Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Difficulty **/*** – Enjoyment *****
A very good Wednesday morning from Winnipeg where I am sensing that the Puzzles Editorial Team’s ‘tinkering’ with the batting order continues. … Continue reading
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This puzzle was published on 2nd March 2025
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Sunday Toughie No 162 by proXimal
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 2nd of March 2025
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
I truly didn’t/don’t know quite how to rate this for difficulty as I raced through the solve, thanks largely to very fair definitions, but the full parse took longer.… Continue reading
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** Enjoyment ***
Judging by the distinctly chilly weather here in Harpenden it looks like the unseasonably warm spell that we’ve been enjoying has come to an abrupt end but at least it’s dry.
Another solid & pretty straightforward Tuesday offering that I assume is penned by our usual setter. Maybe not one from the top drawer but certainly enjoyable & nicely clued throughout. Pusskits, puppies & a selection of tunes to accompany the hopefully correct hints.
In the following hints, definitions are underlined, indicators are mostly in parentheses, and answers are revealed by clicking where shown as usual. Please leave a comment below on how you got on with the puzzle.
Hello. Today’s Telegraph cryptic crossword features appearances from Edward, Richard, Sarah, Mark, Leo, Jack, Charlie, and Daisy — is the setter paying tribute to a group of relatives or relatives? And if so, do they have a dog called Rover?
Today puzzle is by Twmbarlwm, making a swift return after being on Thurday last week. I seem to get on well with Twmbarlwm’s wordplay, but some others don’t; if that includes you, add a star or so to the difficulty rating.
Sunday Toughie No 163
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Another reasonably floughie toughie from Beam that didn’t take too long last night. He comes in at under 5.36 words per clue, although there is that rare beast A SEVEN! word clue from Beam (27a). The other Beam trademarks are present (sweetheart, queen and an initial letters clue, not forgetting the lack of anagrams)
I have an even 14a and 14d clues today, but I have an uneven 8a and 6d hints today. I hope you find the checkers to fill the grid, a bonus nudge may be available for the first to ask
Here we go, Folks…
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For me Craft is a new setter, at least of the EV series. But I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. Perhaps it’s an alternate identity of a well-established compiler. In any event, I must say the title didn’t provide much context. The preamble does indicate parenthetically something “broken” – perhaps that’s a way in (apropos “entry”)?
I didn’t bother Gemini – who’s probably obsessing about “Majorana fermions” anyway as I was when I solved this and doesn’t have time for cryptic archaeology. Unclear whether understanding topological quantum computing would help me with ENTRY or not. To be honest, I didn’t understand it.
NTSPP 787 – Review by StephenL
Madcap is in this week’s spot with a typically clever and entertaining puzzle. Thanks to him
Continue reading “NTSPP 787 – Review”