Crosswords – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Category: Crosswords

Hints and tips for completing Daily Telegraph Cryptic crosswords

DT 31339

by Huntsman  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31339

Hints and tips by Huntsman

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BD Rating – Difficulty *  Enjoyment ****

Well it’s been a damp start to the day here in Harpenden and there seems to be plenty more to come. Fortunately tomorrow looks ok for ⛳️ which I’m looking forward to having shot my lowest gross score for 3 years yesterday – no doubt a freakish aberration.

Today we have the usual gentle Tuesday puzzle from Anthony Plumb which  as ever is nicely clued throughout & very enjoyable. I thought it a little trickier than yesterday so I’ll be interested to see what others make of it.

Ray T is on duty over in t’other place with a very gentle anagram free Beamer that really isn’t more, if at all, difficult than this one so well worth having a stab at. Whybird is on hand with some afternoon tunes & to provide a nudge if required.

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.

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DT 31338

by Smylers  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31338

Hints and tips by Smylers

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BD Rating – Difficulty ★ – Enjoyment ★★★★

Hello. It’s Monday, and the start of a new crosswording week. Our children still aren’t back at school yet (one starts on Wednesday and t’other on Thursday). Maybe I should suggest they have a go at this crossword?

On Saturday we visited RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate, where we saw this impressive Kingfisher:

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Sunday Toughie 241 (Hints)

by Sloop John Bee  

Sunday Toughie No 241


by Zandio

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

 

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As seems to be usual with Telegraph Towers, the first puzzle of the month is slow to appear. I got this at about quarter past midnight, but sped through this fairly quickly for a Zandio. 23d and 18d needed a bit of thought but I think I have parsed them now.

I will try and give a nudge if you are struggling; just ask. We have pulses here 4d and in the Dada 27a with Senf. Are the setters on a bit of a health kick? With all the healthy eating you are entitled to an extra 12a for afters

 

Here We Go…

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ST 3385 (Hints)

by Senf  

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3385 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

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A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where Summer is desperately trying to hang on for a while longer although we have had at least one foggy morning typical of late October/early November.

For me, and I stress for me,© Dada very quirky although I have to admit that my spelling and writing skills left a little to be desired.  Seven anagrams (three partials), one lurker, and one homophone, all in a slightly asymmetric 30 clues; with 16 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid, all BRB verified where necessary, you should/might be able to get some of the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues. I hope you have your Crimson Tomes at hand! You might even need your favourite e-search ‘assistant’!

Remember that Reading the Hints before commenting can be beneficial!

If it is some time since you read, or if you have never read the instructions in RED below the hints then please consider doing so before commenting today as my electronic blue pencil is at the ready and the Naughty Step is OPEN!

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