“The seven unclued entries are the names of an eponymous character whose nickname (55) should be written below the grid. With one exception, all clues contain a superfluous word which should be removed before solving; the initial letters of these words give the character’s location. The normal clue’s number gives the age of the character. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Guardian Cryptic 28092 Picaroon
Thanks to Picaroon for the enjoyable challenge. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Complaint one twit receives over a bit of a pint (5,5) FLUID OUNCE : FLU(short for “influenza”/an illness/a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,436 by BRADMAN
A familiar Friday setter. Thanks BRADMAN, for a gentle workout that took just a tad longer than it should have due to a couple of uncommon words thrown in.
Independent 10,438 by Phi
The usual enjoyable and good Friday Phi offering. Definitions underlined, in sienna. Anagram indicators in italics. The theme is … (for you to complete). ACROSS 1 CARPET Caught at rack initially taking favourite … Read more >>
Independent 10,437 by Serpent
Serpent challenges the old grey matter today. As we expect from Serpent, this was a tricky but really enjoyable solve. Serpent sometimes has a theme or a nina in his puzzles, but we … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,435 by AARDVARK
Aardvark is today’s FT compiler.
Guardian Cryptic 28,091 by Nutmeg
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28091. With the shortened time available, I am happy to have to deal with a crossword safely in my Goldilocks zone – nothing to hold me up … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,425 by Redshank
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of March 14, 2020
Independent 10,436 / Wire
Wire has produced a puzzle to take our minds off the lockdown this Wednesday. I was certainly grateful for a break from all the various news broadcasts, however important those clearly are. I … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,434 by MONK
An entertaining puzzle as always from Monk, and a message? There are a lot of goodbyes in here and an ominous RETIREMENT. Is Monk about to retire? If this is really so then … Read more >>
Guardian 28,090 / Brummie
Brummie sets an interesting and enjoyable challenge today. Brummie’s surfaces are not always the most elegant but I thought there were some neat ones here. His puzzles often have a theme but I … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1638: Remedial Action by eXternal
Long and complicated rubric this week leading to a puzzle with a number of layers. Seventeen clues contain a superfluous word which is a jumble of a word representing the titular character of … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,433 by GURNEY
Much-needed mild diversion in troubled times.
Guardian Cryptic 28,089 by Pasquale
Lots of fun – I got off to a quick start then got stuck for a while in the middle. Favourites were 5ac, 16ac, 17ac, 24ac, 29ac, and 9dn. Thanks to Pasquale
Independent 10435 / Hob
Hob gives us the Tuesday challenge today and all that involves. Being Tuesday there is a theme to the puzzle. Indeed there are two strings to the bow of today’s … Read more >>