Never knowingly undersolved
Typical pleasant but gentle puzzle from Rufus. 22dn and 27ac were my favourites. Across 1 VOLTE-FACE =”A change of view” in French 6 SACK double def “Bag” + “loot” (verb) 8 DECANTER =”wine … Read more >>
It is always a pleasure to see the name Arachne at the head of a crossword.
Not sure I’ve had the pleasure of blogging a Poins before, but this was good stuff. I managed this in one sitting and there was nothing too tough, but also nothing to query … Read more >>
Another straightforward puzzle from Azed, with the usual quota of obscure and historic words, necessitating many checks in Chambers. I haven’t attempted to explain the meanings of the answers, just tried to show … Read more >>
I invariably enjoy solving and blogging an Everyman crossword. As always, a good variety of devices on display. This morning there were two words that I was unfamiliar with, but which I shall … Read more >>
Wan is a new setter to me. I haven’t seen him in the Listener, EV or Inquisitor series, but he/she may have appeared elsewhere. Consequently, I’ve no idea whether to expect a tough … Read more >>
Sorry, Tees, but we didn’t really enjoy this as much as we had hoped – but then again, maybe we’re missing something? We found some of the definitions a little too tenuous, and … Read more >>
I think that this is the first puzzle by Qaos to appear in the prize slot on a Saturday, and certainly the first which I have blogged. Like Andrew a few months ago … Read more >>
A typical gentle (to use a word The Times uses for some of its Sudokus) sound crossword from Phi today. Nothing very controversial I think, and the usual musical references. Surprise surprise, I … Read more >>
A mixed challenge Across 9 HEARTACHE (anguish) HE (man) ART (skill) ACHE (longing) 10 GRIPE (complain) G[eorge] RIPE (ready) 11 UNCANNY (mysterious) UNC[le] (relative cut short) ANN (girl) [holida]Y 12 … Read more >>
A themed puzzle from Paul, which may well open up discussion along familiar lines: those familiar with the theme were probably able to fill in a number of the answers from the enumeration … Read more >>
This was a very hard nut to crack Across 1 Fair girl is past her prime, acting ISOLDA (girl’s name meaning fair) IS OLD (past her prime) A (acting) 6 … Read more >>
A soggy pink ‘un – thanks to the newsagent’s unmopped floor – and varied and enjoyable, if not particularly difficult, puzzle from Peto. I don’t know if I’ve blogged this setter before (or, … Read more >>
This was an interesting puzzle from Klingsor – well worthy of a Thursday Independent slot. There were a number of &Lit clues leading to CIAO (9 across), COMPUTER DATING (21 … Read more >>
The usual high-quality stuff from Orlando. Nothing particularly hard, but there are several definitions that are nicely tucked away in smooth surface readings. Across 1. REGULUS LUGER reversed … Read more >>