Robyn (Sunday) – Page 6 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Sunday Toughie 85 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 85 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Robyn gave me a bit of a hard time on the parsing front last night, but I think coffee and contemplation this morning have cleared the mist, much the same as the weather here, which was cleared by some spectacular lightning last night.
I learned about the firstborn son of Isaac who was red-headed and noticeably hirsute at birth, born with his twin Jacob clutching his heel

I don’t think I have noticed a 15a and 15d grid in the toughies before but I have hinted at half, and I offer to help with those clues that didn’t make the cut

Here we go…

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Sunday Toughie 82 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 82 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Oh my God! Robyn gave me a grilling last night but I learned a lot about Theologians, Foreign words in English, Caribbean Islands and their cricketers so all in all a very satisfying solve.

I have hinted half of 16a and 14d clues but as ever some quite tricky clues hit the cutting room floor – if you require a bit of a nudge just ask and I will try and oblige, although if you look closely you may find a few bonus hints scattered here and there

Here we go…

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Sunday Toughie 79 (Review)

 Sunday Toughie No 79 by Robyn

              Review by Sloop John Bee

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                      This puzzle was published on the 30th of July 2023

 

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Sunday Toughie 79 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 79 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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A not-too-tough toughie today from Robyn – about Tuesday Toughie or Weds/Thursday back pager level I think.

A slightly imbalanced 16a 14d clues today and I have hinted half – I hope you find enough checkers to get over the line.

After getting to the end 25d I am somewhat esurient so I may have to have a cheese sandwich!

Here we go…

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Sunday Toughie 76 (Review)

Sunday Toughie No 76 by Robyn

Review by Sloop John Bee

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This puzzle was published on the 9th of July 2023

Dog lovers need to check out this puzzle and review!

I scent a theme – as did Olive and Mabel

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 76 (Review)”

Sunday Toughie 76 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 76 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Robyn brings us another multi-linked clue in 22a, he did it in Toughie 70 and it is becoming his signature clue type. Getting it early helped me to see a couple of the links and taught me a bit about Japanese fighting animals too.
As usual, I have run out of my quota of hints long before the trickiness has ebbed away, so ask away if you need an extra nudge, a couple of bonus pics may have sneaked in.

Here we go…

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Sunday Toughie 73 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 73 by Robyn

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Robyn brings us a puzzle at just the right level for a Sunday Toughie, a little bit of Shakespeare, Dickens and politics and an interesting appearance for the #Octothorp and ChatGPT adds an up-to-date feel. I rather enjoyed this but may be distracted by ongoing tiling works in the bathroom this afternoon, but I will check back occasionally if you need a nudge or two.
I would like to applaud Robyn for the surface reading of 7d – an extremely adroit bit of setting indeed, only unhinted because it is a relatively easy compound anagram.
Today we have 14a and 16d clues and I have hinted half 

Here we go…

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