Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
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Not too tricky today, two of the trickiest letters in 1a made me think of a pangram but it wasn’t to be. I think my choice of music may raise a few 6d’s today but so many 15d-ing tunes came to mind I was spoiled for choice
We have 14a and 14d clues and as ever I have run out of hints before all the tricky ones are covered so I will provide a bonus nudge if required
Here we go…
Sunday Toughie No 129 by Zandio Review by
Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 14th of July 2024
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proXimal gets his proper pseudonym back, but no doubt as to the author today. A Roonerspism to start and compounds of this such and the like abound. I seem to recall a comment on another blog as to whether hinters ever needed help and I certainly do. With 24a I just don’t see how we leap to the answer other than it is at right angles to the same three letters in 19d. I await a better interpretation from your good selves
We have an even 14a and 14d clues and I have hinted half, but as ever I am sure some tricky clues have hit the cutting room floor. A bonus hint may be available if you ask
Here we go, Folks…
Sunday Toughie No 128 by
Robyn
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 7th of July 2024
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Zandio taking it eas(ier) today, I managed to get hold of the puzzle about 11:30 last night and filled the grid before midnight, parsing the trickier ones took a similar amount of time and I was in the land of Nod before the news of the assassination attempt reached me.
Quite a few clues have remained unhinted but the usual plea “when in doubt look for a lurker…” should include reversals, that and anagrams should give enough checkers to get to completion. I will give a bonus nudge if required to the first to ask.
I have quite a lot of italics today (four Shakespearean characters – one from Roald Dahl and the Thunderer) but I can’t see any connection – maybe just a sub-editor being stylish
A nice even 14a and 14d clues today and I have hinted half
Here we go…
Sunday Toughie No 127 by proXimal
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 30th of June 2024
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Robyn not too tricky, even if he included a Spoonerism. I have left it unhinted as it was my first one in
14a and 14d clues today and I have hinted half. A couple of clues were tricky to parse but I think I have got the gist
I am away to a cheese festival in Settle and internet may be a bit patchy but I will try and help with any tricky ones that hit the cutting room floor if connections allow
I am somewhat subdued by the news about Dutch but fond memories of meets in London and York help the grieving
Here we go…
Sunday Toughie No 126 by
Zandio
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 23rd of June 2024
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The app and website credit this to proXimal’s “real” name but the print version restores his pseudonym so I will stick with that, Thanks to the ever-busy Super Sue for bringing this to my attention.
Full of proXimal trademarks (Start with the Reverend Spooner and reverse anagrams with hidden definitions)
14a and 14d clues today and I have hinted half(ish) There are some tricky parsings but with help from Sue and AnswerBank I think I have got there eventually
Here we go, Folks…
Sunday Toughie No 125 by
Robyn
Review by Sloop John Bee
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This puzzle was published on the 16th of June 2024
Robyn has brought a fine collection of themed clues, each of the across clues starts with a 27a LEADING MAN
I don’t claim this as a definitive list, Robyn is the man to ask for that. I have attached pictures of those that came to mind and I am sure there are other contenders. I have cheated a bit with Benicio Del Toro and the Theos and Barts are probably less well-known than others
I have also included a pic or three of George Clooney for Jane and for those that carried on looking for actors in the downs I have found a couple there!