Financial Times 12,791 – Cinephile
Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram What a fantastic day this has been. In … Read more >>
Guardian 24412/Gordius – self-expression
A clever &lit and near &lit or two made this a pleasant pastime to enjoy alone. As it were. Especially, 16D. Although there’s the obligatory Britclue which escapes me (13A). Across 1 TRANCE … Read more >>
Independent 6755/Merlin
A very pleasant crosword from Merlin – several nice clues. I didn’t find him so difficult as usual. Across 1 NAPS – (span)rev. 3 TOUCH-ME-NOT? – this seems to be the only plant that fits, … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,790 / Crux
Done in 30 minutes. Puzzle is of average difficulty. I got toehold with 13ac. I finished the lower half of the grid first. The very last ones were in the top left corner: … Read more >>
Guardian 24,411 (Puck)
Some difficult clues here. I couldn’t follow the clue for 24dn. Can it be that it has gone west? Across 1 HIGHLIGHT: HIGH (drunk) + LIGHT (answer to clue) 6 CLIME: CrIME with … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,783 – Falcon
From FT Monday 2 June 2008 Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram What a … Read more >>
Independent 6754 by Monk
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed I haven’t done a lot of Monk puzzles but those I have done I found relatively straightforward. This was no exception and I completed it fairly quickly (about half an … Read more >>
Guardian 24410 – Rufus
Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram An easy start to the week on a … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 366 – Gagging for it? Not on your Nelly!
Solving time : 3 pints Blogging time: 1 pint (just to make up the half, like) Currently drinking: Marston’s Pedigree Across 1 BUSH BABY Yo Pres! Did Telly Savalas ever meet GWB or … Read more >>
Azed 1879
It’s a competition Azed this week. For me this means one less answer to explain! I solved this crossword very quickly for a competition puzzle, I usually find them a little tougher than … Read more >>
Guardian 24,403 (Sat 31 May)/Araucaria – Drama police
[Note: I’m posting this on Friday afternoon as I’m away for the weekend (off to Dublin to watch Radiohead on Saturday night). I hope this is ok, as the deadline for entries was … Read more >>
Guardian 24408 / Chifonie New solvers start here…..
I suppose the kindest thing I could say about this puzzle is that it probably provides a gentle introduction to daily cryptic crosswords for the novice. As a hard-bitten and long-in-the-tooth solver, I … Read more >>
Independent 6752/Radian
It was obvious that something was in store for today, Phi having been moved to Thursday. So far as I can see it’s because it’s 64 years after D-Day. But 64? Is that … Read more >>
Independent 6747/Virgilius
The theme for this puzzle is Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”. The 12, the 13, the 18, the 20, the 24 and the 8 all have their own tales, as does the Nun’s 22. Indeed,”Canterbury … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,787 – Bradman
Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram Another varied mixture of clever clues plus a … Read more >>