Author: Curarist

Now, I’m going too stick my neck out and say this is a nice easy one that should generate some quick times, provided the mild general knowledge required doesn’t cause trouble. 6dn my favourite Across … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1434 by Breadman”

Nothing too scary today, though 21dn might be a trap for the unwary. I was held up for ages by my inability to spell 14dn, which doubled my time, and I kept getting the “UNLUCKY!” alert … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1424 by Joker”

So, not straightforward I would posit; took me well over 10 minutes. Rather rewarding in the end though. There’s a great example of an important device that beginners should all learn from: the familiar two-word phrase which needs … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1414 by Wurm”

Not a difficult one, although NW corner took a moment or two to get going. Some real gems – love 1dn, love the use of ‘glance’ as definition in 2dn, and some interesting anagrams. 7 … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1404 by Joker”

This took me 10 minutes, but oon reflection there’s nothing unfair or excessively complex. I havent done one by Bob and Margaret before so maybe it’s just a wavelength thing. Good mix of clues, nice … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1394 by Bob and Margaret”

Mainly straightforward with a couple of stiffer ones. It took me a while to spot 4dn, tried to put a Y in 8ac because it’s too early in the morning and I can’t spell. a … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1384 by Joker”

Whoops, sorry I’m late. Had it in my head that my day was next week. Luckily this is a very straightforward offering from Corelli which I managed in just under 6 minutes. Nice surfaces on … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1374 by Corelli”

A mixed bag of write-ins and more obscure ones. Not sure I am happy with the rule-breaking 2d, especially in the quickie. Favourite has to be the elegant 9a, LOI (last one in) 14d Across … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1364 by Joker”

I made unnecessarily heavy weather of this, but in retrospect I think it is quite fair. One problem is I’m typing in the car while Mrs Curarist drives us down to Folkestone with the sole … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1354 by Hurley”

I have not come across Alconiere before, but this was excellent. Engaging and elegant without being too difficult. 8 min for me. Across 1 Regret turning back on footwear vandal (8) SABOTEUR – Regret is … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1344 by Alconiere”