Guardian

I’ve nothing much to say about this puzzle. I quite liked 9ac but there are several clues I’m not happy with, particularly some ‘cryptic’ definitions. [ ]* anagram [ ] < reversal cd … Read more >>

A typically clever Brendan puzzle where every clue contains (in fact ends with – thanks Colin) the word “note”, used in various senses. With almost no obscure words or references (I’d vaguely heard … Read more >>

It’s fun to tackle Araucaria on a wednesday, he’s a bit less vicious but still as inventive as ever. I particularly enjoyed the pair of tricky anagrams in 5ac/7dn, the triply-defined 11ac, and … Read more >>

dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram What a hairy puzzle and ever so … Read more >>

As usual, an excellent puzzle from Rufus – there are some particularly satisfying cryptic definitions here. Across 7. FIVE-STAR VESTA in FIR 9. OPENER Double definition 10. PROP PRO = “for” + P[arty] … Read more >>

Solving time: 13:50 This week a mini-theme of prices, of admiralty, liberty and blood, as quoted by various literary sources, as well as several biblical references (e.g. 8/7dn, 18dn, 19dn) possibly giving a … Read more >>

A very enjoyable puzzle, with lots of good clues. Across 1. MIDDLE-DISTANCE (TEN MILES CAD DID)* 8. THIEF THE over I + F = “foot”; the definition is “one lifting” 9. BUMBLING “BUM … Read more >>

Getting 1dn early from a fairly obvious [but incorrect?] anagram made this a bit too easy, which is a pity as there are some nicer clues. A little theme of clues that included … Read more >>

A very enjoyable puzzle from Paul, with (I think) nothing that could be regarded as obscure. (By the way, Hugh Stephenson’s latest newsletter discusses what counts as general knowledge – see the Guardian … Read more >>

dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram For 15 minutes, I sat, stunned and … Read more >>

An auspicious puzzle number to start the week with.  Very satisfactory Monday fare, with a couple of puzzlers but no real complaints and a lot of enjoyment!  I especially liked 15ac, I’m not … Read more >>

Solving time: 7:55 The 9 thematic answers (starred below) were all historical figures with whom the epithet ‘Great’ is associated. No Alexander, but there are some famous examples such as Alfred, Catherine and … Read more >>

Very enjoyable today,  quite a few c.d.s which seems to be a Gordius trait. d.d. = Double definition c.d. = Cryptic definition “” = homophone * = anagram Across 1. ACCRETION. AC(C. + … Read more >>

Quite an easy crossword today, but with a few disappointing clues, I thought (e.g. 13, 14, 6, 7) … There are a few things I didn’t understand, but I’m sure people will be … Read more >>