“16 clues contain an additional word that must be removed before solving; in PAIRS, these give definitions for the eight unclued entries. Solvers must highlight a ten-letter word that describes these entries and definitions. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; one answer is in the Oxford Dictionary of English.”
Financial Times 16,035 by REDSHANK
A solid fun-filled experience attempting REDSHANK today, thanks to whom for dishing a delectable challenge with some wicked clues.
Guardian 27,686 / Tramp
Eileen still has internet access problems (hopefully being resolved today) and so has asked me to cover for her. I was pleased to see that it was Tramp today but then less pleased … Read more >>
Independent 10,032 by Phi
Phi never fails to produce, apparently every Friday, a thoroughly satisfactory workout. Today there is the odd query, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if my misgivings were easily enough explained.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian Cryptic 27,685 by Imogen
Fun and challenging stuff, with a quick start into a slow finish and some tricky parsing afterwards. Favourites 13ac, 6dn, 8dn, and 15dn. Thanks to Imogen.
Independent 10,031 by Serpent
Serpent fills the Thursday slot this week
Financial Times 16,034 by ORENSE
A puzzle which would almost have been perfect for beginners…
Financial Times 16,024 by Goliath
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 25, 2018
Financial Times 16,033 by NEO
A good straightforward puzzle with one clue I can’t fully explain. Thanks Neo.
Independent 10,030 / Hoskins
Hoskins has provided our mid-week cruciverbal entertainment today. We got good value for money from Hoskins today in that the shorter entries – only 5-, 7- and 9-letter lights in this grid – … Read more >>
Guardian 27,684 – Picaroon
Another excellent puzzle from our favourite pirate, which revealed its secrets gradually and satisfyingly. Thanks to Picaroon. Across 1. INSURMOUNTABLE Cover put around album not working? It’s … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1570: Go West, Young Man by Harribobs
This was one of the most amazing feats of grid construction I have ever encountered. Harribobs is one of the masters of the art. This is only his fourth Inquisitor so far, but … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,032 by JASON
Hard-but-fair for a Tuesday.
Guardian Cryptic 27,683 by Nutmeg
A not so spicy Nutmeg offering today.
Independent 10029 / Maize
Maize ushered in 2018 Independent puzzles with a quintuple pangram We don’t even have a single pangram here but we do have lots of something else with the nudge given … Read more >>