Guardian

dd = double definitioncd = cryptic definitionrev = reversed or reversalins = insertioncha = charadeha = hidden answer*(fodder) = anagram Thank you, Eileen,  for chipping in yesterday while I was away on a … Read more >>

Apologies for the delay: I’m a late substitute, so apologies, too,  for any typos, etc.I thought this was a delight, though I’m quite prepared for some to say it was more appropriate for … Read more >>

A very large number of double definitions and &Lits. It’s Monday; it’s Rufus. Across 1 SHOW UP: double definition 5 LONDONER: DON (fellow) in LONER, with fellow being used also in the definition … Read more >>

Solving time: 32:30 (1dn and 9dn wrong) This Bank Holiday special from Araucaria had a special feature in the across clues: the wordplay indicated the answer using a subsidiary word which ended in … Read more >>

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 >>