Category: proXimal (Sunday)

Sunday Toughie No 192

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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I seem to have come down with some lurgy or other, and I may have to retire to bed. Apologies if the hints are a bit terse today, 

We have 16a and 14d clues, and I have hinted half. I found the Spooner today quite difficult and the proXimal™ compounds a bit easier. I have left the last of three unhinted, in order to give a nudge to the 13a anagram.

Between paracetamol and naps I will be hoping Europe make light work of at least 2 1/2 points to retain The Ryder Cup. I will provide hints if you ask.

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 192 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie No 188

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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proXimal returns with what I found quite tricky, but maybe I was distracted by the tribute to Van Morrison on the BBC last night. It finished at about 01:30 this morning, and it was a close-run thing to parse some before the end.

14a and 16d clues today, and I have hinted at half. I am not too 22a that there are quite a few clues in the SW that remain unhinted, but I hope you find the checkers to fill the grid. A bonus nudge may be available if you ask.

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 188 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie No 183

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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A classic proXimal toughie, with a Spoonerism to start and a couple of compound anagrams that I enjoyed solving last night.

14a and 14d clues, and I have hinted half. I hope you find the checkers you need, but will provide a nudge if it keeps you away from DanWord and the like.

Over the last few weeks, we have had quite a few clues for which the data-miners suggest alternative answers. I hope my readers don’t rely on them. I have had reports of a large number of entries received at Telegraph Towers that prefer to believe DodgyDan and the like. The sole purpose of these sites is to sell advertising and other clickbait, maybe try the interactive guide to solving that the DT are doing for the Centenary instead.

For new solvers, there will be an interactive guide on solving cryptic crosswords published on the day of the centenary itself: July 30. On the same day, drop in to Waterloo Station if you happen to be near it for an immersive Telegraph Puzzles event. There will even be a Matt cartoon.

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 183 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie No 179

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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I met proXimal at The George last Tuesday (among many others, Karla, Donnybrook, Weatherman, Eccles, Elgar, Kitty, Cephas, Shabbo being a few I can remember before the Small Beer and Sun on thinning brow addled my faculties!) and he promised me a quite tricky Spoonerism to start today. He was right! – It was quite late in the solve before the correct apostle revealed himself.

I also learned that his blogging name is from the Latin for in favour of pro and Ximal – Of or pertaining to the cryptic crossword style used and defined by “Ximenes” (Derrick Somerset Macnutt), whereby an acceptable cryptic clue must have a precise definition, a fair and strictly grammatical subsidiary indication, and no redundant elements beyond these. You can take it that all his clues follow these guidelines and are fair to the solver.

14a and 14d today, and I have hinted half, a few tricky clues hit the cutting room floor, so I will try to provide a nudge or two if the Brass Band competition on Wetherby Ings permits

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 179 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie No 174

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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proXimal gave me a rather stern test last night, and I had to email a friend to see the standards (thanks Gazza and Mike. A spoonerism to start and a couple of compound anagrams sign this better than any byline

We have a generous 16a and 16d clues and I have hinted half, I hope you get the checkers to solve this fine puzzle but I will try and give a nudge or two if required.

Time to take Mama Bee out for coffee and a listen to the brass bands in Wetherby. I will help if I can and if the WiFi by The Ings is up to it

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 174 (Hints)”