Sunday Toughie No 230
by Silvanus
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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For Silvanus’s third Sunday Toughie (# tooth hurty) I may have expected a dental reference or even a reference to the summer solstice, which passed as I slept on the parsing.
I think the slightly niche British TV references should be widely enough known to those overseas.
14a and 16d clues today and I have hinted half. I hope you find the checkers to finish, but I will nudge if required and able.
Here we go, Folks…
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Toughie No 230 by Giovanni
This Crossword is Brought to You by…..
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
An interesting challenge today which I found quite tough in parts and blindingly easy in others. I particularly struggled with the bottom left corner. As I solve the puzzle on line, I usually play guess the setter until I can contact a chum who takes the paper. I have to say I wouldn’t have guessed today’s was Giovanni, it didn’t feel like one of his puzzles. However, it was the usual enjoyable mix of witty but scrupulously fair clues. Aspiring setters should always take time to study Giovanni’s clues as they are an absolutel model of perfection.
Recently it was announced that ITV are to be allowed to infest their already dreary programmes with product placement, and I thought this had arrived early in Crossword-land today as 6 across required you to know the name of a leading motor-oil brand (other leading brands of motor oil are available) to help you solve the clue. Some curious answers today including the name of a Cultural Colossus (see yesterday’s Crossword blog).
Off we go, and remember your home is at risk if you put a tin containing petrol in your microwave and turn it on….
Continue reading “Toughie 230”