Crosswords – Page 8 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3680

Toughie No 3680 by Elgar

Hints and Tips by crypticsue

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

Another of Elgar’s extreme Toughies – it took me just over twice as long as I’d hope to spend solving a Friday Toughie.  I did think there might be a theme  but it wasn’t until I solved 4d and investigoogled that I discovered that today (1st May) is a special day in the ongoing celebrations of the Bicentenary of the Modern Railway, and this  crossword, in particular, celebrates the 150th Anniversary in the line found in 24d and part of the top row of the grid

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DT 31228

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31228

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty *** Enjoyment ****

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Friday. Today’s puzzle is a very enjoyable solve with nothing to obscure or technical involved in the clueing. I hope that our setter drops in later to claim it. Continue reading "DT 31228"

DT 31223 (Full Review)

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31223

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 25th April 2026

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Greetings from Kolkata. A nice and brilliant Saturday puzzle from the setter that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a review of the same for your kind perusal and significant feedback. Continue reading “DT 31223 (Full Review)”

Toughie 3679

Toughie No 3679 by Karla
Hints and tips by ALP

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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** Enjoyment ****/*****

Great fun from Karla today. Pretty friendly, I’d say, for a Thursday and no harm in that on a beautifully sunny day. Nowt that’s remotely obscure – the only arguably less-than-everyday 5d is served up on a plate. Smart, gettable wordplay and some well-worked, credible surfaces. Very enjoyable. All yours.
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DT 31227

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31227
Hints and Tips by Gazza

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

Today’s puzzle is just one letter short of a pangram which is a strong hint as to the setter. Thanks to him for a very enjoyable challenge.
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DT 31226

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31226
Hints and Tips by Deansleigh

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BD Rating – Difficulty **  Enjoyment ***

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the midweek back-pager blog.   I found today’s puzzle to be about the same level of difficulty as yesterday’s, with some general knowledge required, but everything fairly clued throughout.  As usual there were many excellent clues today.  Amongst my favourites were 1a, 10a, 3d and 5d, but I especially liked the hapless president in 15d and the brilliant 9d.  Many thanks to our setter.

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