22:14. I found this decidedly tricky, and as I solved I thought some of it was a bit loose.
Month: August 2022
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1567 – 23rd July
I found this Jumbo quite a gentle giant without too many unknowns or wordplay that had me scratching my head, finishing in about 32 1/2 minutes. Several appreciative ticks on my copy. COD to 31A for the entertaining surface and definition, but I liked 36D too. How did you all get on?
Times Cryptic No 28356 – Saturday, 30 July 2022. As you like it.
This week had a mix of quite easy clues and quite hard ones, but happily no obscurity. I loved the thought of harlotry flourishing in a place like 28ac! My LOI was 20dn, where I imagined an answer of the type ‘Model describes his work as impressive’ = I’M POSING. Not close!
Quick Cryptic 2194 by Alfie
This was deceptively difficult.
Times 28,361: Less Is More
I liked this although it’s a really odd puzzle: incredibly spare, with the number of clues comprising 5 or fewer words numbering in the double figures; more double definitions than I think I’ve ever seen … Read more “Times 28,361: Less Is More”
Times 28360 – drinka pinta milka day
Time taken: 9:15 So far some of the early solvers have some slick times, and mine is a touch below my average but I think there is some tricky stuff here and definitely some crafty … Read more “Times 28360 – drinka pinta milka day”
Times Quick Cryptic No 2193 by Teazel
Well, I’m delighted to say that this puzzle took me less than 7 minutes to complete, fully parsed.
Times 28359 – literally rather literary
I’m wondering if today’s setter was also last Wednesday’s, and maybe also on the TLS crossword team; we have at least three more references to matters literary here, although the wordplay is enough to lead you to the answers.
Times Quick Cryptic No 2192 by Oink Joker
6:33, which I would say is the time I tend to get when I have a lock on enough of the wordplay in each clue to biff the rest. Sadly, I wasn’t able to fully enjoy this puzzle, as I am currently trying to stay sane on “vacation” with my kids.
Times Cryptic 28358
Solving time: 22 minutes. I had a problem getting started