Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment *
There's often a particular quality to Warbler's puzzles -- a kind of affability and desire to entertain that comes shining through. But this one had a strangely perfunctory feel about it. I found most of the clues dull, technically questionable, or both, and am genuinely sorry to give it my first ever one-star review.
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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ****
A bright and breezy first Toughie of the week from Dada.
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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ****
Misdirections and alternative meanings abound in this very nice puzzle from Shamus which I found more stretching than some Tuesday Toughies.
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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment ***
A pleasant first Toughie of the week from Warbler.
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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ***/****
I wasn't too taken with this puzzle at first but perked up at some of the clues in the bottom half.
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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ****
Another high-quality Tuesday puzzle from the Don to which this rather hurried set of hints doesn't really do justice.
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BD Rating - Difficulty ***/**** - Enjoyment *****
Those without a British upbringing might struggle with one or two of the references, but Samuel's second Toughie is a delight, and shows what can be done when good setters really apply themselves to their craft. All Tuesdays should be like this!
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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment *****
Four English novelists, an English philosopher, at least three saints, Oxford shoes (and academics), a cathedral city, a classical language and a Tribe of Israel. Yes, folks, it's the Don, who is all over the papers today on the occasion of his 70th birthday. (Mind you, there is a piece of multicultural English slang in there too!)
[EDIT: Not just all over the papers, but all over this puzzle too -- look carefully!]
Happy birthday, Don Manley, and thank you for a characteristically flawless puzzle pitched just at the right level for a Tuesday Toughie.
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BD Rating - Difficulty * - Enjoyment **
A very accessible puzzle from the popular Shamus, fairly clued as ever but perhaps a bit short of sparkle on this occasion.
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BD Rating - Difficulty */** - Enjoyment ***/****
An enjoyable breeze of a puzzle by Giovanni on a rare Tuesday appearance, but can someone explain to me how 12d works! [EDIT: False alarm -- the minute I posted the blog I saw the answer.]