Sunday Toughie No 159 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 9th of February 2025
Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Sunday Toughie No 159 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 9th of February 2025
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I wouldn’t recommend trying to set up a new Windows 11 laptop at the same time as a new phone, but technical issues apart this was a fun Sunday Toughie that troubled me less than the aforementioned tech issues.
14a and 14d clues and I have hinted half
I have some doubts about 4d but I am sure someone will throw some light on stocks. Looking at the grid and the clues I have hinted there are a lot of gaps in the East but when in doubt look for anagrams and lurkers and you should get enough checkers to find the rest. I will try and help with a bonus nudge if required.
A good friend pointed out the dangers in 25a, whatever you do make sure you abandon the odd letters. If you don’t you will have the start of a very unsuitable word for the crossword. I assume neither Zandio or CL spotted this 😭, but MP did😁
Here we go…
Sunday Toughie No 158 by proXimal
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 2nd of February 2025
Sunday Toughie No 159
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Beam has brought us his third Sunday Toughie. I found a couple of “traps” for the unwary and some tricky parsings here, but I think I have them all right now. Trademarks abound (less than 5.35 words per clue, single-word answers, the Queen and sweetheart, lurkers and initial letters too.)
I hope one of my usual commenters spots the name check in 16d and Senf gets a first name check too 10a!
A generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted 7 of each – leaving me the scope for a bonus nudge or two if you ask
Here we go, Folks…
Sunday Toughie No 157 by Zandio
Review by
Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 26th January
Sunday Toughie No 158
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A treat from proXimal last night, compound anagrams and a Spoonerism to start. It didn’t need the byline.
14a and 14d clues and i have hinted half. I hope you find the checkers to complete today. I may be able to give a bonus nudge if you get stuck.
When the penny dropped on the Spoonerism it joined 8d on the top step of my podium, but what were your favourites?
Here we go, Folks…
Sunday Toughie No 156 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 19th of January 2025
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Zandio very graciously provided me with an advanced copy of this puzzle. I imagine I will be a “bit under the weather” after the Big Bash and unable to give this puzzle a good blogging. By the time you read this, I should be on a train home but I will respond to comments if and when I can.
I hope I have transcribed the clues accurately, as I haven’t seen the puzzle in print yet. It is quite tricky and has lots of cross-references between clues. Big Dave’s advice when I started these hints almost three years ago was to hint first and last across and down clues with about half the clues hinted. I have stopped at half hints before I got to the end.
I have hinted at half of the 14a and 16d clues. I hope you find the checkers to enable completion, as the journey home from the Big Bash may make bonus nudges a bit tricky.
*Post Bash update*
All had a great time, and it was even better to see so many old and new faces. The Teams link was a little problematic, but I hope those who managed to log on could join in the fun a little. Many thanks to Steve C who got the ball rolling with a donation to the bar bill, even though he may have preferred not to be teased by those displaying “Mythical” Pens. Over the next few days, I hope to collate photos taken and put them in the gallery.
Here we go…
Sunday Toughie No 155 by proXimal
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 12th of January 2025
Sunday Toughie No 156
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Beam is back for his second Sunday Toughie and it is a treat, all his trademarks™ are there (sweetheart, The Queen, single-word answers and an average 5.375 words per clue) I found a lot of cycle parts but as a cycling fan I am probably a bit biased. It allowed me to tell a couple of old jokes too.
We have a generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted half plus a couple of bonus pics. I hope you find enough checkers to fill the grid.
Here we go, Folks…