Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Today’s Toughie is one of the easier ones, which means it’s a good one to start if you haven’t tried them before. My two star difficulty rating would put it at about three stars for a regular daily cryptic.
[OK BigBoab, there are one or two tricky words, but then you finish this puzzle wiser than when you started!]
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
I approached this puzzle with some trepidation, bearing in mind the date, wondering what tricks the compiler had in store. Actually it offers a thoroughly entertaining battle with some tricky wordplay and some delightful clues (the best of which is slightly risqué!).
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
You can always rely on Shamus to set a challenging crossword, but one that is solvable with a little patience. One or two trickier answers and some even trickier wordplay made this another very enjoyable puzzle.
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Tilsit was due to review today’s Toughie, but he was rushed into hospital on Monday. He had still hoped to be able to do this review as he didn’t want to disappoint his new fans. I am sure you will all be joining me in wishing him a speedy recovery.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
I thought that this Toughie was somewhat easier than usual. Of course these views are totally subjective, and if you think differently please let us know via a comment.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
As Toughies go this one is pretty easy (it’s an ideal one to start on if you’re dipping your toe in such waters for the first time; just don’t expect them all to be as easy as this!). That said, there are a few cleverly-worded and enjoyable clues amongst the easy ones, and a distinct lack of very obscure words, which is a major benefit in my opinion.
