Observer

Everyman 3,969

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I haven’t been very efficient this time, since there are two clues that leave me bewildered. However, I’m sure that some of the many people who read this blog will help. Otherwise it’s quite a satisfactory Everyman with the usuals (self-reference, first letters, rhyming answers (PACIFIC OCEAN, LAWS OF MOTION), and no doubt other things that I’ve missed). In only one or two cases I’m a bit unhappy with the clues.

Definitions underlined, in crimson. Indicators (anagram, homophone, hidden, first letters, etc) in italics. Anagram indicators indicated like *(this) or (this)*. Link-words in green.

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Azed 2627

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A reasonably testing Azed, though sound and clear in retrospect as usual. I have a minor quibble about the definition in 24d, but that might be my ignorance. Thanks to Azed.   Across … Read more >>

Everyman 3,966/16 October

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Another enjoyable offering from Everyman this week, which I think hits the spot for what is intended as an easy-end puzzle. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>

Everyman 3,965

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Everyman sets him/herself several tasks over and above those of the usual setter of a cryptic: the self-referential clue, the first letters clue, the rhyming answers (like BAKEWELL TART and CROSS MY HEART) and no doubt others and almost always does pretty well at this. The standard of the actual clues is the main thing, and they are sound so far as I can see. One or two of the surfaces are a bit lame, though — for example ‘nag a swimmer’ — what does that mean beyond the obvious?

Definitions underlined, in crimson. Indicators (anagrams, homophones, reversal, hidden, etc.) in italics. Link-words in green. Anagrams indicated *(like this) or (like this)*

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Everyman 3,963/2022-09-25

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Our normal blogger, Flashling, finds himself on his travels without a “real” computer so I’ve stepped in for him. I think I’ve only done one Everyman puzzle before, so forgive me if I’ve … Read more >>

Azed No. 2,623 Plain

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I found it harder than usual to get started on this, but once I had a few crossers it all started to fall into place. Thank you Azed.

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Everyman 3,962/18th September

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Another generally sound puzzle from Everyman, with the usual trademark twists for those that like them. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator … Read more >>