Independent

As usual from Dac, very efficient pleasant clues with good surfaces. Across 1 dropPED LARge. A well-concealed hidden, which was one of the last I did. 9 A(S)LOPE I think. I only have … Read more >>

Another superb themed puzzle from Virgilius, with the usual crop of outstanding clues, wonderful surface readings and many a smile raised. Solving time: 21 mins. The theme is phrases with the abbreviation PC. … Read more >>

* = anag, < = reversed A solid puzzle by Hypnos – reasonably challenging without being too difficult. I finished it fairly quickly, but there were a couple of clues I didn’t entirely … Read more >>

Across 8 FAST FOOD – I think this could be considered an oxymoron because fasting means not eating at all. 9 NET,(LET)* – “stingy” is made all the more deceiving because of the … Read more >>

I found this easier than usual, solving time 10 mins < = reversed   * = anagram ACROSS 1 SP (A R) RING  PARTNE R   entrap<    r =right 9 SP (L) IT    … Read more >>

Across 1 A BIT OF ALL RIGHT – OK being another word for ALL RIGHT. 8 LET THEM EAT CAKE 9 (SO ONE ENCHAINED)* – CHEESE AND ONION. The capital R in “Rolls” … Read more >>

I found this one fairly straightforward, solving time 15 mins. Notes on some clues below, happy to explain others if asked. * = anagram ACROSS 4 SCR AMBLE Senior Common Room 11 LI … Read more >>

Not too difficult today. Solving time, 16 mins * = anagram ACROSS 10 BUTTONED UP Double definition 11 AN (G) ORA (k) 17 BEST OWER 21 CIVIL (I) TIES I = electric current … Read more >>

I had been expecting a comparatively easy ride today; evidently we have a treat in store on Saturday. Although this took a long time, as Punk’s crosswords always do, it was very good: … Read more >>

Quite a tough puzzle from Merlin and I didn’t manage to finish it, getting stuck on 25 across, 5 across and 8 down. Across 1 Bludgeon: B(l)udge on. 5 Ageism ? Clue was … Read more >>

Theme – explicitly stated – 8 down – for those of us not too familiar with them, friendly clues made them deducible or guessable. Solving time, 31 mins. < = reversed * = … Read more >>

In a comment a few weeks back, Eimi mentioned that his favourite clue of the year so far was in a forthcoming puzzle by Bannsider. Assuming this is that puzzle, then I’m none … Read more >>

I found this a very tough puzzle, esp the lower half but also the long 20-letter phrase in the top half which was new to me.    But I got there in the end … Read more >>

A little harder than usual from Quixote, I found. Solving time, 31 mins. Notes on some clues below – happy to explain others if asked. ACROSS 6 S (last letter of chips) CUP … Read more >>

One of Dac’s easier puzzles I think, but none the worse for that. Consistently excellent clueing as usual. Across 1 DOMINICANS. The islanders and the monks. 9 AMOROSO, which is both a lover … Read more >>