Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Sunday Toughie No 204 by Dada
Review by
Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 21st December 2025
Nothing against the crossword; it was a good exercise for the brain cells, but I am not a fan of Dada getting both Prize Puzzles on the same day. As Huntsman said about the absence of a Toughie on a Monday, Telegraph Towers have a large enough roster of setters to share them out a bit more or even give a Rookie a shot!.
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Well, it is not the first time we have had Dada here and in the other prize Sunday slot, as no one has yet claimed yesterday’s SPP, maybe he has had a trifecta!
A slightly less than normal 13a and 13d clues today, and I have hinted less than half. The 6d 22a combo fooled me and I had to ask for help (thanks Lie-In-King). I am still not 100% convinced by my answer so the mythical is yours today.
Here We Go…
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
I always look forward to a new puzzle from Mr Micawber, and this one certainly didn’t let me down. I would usually complain when there are a number of clues of similar construct, but I would cheerfully accept a whole puzzle full of Micawber’s charades.
[Experientia does it is Mrs Micawber’s misquote of Experientia docet – One learns by experience – in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield.]