Big Dave's Crossword Blog – Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English

 Jane – New Update April 13th

by Senf  

Not from Jane’s friend Jacquie, but based on a message from Jane herself, April 13th:
Jane came home from hospital last Thursday (the 9th) but still needs ongoing medical care and it will probably be some time before she starts communicating with us on a regular basis. In the meantime, she would like to thank everyone for their very much appreciated cards and messages.

A brief update from Jane’s friend Jacquie – April 2nd – Jane is still in hospital and is on her second round of treatment but is not yet ready to see visitors.  More as I receive further updates from Jacquie.
Continue reading “Jane – New Update April 13th“

 Welcome

by Big Dave  

Welcome to Big Dave’s Crossword Blog

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You have reached the world’s biggest and best crossword blog.  If you are looking for help with the Daily and Sunday Telegraph cryptic crosswords or the Enigmatic Variations advanced cryptic, a total of 13 puzzles a week, then you have come to the right place.

If this is your first time, or for more information about this site, please click on Continue reading “Welcome”

Sunday Toughie 221 (Hints)

by Sloop John Bee  

Sunday Toughie No 221

by Beam

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

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I found this Toughie from Beam at the easier end of difficulty, but your experience may vary. I got an early start, as this was available at 23:18 last night, and although most of his trademark clues are here, we again have a slightly unusual Queen in 20d.

A generous 32 clues today and I have hinted half. I will try and give an extra nudge or two if required and able to do so.

 

Here we go, Folks…

Continue reading “Sunday Toughie 221 (Hints)”

ST 3365 (Hints)

by Senf  

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3365 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where, on Friday, fortified coffee was required after going to the supermarket partly because of the weather, rain/freezing rain/ice pellets/snow, over the preceding 12 hours and partly because of the bill!

For me, and I stress for me,©  Dada more brain mangling than NYDK was yesterday – two long ‘uns, six anagrams (four partials), one lurker, one homophone, some cross-referencing, and one palindrome all in a symmetric 28 clues with some interesting anagram indicators (just for TDS); with 14 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid you should/might be able to get some of the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues. I hope you have your Crimson Tomes at hand!

So Terence, what did go wrong at Stamford Bridge yesterday afternoon?

Remember that Reading the Hints before commenting can be beneficial!

If it is some time since you read, or if you have never read the instructions in RED below the hints then please consider doing so before commenting today as my electronic blue pencil is at the ready and the Naughty Step is OPEN!

Continue reading “ST 3365 (Hints)”

Toughie 3672

by crypticsue  

Toughie  No 3672 by Elgar

Hints and Tips by crypticsue

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BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment *****

Exactly what you expect from Elgar’s fortnightly visit to the middle of the paper. As clearly indicated by the clue to 21d, the Across solutions are all hiding items which a 15d might catch

Continue reading “Toughie 3672”

DT 31211 (Full Review)

by Rahmat Ali  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31211

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 11th April 2026

BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment *****

Greetings from Kolkata. A pretty straightforward Saturday puzzle from Twmbarlwm that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a review of the same for your kind perusal and significant feedback. Continue reading “DT 31211 (Full Review)”