Beam – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

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…

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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…

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Toughie 3391

Toughie No 3391 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza

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

Thanks to Beam for a fairly straightforward and enjoyable puzzle with little to frighten the gee-gees. I only required BRB assistance to verify the second bit of 17d. I originally thought that there was an error in 13a but now I’m not so sure.
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Sunday Toughie 150 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 150

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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Well that was a surprise! Beam has shone over my Saturday night/Sunday morning. Once I got over the surprise it went smoothly. All the usual 20d’s are there (Average 5.3 words per clue, sweetheart and a queen) I am sure there are other Beam trademarks but my experience of Beam is somewhat limited as his toughies usually fall on my busy work days

14a and 16d clues and I have hinted just under half – a bonus nudge may be available if you are still stuck

Here we go, Folks…

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Toughie 3375

Toughie No 3375 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

It’s Beam regular monthly outing – enjoyable as ever with the main problem being questions along the lines of ‘how does x mean y?’. Thanks to him.
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