Guardian Cryptic 28,167 by Qaos

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28167. It’s Qaos, so there must surely be a theme; I could not spot it without a hint from his website – and it turns out that … Read more >>

Quiptic 1075 Hectence

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Thanks to Hectence.  Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 7 Hard-working policeman’s fired, having concealed information (8) DILIGENT :  DI(abbrev. for “Detective Inspector”, a quite senior policeman) + LIT(fired/set on fire) containing(having … Read more >>

Guardian 28,166 / Pan

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It’s me again: it’s been one of those weekends when the daily-advancing weekday schedule coincides with my monthly Saturday blog slot. Pan sets a bit more of a challenge to start the week, … Read more >>

Azed No. 2,505 Plain

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A relatively straightforward plain puzzle this week. It actually took me less time to solve this puzzle than it did to solve the previous day’s prize puzzle in The Guardian (by Enigmatist), but … Read more >>

Everyman 3,844

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3844. Mostly simple basic clue types this week, with 16A FRIAR TUCK being conspicuous as the only real exception. Have we come to expect the ‘primarily’ clue … Read more >>

Enigmatic Variations No.1438 – Understocked by Artix

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“The left-hand and bottom perimeter cells represent empty supermarket shelves which must be ‘restocked’ (making new words) with the initial letters of the first 12 words of a song. One of its subsequent lyrics explains the specific item that was UNDERSTOCKED. Solvers must write the title below the grid and highlight the two artists (two blocks of cells in straight lines) responsible. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”

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Guardian 28,164 / Pasquale

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Pasquale rounds off the weekday crosswords in characteristic style, with a meticulously clued puzzle, with one or two less familiar words or expressions for good measure. I did ‘know’ all the answers today … Read more >>