Sunday Toughie No 210
by proXimal
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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A great time was had by all at the birthday bash – see posts passim for pics. It took a bit of puzzling to parse some of these and, as ever, I can’t hint them all.
Connection permitting I will try and give an extra nudge or two if I can. I went to see the wonderful Caravaggio at the Wallace collection Friday, and today I fancy having a look at 19d’s Gin Lane, which I believe is in the Tate.
Thanks to everyone who came to the bash I hope you had fun, and apologies if you tried the Teams link. I won’t try that again – it doesnt work well in a noisy pub environment.
Here we go, Folks…
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Sunday Toughie No 208 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 18th of January 2026
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Sunday Toughie No 209
by Samuel
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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I was very pleasantly surprised to find Samuel here today, but my happiness waned when the theme of today’s puzzle became apparent. A valedictory performance indeed. 7a 16a 26a 6d 7d and 12d brought a 4d to my eye. I don’t think we can expect more from Samuel, who has given us so much already.
Lots of double definitions and anagrams, but I can’t hint at them all. I think the valedictory nature of today’s puzzle will allow me to forego the red pencil. 23d up Samuel, you’ve given us a belter today.
Here We Go…
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Sunday Toughie No 207 by Zandio
Review by
Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 11th January 2026
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Sunday Toughie No 208
by Beam
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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Beam has brought us a generous 32 clues today and I have hinted half. I had a bit of parsing trouble last night, but I hope I have got them right. I hope you find the checkers to finish this fine puzzle and I will try and give a bonus nudge or two if you are struggling.
Why I was struggling a bit last night – I was nearer the keyboard monitor than the keyboard player!
Here we go, Folks…
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Sunday Toughie No 206 by Light
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 4th January 2026 Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 206 (Review)”
Sunday Toughie No 207
by Zandio
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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Zandio a bit trickier today (to me) quite a few 16d references, but please don’t mention the war, I had to, but I think I got away with it. John Cleese/Basil Fawlty©
14a and 14d clues today and I have hinted half. I hope you find enough checkers to finish, but I will try and give a nudge if you are struggling – just ask.
Here We Go…
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Sunday Toughie No 205 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 28th of December 2025
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Sunday Toughie No 206
by Light
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
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The grid-fill was easier than the parsing, but I think I have got there eventually. I have hinted 12 of 28 clues today, so I have scope for a nudge or two if you (8d) Just ask.
The anagram at 12a needs careful checking of the fodder to find the player as his instrument has been renamed over time.
I hope you get the checkers to finish this fine puzzle and envelop the Welshness.
Here we go, Folks…
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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!.
Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 204 (Review)”
