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 ***
Surprisingly gentle for a Thursday Toughie, pleasingly musical and studded with Kcit’s seemingly trademark one-letter deletions (and additions).… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30993
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
[As you may have noticed we are having problems currently in that comments cannot be posted. It’s not just us; the same problem has hit Fifteensquared, so please be patient]
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
Following the special anniversary puzzle yesterday, normal service has been resumed and we are treated to our fortnightly Thursday offering from RayT, including all of his regular trademarks and a word count of just a fraction over 5 words/clue. An enjoyable puzzle as ever and a very entertaining Quickie pun to boot..
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 setter and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ***/****
The usual tight clueing from Beam: no anagrams and a raft of inventive, but fair, synonyms.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Nicely quirky; beautifully Django. Some lovely touches and fresh thinking.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30981
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ***
Good morning, fellow puzzlers. The sun is just starting to break through here in Hertfordshire and it looks like being another lovely summer’s day with a decent puzzle to set us all off on the right footing.
I took longer than usual over this RayT puzzle, but on reflection, I can’t really see why. Ray is playing a bit fast and loose with his trademark sweetheart and Queen in 19a and 26d respectively, so tread carefully!
Enjoyable and concise as ever at an average of exactly five words/clue. A special mention to the Quickie Pun as well. For those new to crosswords, the first two or three across clues in the Quick Crossword are italicised and make a groanworthy 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. Please also try to be positive – it’s only a bit of fun.
Many thanks to RayT and to the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ****
After some relatively chewy Toughies this week, I was expecting a proper kicking from the mighty Silvanus today.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30975
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers from a sundrenched Welwyn Garden City.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
Weatherman slides fizzily into the Thursday slot with muscle and menace.… Continue reading
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30969
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ****
Good morning, fellow puzzlers.
RayT is in benign form today, or maybe I was just tuned in to his wavelength from the start. A concise and enjoyable puzzle, as ever, from the master of brevity. My gongs go to 10a, 11a, 18a, 8d, 18d and 20d. Which clues 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. Please also try to be positive – it’s only a bit of fun.
Many thanks to our setter and the DT Crossword Team.
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ***/****
Very gentle, very Beam: smart synonyms, tight constructions and, as ever, no anagrams.… Continue reading