Never knowingly undersolved
A characteristically accessible yet enjoyable puzzle, as we’ve come to expect from Raich, perfectly paced for the IoS. I learned a few bits and bobs too, which is nice. Favourite clue was perhaps … Read more >>
With only two entries during my first (quick) pass through the clues I thought this one was going to be tricky. However, I managed to get a foothold in, and complete, the SE … Read more >>
Dave Tilley has started a petition to try to ensure that the Indy cryptic puzzles and the Inquisitor (and I would add Beelzebub) continue to be available after the Independent paper version is … Read more >>
It’s been nearly a year since we last blogged a Hob puzzle, so we were really looking forward to a treat. Unfortunately, we were initially somewhat disappointed by the seemingly ‘normal’ puzzle. However, … Read more >>
There are a couple of clues here where I can’t decide if they are clever and witty or just plain daft. Whichever, enjoyable as always. Thanks Paul.
This EV seems to have a lot going on. There’s a work of some kind spelled out by extra letters, which are indicated by extra words in eighteen clues. The work ‘suggests’ a number of grid entries that have two components – one of which is ‘derived’ from the answer, the other of which ‘is to be deduced’. There’s also an unclued entry.
Apologies for the late appearance of this post. After loonapick’s IT problems yesterday it appears that something has prevented Turbolegs from being with us today. So, to avoid any further delay, here is … Read more >>
In spite of seeing the theme, apparent in the wording of the clues, this wasn’t easy for me. Thanks to Tramp (whose hallmark is themed crosswords). Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across … Read more >>
This is a Phi puzzle with the usual ingredients. I have two or three indicators that usually tell me if there is a hidden theme in a crossword. Firstly I … Read more >>
Quite a challenge!
Monk always offers up challenging crosswords and at the end there are always a few things which one is not sure about, but as usual you will I am sure come to the rescue and I shall see how my misgivings were not in fact justified. Actually this one was less devilish than some of his, so far as I could see.
Definitions underlined and this time in maroon (except for one of them, which I forgot; I had to insert the colour by hand later and couldn’t get it to match the others).
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26804.
On the whole, typical Dante stuff – although the first Cryptic Definition appeared rather late.
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of 30 January, 2016
I would describe this as a bunch straightforward clues hiding in a forest of misdirection. Easy, if only one could see the wood for the trees. Thank you Artexlen.