Author: Curarist

Nothing to scare the horses too much here. Inspired by Templarredux’s feat from my last blogging day, I have decided to try and do all QCs as ‘clean sweeps’, i.e. do all the clues strictly … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1615 by Tracy”

This was a somewhat odd concoction. Heavy on the double definitions and with quite a few clunky parsings. Can’t say I found it easy at 11 minutes. Across 1 Packed, to be on the safe … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1604 by Teazel”

Straightforward I think, but I have a thumping headache. 9 minutes for me. Across 1 Thread or line attached to card (4) LACE – L + ACE 3 Meatiest stews producing round figure? (8) ESTIMATE … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1594 by Rongo”

I took ages to get going with this, but it was reasonably starightforward after that. I seemed to do a lot of biffing. I’ll be interested to see how you all got on. 10 minutes … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1584 by Mara”

Fairly straighforward, though 16a and 7d might cause difficulty. just over 8 minutes for me Across 1 Thin tree chopped up, a number being bad (8) THIRTEEN – anagram (‘chopped up’) of THIN TREE 5 … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1574 by Joker”

Not sure what to make of this. A bit chewy in places because of some slightly stretched definitions. Can’t belive I didn’t get 20d immediately. Reasonably enjoyable overall, just over 8 minutes for me Across … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1564 by Wurm”

So 8 minutes for me. Compound anagrams are the theme of the day, plus some well-disguised hidden words. LOI 11 ac, which I spent an age staring at for no good reason. Overthinking it again, … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1554 by Breadman”

I liked this a lot, and I would say it is pitched just right for a QC. Lots of anagrams, but some with a little added complexity. My favourite is 18ac. Across 1 Turn to … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1544 by Wurm”

So, a tricky 1ac, but straightforward thereafter, loads of anagrams and double definitions. Illustrates the point that two-word clues are ALWAYS double definitions. 7 minutes for me Across 1 In the City, unfortunately, half feel … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1524 by Mara”

Pretty straightforward today, but we have a Nina all about Little Dorrit: AMY, MARSHALSEA, french dungeon, FLINTWICHES, BLEEDING HEART, Creditor, ANTWERP, TIP, SPARKLER, stir – any more? Across 1 Girl starts off at Marshalsea yard … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1514 by Corelli”