Never knowingly undersolved
This was perhaps a little easier that the Crucibles I’ve encountered before. Thanks to Crucible. Definitions are underlined in the clues. There seems to be a geological theme, in line with the setter’s … Read more >>
Thanks WANDERER, for a fiendish puzzle , that was deceptively difficult in parts, parsing much more so than solving! Several clever surfaces made this that much more fun.
Neo provides this morning’s mental exercise in the FT.
Serpent continues to present an entertaining challenge The last Serpent puzzle I blogged (9995) had HIDDEN AGENDA in the central row and central column. Today we had HIDDEN DEPTHS What … Read more >>
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27673.
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 10, 2018
So much for the fairly gentle Wednesdays we had when Dac was setting. This was as hard — for me, at any rate — as anything you ever see in the Independent. My initial feeling was irritation with what seemed to be rather loose and vague clues, but it grew on me: the meaning of most of them is clear and at times Filbert has been remarkably clever and imaginative. The fact that some of them still seem to be a bit weak is probably down to me rather than to him. Or her, although the name suggests a man.
For various reasons Filbert was derided a bit to begin with but then he became much liked. This crossword looked initially like a reversion to his old habits, but I suspect I’ve missed some of his subtleties.
Definitions underlined, in maroon. Anagram indicators in italics.
Tricky but enjoyable, especially some of the parsing. Thanks Chalmie.
There’s no one better than Arachne to brighten up a grey November day. Another super puzzle from the Spider Lady, brimming with clever clues and witty wordplay / definitions / surfaces – replacement locks, … Read more >>
Chalicea often serves up clues that are on the easy side, followed by a task that involves a certain amount of head-scratching whilst staring at a completed grid. Preamble: Identifying one thematically placed … Read more >>
Mostly pleasant with a few odd surfaces and some tricky cluing. Favourites were 1ac, 10ac and 20dn. Thanks to Puck
This was quite difficult in parts. Thanks to Hamilton. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1,18across Obeying Thatcherism requires a new approach to foreign aid policy (7,6,2,4) CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME : … Read more >>
Crosophile occupies the Tuesday slot this week.
Thanks to Armonie for a good Monday puzzle.
Matilda usually produces a sound Quiptic for us, but I found this a bit clunky and overloaded with one particular clue type. I think beginners appreciate puzzles where there is more variety in … Read more >>