Toughie No 1002 by Petitjean
Hints and tips by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty **/*** – Enjoyment **
A workmanlike puzzle from Petitjean that almost strayed into 3-star territory because of the time it took to solve 25 down. I thought that some of the definitions left a lot to be desired – 1a is only a fast time when it is the time taken for something to happen, 6 across/10 across is an American word for a central street in a town whether or not it is well-worn – and are communes in Northern France fair game?
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Toughie No 984 by Petitjean
Hints and Tips by Bufo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Even Petitjean puzzles are fairly straightforward when it’s my turn to blog!
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Toughie No 970 by Petitjean
Handle with care
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
A tougher than usual puzzle for the start of the Toughie week.
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Toughie No 951 by Petitjean
The Sound of Music…..?
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment ****
…well, it is Petitjean so several musical references and some mountains too! A super crossword; for me it had about the right level of toughness for a Wednesday (3.5*), lots to smile at, and the chance to sing while you type too!! No need for hats, either slightly mad or thermal today as the sun’s finally appeared in a lovely blue sky.
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Toughie No 939 by Petitjean
Having a Whale of a Time
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Petitjean’s quirky style tends to divide opinions; I am firmly in the camp of those who enjoy his puzzles. This one ranges far and wide with references to literature, opera, films, radio, food, football and cricket. Some of the wordplay requires a fair bit of thought, but that’s why it’s a Toughie.
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Toughie No 918 by Petitjean
Echoes of The Coasters!
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment **
Petitjean slips into the Tuesday slot with one of his easier puzzles.
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Toughie No 904 by Petitjean
Give me your answer, do
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
I made steady progress with this puzzle. It was only the bit of thought that I needed to get the final few answers that just about pushed the difficulty rating up to 3*.
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Toughie No 891 by Petitjean
When the seagulls follow the trawler
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
We don’t often come across Petitjean on a Tuesday, but this is one of his easier puzzles.
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Toughie No 877 by Petitjean
Hints and tips by Bufo
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
I encountered few problems filling in the answers but struggled with some of the explanations and had to resort to Googling for a couple of them.
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Toughie No 857 by Petitjean
Hints and tips by Bufo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment ****
Thanks to Big Dave for covering for me last week. It was nice to get back in the swing with this enjoyable puzzle which was not quite as difficult as the last couple of Petitjean puzzles I have blogged.
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