Guardian Quiptic

Pan never disappoints in the Quiptic slot. Here’s a tractable, carefully constructed cryptic for a lazy Bank Holiday morning (where I live, at least).     Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition … Read more >>

Thanks Matilda. A puzzle for those who like anagrams. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Delight for mad cats? Yes! (7) ECSTASY : Anagram of(mad) CATS? YES. 5 Unfairly blames husband … Read more >>

A delightful puzzle from Carpathian which is perfect for the Quiptic slot. I’ve nowt more to say, other than to deconstruct the clues for you.         Abbreviations cd cryptic definition … Read more >>

Apart from two clues that aren’t cryptic, one that is faulty, seven other niggles and a complete lack of wit, I thought this was an okayish puzzle for the Quiptic slot. You?   … Read more >>

Thanks Pan for an enjoyable Quiptic. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Public school boy boxing second European (8) ESTONIAN : ETONIAN(a boy studying at Eton, the English public school) containing(boxing) … Read more >>

I don’t think we’ve ever had a dud Quiptic – barely a dud clue – from Matilda in the time she has been setting for this slot. Another good’un this morning to get … Read more >>

Hectence is one of the long-established setters of the Quiptic, having contributed puzzles since the early days. She’s good at this kind of stuff: here’s a carefully constructed crossword that will encourage newer … Read more >>

Thanks Anto. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Part of final leg rowed briskly (7) ALLEGRO : Hidden in(Part of) “final leg rowed“. Defn: A musical direction to play … 5 … Read more >>

Apologies for the late blog, but as you will probably have discovered, this week’s Quiptic wasn’t uploaded to the Grauniad site till late morning. A fine puzzle from Matilda, with a couple of … Read more >>

I’m off the bench as substitute blogger this week and was delighted when I found out that I would be playing against Carpathian, because she always loses gracefully. This is her in Mary … Read more >>

Pan can always be relied on to give us a Quiptic that will provide a sound but enjoyable challenge to an improving solver. This is one of those.       Abbreviations cd … Read more >>

Thanks Hectence. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 8 Revels in ruin of VAT files (8) FESTIVAL : Anagram of(ruin of)VAT FILES. 9 Stretch out, then squat to keep out of sight … Read more >>