A mixed bag of difficulty here.
Everyman 3,822/12 January
Another sound Sunday puzzle from Everyman. Last week we had different clues in the online and dead-tree versions; this week we have a lack of spacing in some clues where Everyman has chosen … Read more >>
Azed 2483
Not too hard on the Azed scale, but as always I leaned some new words (most of which I will probably forget until the next time they tirne up) and a few interesting … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1560 Hoskins
Thanks Hoskins for an enjoyable crossword. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 6 Salary? Mine must be returned in post! (7) STIPEND : Reversal of(… must be returned) PIT(a mine/a hole in … Read more >>
Independent 10,379 by Phi (Saturday Puzzle 18 Jan 2020)
It has been a while since I blogged a Saturday Indy Phi – April 2016 to be precise – although I have covered a few of his Kcit EVs in the meantime…anyway, he … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1416: January Reductions by Vismut
Hi everyone. Well, this was a very different experience to the last Vismut puzzle I solved. Based on that I had been expecting a bit of a struggle, but this one yielded readily … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 28,027 by Paul
A very tough puzzle this week: Paul on top form! Has somebody bought Paul a dictionary of (outdated) slang? Quite a few examples (heavens to Betsy, my hat, beano and of course, “him … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,376 by WANDERER
A tough challenge from WANDERER today.
Independent 10,378 / Hob
Rather unusually Hob is occupying the Friday slot this week, not Phi. But there is a good reason for what at first seems like a scheduling hiccup. Today is the 200th anniversary of … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28032 Boatman
This was a bit of a slog. Thanks (I think) to Boatman. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Boatman catches a crab — strangely shocking (7) MACABRE : ME(Boatman, the setter, … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,375 by JULIUS
Today’s FT puzzle is brought to you by Julius.
Independent 10377 / Maize
Maize provides the Thursday challenge. There is a very clear theme in the entries today – indeed it would almost be easier to list the entries that don’t form part … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,031 by Imogen
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28031. Not too difficult, with some amusing clues, but I do not know what to make of 22D JAMMY. Any suggestions welcome. ACROSS 1 SUBATOMIC Very tiny … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,365 by Goliath
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 4, 2020
Independent 10,376 by Crosophile
It’s been a while since I’ve known in advance that I am going to be blogging a daily cryptic, so this makes a change from a last minute rush to cover for someone … Read more >>