Some rare treats in this puzzle from Hurley, with unusual words and devices employed to clue them. It didn’t hold me up though, I completed in just 9 minutes, so I expect to see some … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 2173 by Hurley”
Month: July 2022
Times 28335 – ye gods, and no little fishes
I started this apace, solving the top half in a few minutes and enjoying some of the quirky surfaces and well-hidden definitions. Then it became more tricky, although none the less entertaining…
Times Quick Cryptic No 2172 by Mara
7:06, reflecting the chewiness of this puzzle. Judging from some of my fellow solvers’ times, I didn’t do too badly!
Times Cryptic 28334
My solving time was 29 minutes. This was mostly straightforward but there were some inventive clues along the way that made for a very enjoyable solve.
Times Quick Cryptic 2171 by Breadman
Taken over target to 11 minutes by Breadman today. Holes all over the grid needed filling in. LOI 7dn.
There’s an interesting intersection/crossing in the centre of the grid.
Times Cryptic No 28333 – July 4, 2022 O Say Can You See
It’s Independence Day in America and the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner demonstrate why you should not let lawyers write your national anthem. I’m temping for Ulaca during his Grand Tour, rotating with Jeremy … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28333 – July 4, 2022 O Say Can You See”
Times Quick Cryptic 2170 by Joker
I needed 12 minutes for this one, delayed by two or three clues on the RH side and difficulty parsing 4dn. A puzzle quite remarkable for containing only one very short anagram.
Mephisto 3226 – Seth would be proud!
It’s always a pleasure to get a Don Manley puzzle – at least I know I won’t be beating my brains out over how the clue works. Manley must know Chambers inside out, because everything he uses can be found in exactly the place you would expect to find it in that big red book.
Sunday Times Cryptic No 5013 by Dean Mayer — What doesn’t kill me…
What a fine puzzle! We have everything here, from a hidden word through CDs to an &lit. Two philosophers, and plenty of food for thought.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1562 – 18th June
I thought this was an excellent fun Jumbo with lots of quirky definitions and ingenious wordplay. Not too hard, with plenty of easier clues to get you going, but a few chewier bits. It took me 42:45 – close to an average time for a Jumbo for me, so the difficulty was just right. It’s had to pick a favourite clue, but I liked 17A, 43A, 48A, 51A , 13D, 55D and 56D among others. Thank-you setter! How did you all get on?