Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Fortunately, this puzzle is not overly difficult as I was working “without a net” today. Problems with the DT web site caused major headaches (and no doubt loss of sleep) for Big Dave who was able to ship the puzzle across the Atlantic but not the completed grid. I find this to be a typical Jay puzzle, one that leans a bit toward the easier end of the scale.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
This was my first opportunity to review a puzzle from Dada, and what a great pleasure it has been. As Paul in the Guardian this setter has a fearsome reputation, but he is somewhat kinder to us over here at the Telegraph!
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
What with the horrible weather outside and the ongoing frustrations of CluedUp inside it’s not been a very happy morning. However I was cheered up by this enjoyable puzzle (when I eventually got it). Let us know your thoughts in a comment.
If you’re still baffled after reading a hint, try highlighting the space between the brackets under the clue to reveal the answer.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Many thanks to the maestro for my usual Monday mormimg entertainment.
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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, and provide hints for them.
Feel free to let off steam about the continuing, non-lightning-strike related, problems on the site and the lack of recompense or honest explanations.
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment *****
Greetings from the Calder Valley. Thanks to Big Dave for covering while I had a wonderful week’s holiday in the Lake District last week. Three days after coming home and unpacking, I had to repack and spend a couple of days back in Calderdale Hospital. Luckily I managed to escape last night and am now under the care of the District Nursing team for a few days.
We have the return of Elgar today with a fine puzzle that contains lots of things to make you smile, think and bang your head against the wall in equal measure. Although it’s my least favourite grid in the crossword world (each corner only has one way in, so if you get stuck you are really stuck!). However there are some great clues that will have you scratching your head and appreciate Elgar’s magical craft.
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Giovanni follows his excellent Toughie yesterday with a less tough but still very enjoyable back-page puzzle. How did you fare? Leave us a comment!
If, as a last resort, you want to see an answer, highlight the space between the brackets beneath the troublesome clue.
BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ***
The usual straightforward start to a Saturday morning from Cephas (thank you to him), this time with leanings to the French side of the Channel and the added bonus of a Pangram. The clues I particularly liked are highlighted in blue.
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ***
Trickier than many a Giovanni Toughie (but none the worse for that). The northeast corner eluded me for a time when I had to think hard about 4 down and 6 down.
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
I thought this was one of Ray T’s easier puzzles – but I’m sure you will let me know if your opinion is different!
