Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31231
Hints and tips by Huntsman
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BD Rating – Difficulty * Enjoyment **/***
It’s starting to brighten up a wee bit here in Harpenden but there’s pockets of still much needed wet stuff on the way.
Having overslept this morning (as well as struggling of late with completing puzzles in what I would consider a reasonable time) I was happy that today’s Plumbing assignment was extremely gentle even by Tuesday standards. As ever concisely clued & perfectly pleasant for the short time it lasted though I wouldn’t regard it as one from his top drawer so it’ll be interesting to see what others make of it.
Chalicea is similarly benevolent over in t’other place with a perfect puzzle for anyone wishing to dip their toes in Toughie waters for the first time – you’ll find the water warm & Whybird on hand if it gets choppy.
As usual there is a selection of music to enjoy or ignore.
In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED & the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons. Please leave a comment below telling us what you thought & how you got on with the puzzle.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31230
Hints and tips by Smylers
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BD Rating – Difficulty ★★★ – Enjoyment ★★★
Welcome to the Telegraph crossword for Bank Holiday Monday. I treated myself to a lie-in, not having to solve and blog before starting work, and perhaps shouldn’t have done: this took me longer to solve than any other crossword I’ve hinted! How did you get on?
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Toughie No 3680 by Elgar
Hints and Tips by crypticsue
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BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment *****
Another of Elgar’s extreme Toughies – it took me just over twice as long as I’d hope to spend solving a Friday Toughie. I did think there might be a theme but it wasn’t until I solved 4d and investigoogled that I discovered that today (1st May) is a special day in the ongoing celebrations of the Bicentenary of the Modern Railway, and this crossword, in particular, celebrates the 150th Anniversary in the line found in 24d and part of the top row of the grid
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31223
A full review by Rahmat Ali
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This puzzle was published on 25th April 2026
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Greetings from Kolkata. A nice and brilliant Saturday puzzle from the setter that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a review of the same for your kind perusal and significant feedback. Continue reading “DT 31223 (Full Review)”
Toughie No 3679 by Karla
Hints and tips by ALP
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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** – Enjoyment ****/*****
Great fun from Karla today. Pretty friendly, I’d say, for a Thursday and no harm in that on a beautifully sunny day. Nowt that’s remotely obscure – the only arguably less-than-everyday 5d is served up on a plate. Smart, gettable wordplay and some well-worked, credible surfaces. Very enjoyable. All yours.
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EV1743
Moral Tale by Stick Insect
Solution
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31227
Hints and Tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** Enjoyment ****
Today’s puzzle is just one letter short of a pangram which is a strong hint as to the setter. Thanks to him for a very enjoyable challenge.
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Toughie No 3678 by Light
Hints and Tips by crypticsue
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BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ****
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31226
Hints and Tips by Deansleigh
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ***
Good morning everyone, and welcome to the midweek back-pager blog. I found today’s puzzle to be about the same level of difficulty as yesterday’s, with some general knowledge required, but everything fairly clued throughout. As usual there were many excellent clues today. Amongst my favourites were 1a, 10a, 3d and 5d, but I especially liked the hapless president in 15d and the brilliant 9d. Many thanks to our setter.
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