I got held up (largely due to 7d) in the NE corner. Many thanks to our setter for the entertainment.
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DT 31022

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31022
Hints and Tips by Gazza

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

Quite tricky for a Wednesday I thought but very enjoyable. Did you spot all the senior officers running around?. Thanks to our setter.
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Toughie 3540

Toughie No 3540 by Sparks
Hints and tips by Gazza

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

Thanks to Sparks for an enjoyable puzzle which isn’t too tough (for a Friday). I’ve given it an extra half-star for difficulty because I needed to verify the 1a accidents, the 9a dietary problem and the 5d mythical beast none of which I’d heard of. I can’t find any Nina today – can you?
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