Sunday Toughie – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Sunday Toughie 160 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 160


by Zandio

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

 

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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…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 160 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie 159 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 159

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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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…

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Sunday Toughie 158 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 158

by proXimal

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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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…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 158 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie 157 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 157


by Zandio

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

 

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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…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 157 (Hints)”

Sunday Toughie 156 (Hints)

Sunday Toughie No 156

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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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…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 156 (Hints)”