Sunday Hints – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

ST 3304 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3304 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where we remain in the deep freeze and the old adages that some believe that February is the coldest month of the year and that it can get too cold for it to snow appear to be true. … Continue reading

Sunday Toughie 159 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 159

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Beam has brought us his third Sunday Toughie. I found a couple of “traps” for the unwary and some tricky parsings here, but I think I have them all right now. Trademarks abound (less than 5.35 words per clue, single-word answers, the Queen and sweetheart, lurkers and initial letters too.)

I hope one of my usual commenters spots the name check in 16d and Senf gets a first name check too 10a!

A generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted 7 of each – leaving me the scope for a bonus nudge or two if you ask

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 159 (Hints)”

ST 3303 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3303 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg, where I am still reflecting on the significant moments of my visit to the old country – arrival at the gate at Terminal 4 to driving away from Heathrow in my Avis rental car in record time with minimal time in passport control and the baggage hall; seeing my Big Sister at home looking much better than she did last October in St George’s Hospital, Tooting; a sideswipe from Storm Eowwyn and a full on hit from Storm Herminia while in Somerset;  a very enjoyable Birthday Bash, meeting and re-meeting a wide cross section of our community; and last but by no means least the rendezvous with ‘The Pink Lady’ at Liverpool Street Station – thankfully there was only one ‘Pink Lady’; I was concerned that if there were two or more I might pick the wrong one and get whacked around the head with a weighty handbag for my troubles.… Continue reading

ST 3302 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3302 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

Another very good Sunday morning from Staines-Upon-Thames in Surrey, after a most enjoyable Saturday evening with my favourite niece, her husband, and a very pleasant claret, and now it’s almost time to pack my bags for my return trip to Winnipeg.… Continue reading

Sunday Toughie 156 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 156

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Beam is back for his second Sunday Toughie and it is a treat, all his trademarks™ are there (sweetheart, The Queen, single-word answers and an average 5.375 words per clue)  I found a lot of cycle parts but as a cycling fan I am probably a bit biased. It allowed me to tell a couple of old jokes too.

We have a generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted half plus a couple of bonus pics. I hope you find enough checkers to fill the grid.

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 156 (Hints)”

ST 3300 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3300 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where, on Friday morning, we had blizzard conditions with winds of 56 km/hr gusting to 90 km/hr, that’s 35 mph to 55 mph, plus or minus, in old money, but most of the snow being blown around was already on the ground and not in the process of falling.… Continue reading

ST 3299 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3299 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where more fluffy white stuff has been falling from the sky – it must have warmed up somewhat.

For me, and I stress for me, quite a challenge from Dada this week. … Continue reading

Sunday Toughie 154 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 154

by Dada

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Another Newbie to the Sunday Toughie, I was quite surprised to find Dada as the compiler today. Once I got over the surprise I found this a floughie toughie and I don’t think horses have any concerns either here or in the backpager. I haven’t had time to tackle Senf’s Dada yet but I have spotted some similarities.

Dada has brought a slightly “25a ungenerous” 14across and 13down clues today on what I call the H4 grid (from the dark blocks along the sides of the grid). I will plump for the crafty 9d today but the precarious 16a ran it close before falling at the last.

I counsel you “15d” to be aware that the red pencil has been active this weekend with just a few 1a remaining of Christmas Comestibles

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 154 (Hints)”

ST 3298 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3298 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where after warmer temperatures (relatively speaking and by Winnipeg standards) over Christmas and New Year it has gone back to being taters with minus 20s until Thursday at least.… Continue reading