Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Sparks is the name used by Mark Kelmanson for Toughies. He is known elsewhere as Monk (M on K, his initials)
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
The clever device using 5 symmetric pairs (see 21a) helps the solve a lot, if you spot it early
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Today’s pangram contains a few words I did not know.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment *****
That was tricky! The pangram might have helped had I seen it earlier.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
A lovely puzzle with some nice quirks. A Nina is seen symmetrically in the grid.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
A not-overly-difficult and very enjoyable puzzle by Sparks.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty **/*** – Enjoyment ****
Oh no! My heart sank as I saw the Nina. Our condolences Sparks. How do you give an enjoyment rating for such a sad message? Many of the across answers apply to 12a Continue reading “Toughie 3020”
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment *****
Sparks set the toughest of Toughies, but it is so cold outside, what else were you going to do with your Friday morning? Continue reading “Toughie 2996”
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Some things I didn’t know, but all fairly clued of course.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
Brrr, getting cold and raining. Poor dogs are shivering too, they had a haircut yesterday.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***/**** – Enjoyment ****/*****
Sparks often has a Nina or gimmick, but I haven’t seen anything yet – maybe one of you will
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading