Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Currently Thursday does not appear to have a regular setter, although since Autumn 2010 Ray T features frequently. During 2009 almost all of the Thursday puzzles were set by Jay.
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** – Enjoyment ***
An interesting mix of smart wordplay and generous definitions from Kcit made for a fairly speedy solve.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31023
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
Over to you, dear reader, on Guess the Setter today. Thursdays used to be easy to predict, with RayT and Silvanus taking alternate weeks, but the devious crossword team at DT Towers now throw in different setters to keep us all on our toes.
I thought this was a cracking puzzle, but I have to confess to struggling initially with the parsing of 20a and 2d. This puts the puzzle firmly into 4* territory for me, but perhaps other more able solvers will disagree? There are two references to my favourite sport rugby (27a and 3d) – good timing as the Women’s Rugby World Cup approaches the QF stage. Ticks all over the place for me, but special mention must go to 23a, 2d, 4d and 19d. Which clues did you like?
Must dash. I’m helping out at a charity golf day today in aid of prostate cancer, a subject very close to my heart. Fingers crossed that the weather improves soon!
In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.
Many thanks to our setter and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ****
Those fearing a triple-threat Thursday after Tuesday and Wednesday need fear no longer.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31017
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
RayT is being gentle with us today, or maybe I was fully attuned to his wavelength this fine morning. We are treated to his usual brevity at 5.2 words/clue and it is reassuring to know that he has an ecological conscience when compiling – see 7d. My favourite clues are 24a, 6d, 7d and 23d. Which ones did you like?
In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.
Many thanks to Ray and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ***/****
Typically with Beam, the trickery lies not so much in the construction but the synonyms.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31011
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
Well it is definitely not RayT today and I don’t think it is Silvanus either, so over to you, dear reader, for Guess the Setter. Senf – you might need more than one of your hard earned loonies for this one.
I think this is a lovely puzzle and perfectly pitched for a Thursday. What do you think?
As Daisy has freely admitted to being in her tenth decade, in the interests of safety and her own wellbeing, I will not be posting an image for 8d. Barely worth the risk.
In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.
Many thanks to our mystery setter and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***/****
The usual invention from Django. He always works hard to try and make surfaces work, in a fun way.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31005
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
It looks like it should be slightly cooler here in Welwyn Garden City today, so why not take some time out of your busy day and have a go at this enjoyable RayT puzzle? All of his usual calling cards are on show: single word answers, single word clues and answers in the Quickie, the Queen, sweetheart and his usual brevity, with the words/clue count at just a fraction over five.
My Clue of the Day is the very simple 26d, with a nod to the Quickie Pun.
In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle.
Many thanks to our setter and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****/*****
Typical invention from Light today, with imaginative synonyms/definitions and quirky surfaces.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30999
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
A lovely puzzle today, perfectly pitched for a Thursday. A smattering of general knowledge is required on television programmes, pop music from the 80s and 90s, a film from the 70s, football, cricket, tennis and one other sport. All completely fair and above board, of course. 21d was my CoD but I thought the Quickie Pun was pants. I’ll get my coat…
In the blog below, the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the “Click Here” buttons. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on and what you thought of the puzzle. Please also try to be positive – it’s only a bit of fun.
Many thanks to our mystery setter and to the DT Crossword Team.