Independent

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism I thought this was quite difficult, mainly because of the longer phrases which ate up a lot of the grid and also a few … Read more >>

The usual relatively easy Sunday solve from Quixote. And a rather hurried blog from me. Across 6 SCHOLASTIC Hot classic in translation – it’s educational *(Hot classic) 9 NAIL Slow creatures shedding outer … Read more >>

Congrats to Anax for a stonking puzzle that no doubt had a few in Derby scratching their collective heads over their pints. While I was struggling over this, I could imagine them all … Read more >>

After my plaintive cry that I might not be able to post today, the 15sq genie and helper (djinn and tonic) spirited away from the Indy with an early copy so here it … Read more >>

The key to this puzzle was correct interpretation of the references to the numerals 1-10 that, rather cleverly, appeared in ascending order as the first words of each of the ten across clues: … Read more >>

It’s Wednesday. Which means it’s Dac. Which means it’s the usual excellence and nary a thing to complain about. I loved it all, but special mentions for 9A and 6D. Across 1 RIGHTABLE … Read more >>

A nice crossword today from Eimi, generally easy enough but with one or two slightly difficult (for me at any rate) words or senses of words.   It seems that there is something … Read more >>

This is, I think,  a new pseudonym for the Indy so maybe a new setter.    If so, welcome!     Quite a difficult puzzle, I found, solving time 43 mins, but I got there … Read more >>

Another quality work from the Don with a rich variety of cryptic devices, each crafted well and creatively. I do, however, have one teeny-weeny quibble. Dr Brian Skinner, my crossword moderator, would never … Read more >>

Welcome to my first blog of the Independent’s Saturday prize crossword. A very enjoyable puzzle from Nestor – not too taxing, but not without some head scratching (most notably explaining 4dn).  A bit … Read more >>

After spending a week struggling with crosswords of all descriptions and from numerous sources, and having difficulty unpicking wordplay even when I had the solution before me, Phi’s puzzle felt like a breath … Read more >>

Apologies for the lateness with this one – it’s been one of those days! I really didn’t get the chance to give this one the attention it deserves and needed to speed through … Read more >>

As usual a lovely crossword from Dac, who week after week shows that it is not necessary to have difficult clues, simply ones that are perfectly formed. In fact the clues are so … Read more >>

I’m an emergency stand-in today, so apologies for the slight delay in posting. I’m not a regular daily Independent solver – I tend to get The Independent on Saturday for the Inquisitor (which … Read more >>

*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism This is only the second Nitsy puzzle I can recall and it continues an improving trend. It was mostly on the easy side but … Read more >>