If memory serves, this wasn’t heavy lifting. But we were reminded (at least twice) of a topical matter so weighty it might make one want to resort to OPIUM or at least pay a visit … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4865, 22 August 2019, by David McLean — Remain in Light”
Month: August 2019
Times Cryptic No 27438 – Saturday, 24 August 2019. Above my pay grade?
That was a challenge. It took me a long time to get more than the odd answer here and there around the grid. Then I reflected on what a problem in hierarchies might be, and … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27438 – Saturday, 24 August 2019. Above my pay grade?”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1396 – What about Toto?
What a lovely puzzle this was with plenty in the way of cleverness, wit and neat definitions, the mark of a pucker Times crossword puzzle. Thank you setter. It took me about 50 minutes so … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo 1396 – What about Toto?”
Times Quick Cryptic No 1429 by Tracy
Another neat QC from Tracy for our delectation today. Not too easy with plenty to make you think, but nothing too obscure, I reckon. Some lovely smooth surfaces and witty wordplay, with several worthy of … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1429 by Tracy”
Times 27,443: Time For A Holiday?
I think the setter may be trying to suggest we all take a hopefully well-deserved vacation in this one: 11ac, 12ac, 17ac, 25ac, 13dn, 18dn and more put that idea into MY head, anyway. Just … Read more “Times 27,443: Time For A Holiday?”
Times Quick Cryptic No 1428 by Mara
Tricky enough today from Mara. I only had five of the acrosses on a first read over (8,9,10,17,19), and would have been slower than the 11-and-a-half minutes it took me to DNF had it not … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1428 by Mara”
27442 Thursday, 29 August 2019 The Justice, In fair round belly
A moderate puzzle after yesterday’s eccentric offering, with fewer tricky words and definitions. I still managed to trundle off down the wrong track at a couple of places, and came home in 16.42. The mutilated … Read more “27442 Thursday, 29 August 2019 The Justice, In fair round belly”
Times 27441 – An egghead test today; am I reading the right paper?
I wonder if this is one of our esteemed regular setters deciding to give us a different treat, or a new chap or lady? Anyway, it’s decidedly different, requiring (ideally) some TLS type knowledge, and … Read more “Times 27441 – An egghead test today; am I reading the right paper?”
Times Quick Cryptic 1427 by Hurley
Slowed down by the SE corner and a couple of words less familiar to me, but otherwise a normal day at the office. Definitions underlined. Across 1 Bother after company curtailed lord in US State … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1427 by Hurley”
Times Cryptic 27440
At 32 minutes I found this quite straightforward although 12ac as my LOI gave me more trouble than it should have. I expect to see some very fast times from the speed-merchants. As usual definitions are … Read more “Times Cryptic 27440”