Sunday Toughie No 209 by Samuel
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 25th of January 2026
Category: Samuel
Samuel is the pseudonym of Chris Lancaster. As well as editing the Enigmatic Variations puzzles in the Sunday Telegraph since 2014, he has also set crosswords in this series and The Listener series in The Times, , the Inquisitor series and for The Magpie.
Sunday Toughie 209 (Hints)
Sunday Toughie No 209
by Samuel
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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I was very pleasantly surprised to find Samuel here today, but my happiness waned when the theme of today’s puzzle became apparent. A valedictory performance indeed. 7a 16a 26a 6d 7d and 12d brought a 4d to my eye. I don’t think we can expect more from Samuel, who has given us so much already.
Lots of double definitions and anagrams, but I can’t hint at them all. I think the valedictory nature of today’s puzzle will allow me to forego the red pencil. 23d up Samuel, you’ve given us a belter today.
Here We Go…
Toughie 3611
Toughie No 3611 by Samuel
Hints and tips by ALP
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Enjoyment *****
A very happy New Year to you all, one made brighter still by the appearance of Samuel – the one-and-only Chris Lancaster. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one of his Toughies, so this was an especial treat. Suitably gentle-ish for January 1, and impeccably fair, but fizzing with wit, as one would expect. I particularly enjoyed seeing a grown-up set 3d, i.e, properly! All yours.
Toughie 2543
Toughie No 2543 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
We have a fairly gentle puzzle from Samuel today which produced several smiles (e.g.… Continue reading
Toughie 2500
Toughie No 2500 by Samuel
Hints and tips by crypticsue
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
We haven’t had a Toughie from Samuel for over six months, Continue reading “Toughie 2500”
Toughie 2383
Toughie No 2383 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty **/*** – Enjoyment ****
I enjoyed this puzzle from our editor with its good dose of humour.… Continue reading
Toughie 100011
Toughie No 100011 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ****
Our esteemed editor has taken pity on those of us who have overindulged today and given us a very gentle festive Toughie – but as we say all the time a puzzle can be very enjoyable without being terribly difficult and this one fits the bill.… Continue reading
Toughie 2300
Toughie No 2300 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
This is pretty gentle but very enjoyable with little bits of humour throughout.… Continue reading
Toughie 2289
Toughie No 2289 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Bufo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment ****
An enjoyable puzzle with some original touches. It wasn’t particularly difficult though I had to think hard about some of the parsing. Continue reading “Toughie 2289”
Toughie 2252
Toughie No 2252 by Samuel
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
I thought that this was a pleasant but fairly straightforward puzzle which for the most part would not have been out of place on the back page.… Continue reading