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

 Welcome

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”

DT 31264

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31264

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty **** Enjoyment ****

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Friday. My dictionary got a lot more use today than on most Fridays. But of course, learning new words is one of the reasons we solve crosswords, and here they enabled some fun wordplay.  Continue reading "DT 31264"

Toughie 3703

Toughie No 3703 by Potoroo
Hints and tips by ALP

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BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Enjoyment *****

What a joy to welcome Potoroo to the jungle party. A fine debut (here) that’s fresh and fun. Nothing too spooky – only 5d needed a spot of time travel (my Geography O level was 100 years ago) but it’s very fairly clued. The floor, as ever, is yours.

Continue reading “Toughie 3703”

DT 31263

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31263
Hints and Tips by Gazza

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

Thanks to today’s setter for an enjoyable puzzle which provides a step up in difficulty from the earlier ones this week.
Continue reading “DT 31263”

DT 31262

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31262
Hints and Tips by Deansleigh

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BD Rating – Difficulty *  Enjoyment ****

Good morning everyone, and welcome to the midweek back-pager blog.  I must have been on the compiler’s wavelength this morning, because I found today’s puzzle to be fairly gentle for a Wednesday.  Amongst a plethora of excellent clues today, my favourites were 1a, 3d and 11d.  Many thanks to our setter.

Continue reading “DT 31262”

ST 3371 (Full Review)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3371

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 31st May 2026

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Greetings from Kolkata. Dada has given us an enjoyable solve this Sunday and now I present to you a full review of his puzzle. Hope to have your valuable feedback and comments. Continue reading “ST 3371 (Full Review)”