A Puzzle by Jeemz
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DT 31115 (Hints)
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31115 (Hints)
The Saturday Crossword Club
(hosted by Cryptic-Sloop John Bee)
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Today is the start of Christmas for many, but we only have one seasonal clue today. I am sure there will be more before the big day. I still have a stock-take to do, so I will be spending Monday and Tuesday up an enormous scissor lift counting screws!
I assume I have been overthinking 22a, but I still have niggling doubts as to the parsing there. I am also unsure as to the setter today, so the Charles III pound coin with the bees on will remain in my coin wallet.
Season’s Greetings
As Christmas Day draws near, the village elders would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2026.
A special thank you to all the Telegraph setters, especially to those who have taken the time to leave comments on the blog, and to Chris Lancaster, James Brydon, Michael Baker and the editorial team at Telegraph Puzzles for their work over the year.… Continue reading
Toughie 3604
Toughie No 3604 by Karla
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
This is fairly gentle for a Friday Toughie but very enjoyable – thanks to Karla.
Continue reading “Toughie 3604”
DT 31114
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31114
Hints and tips by Mr K
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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ***
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Friday. I found today’s grid fill fairly straightforward, but there were a few clues where figuring out the parsing took some time . Continue reading "DT 31114"
DT 31109 (Full Review)
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31109
A full review by Rahmat Ali
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This puzzle was published on 13th December 2025
BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Greetings from Kolkata. A nice, challenging Saturday puzzle from NYDK that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a review of the same for your kind perusal and significant feedback. Continue reading “DT 31109 (Full Review)”
Toughie 3603
Toughie No 3603 by Silvanus
Hints and tips by ALP
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment *****
An absolute joy from Silvanus today. Very classy indeed. We’ve got sport, alcohol and naked dancing. What’s not to like? Just chuck in a board game or two and you’ve got the perfect Christmas! It’s all typically immaculate and fair. And, most importantly, great fun. Over to you.
EV 1724 (Solution)
DT 31113
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31113
Hints and tips by Shabbo
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Good morning, fellow puzzlers, and season’s greetings to you all.
I found this very straightforward, slowing only slightly in the SE corner. I even began to wonder whether it might not be RayT, but then the sweetheart appeared at 18d and a quick word count revealed a word/clue ratio of just a fraction over five, so all was well with the world.
Blogging is never a chore and when it is a choice between writing hints or watching the Test Match in Adelaide, it is a real joy!
Many thanks to RayT and to the DT Crossword Team.
Toughie 3602
Toughie No 3602 by Weatherman
Hints and tips by ALP
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
A welcome return from Weatherman. As ever, the construction is immaculate and definitions fair, making for a steady solve. Yes, there is some pretty exotic vocab here – but it’s all generously clued. Still, I’ve tacked an extra difficulty pip on, largely for 5d and 9d. Typically, he’s made my bid to clip tunes extremely difficult, which no doubt comes as a great relief. Alas, I haven’t been totally defeated! Over to you. Continue reading “Toughie 3602”