Author: yfyap

A very interesting puzzle today with some cheeky and innovative wordplay. Enjoyable and a huge delight to solve. ACROSS1 MASH M (MATE minus ATE, consumed) AS (when) H (hot)3 PUTSCHISTS Cha of PUT (throw) + … Read more “Times 24608 – Galleon of Treasures”

The indefatigable Peter B is otherwise engaged so I am standing in for him today. As luck would have it, this is quite a standard Times puzzle with no awkward hard-boiled eggs. Nevertheless, very enjoyable … Read more “Times 24601 – Locum Tenens”

A very solvable set of clues employing many varied devices. Not too challenging but entertaining and scrupulously fair. ACROSS1 JUST THE JOB Cha of JUST (fair-minded) THE (definite article) JOB (calling)7 FACE dd9 CHAPLAIN Ins … Read more “Times 24596 – GBS’s Female Officer”

Got up groggy after staying up late to watch Spain beat Germany and found the going tough at first. But once I had a few crossing letters, the rest became progressively easier. On the whole, … Read more “Times 24584 – The Vale of Tempe”

Today’s puzzle was extremely heavy going especially in the South-east corner which took me twice the time for the rest and even then, I am a bit unsure. There are, however, plenty of very clever … Read more “Times 24572 – Birdie Birdie Num Num”

Another standard Times puzzle that made for a lovely start to the day. Nothing very difficult but yet titillating and entertaining. ACROSS1 DETRACTED Ins of TRACT (pamphlet) in DEED (performance)9 ROUTINE Ins of IN (home) … Read more “Times 24560 – Nag, Nag & Nag”

I am back into the swing today and sashayed my way through the clues which are amusing, entertaining and did not pose too much of a challenge (my way of saying whether I need to … Read more “Times 24548 – Rock n Roll”

Coming back from a week of no crossword while visiting Shanghai, it took me quite a while (nearly an hour) to get into the groove. Nevertheless, it was quite fun especially the superb 3S (short, … Read more “Times 24536 – Short Simple & Sweet”

This puzzle must be one with the most number of cryptic devices ranging from the easy to the exotic to the  esoteric; but all delightfully challenging, entertaining and fair. ACROSS1 ACAPULCO Ins of CA (Central … Read more “Times 24524 – What’s Up, Doc?”

A delightful mixture of multi-various cryptic devices, making for a good morning’s challenge and entertainment. Indeed a good way to start the day. ACROSS1 BOOKMAKER A very craftily worded dd for someone who takes in … Read more “Times 24512 – Potpourri of Delights”