Category: Quick Cryptic

Well, I’m going to stick my neck out and predict that this puzzle will cause some problems, and not just for the SCC.  Others more experienced will recognise the setter’s name and be looking for … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1893 by Alfie”

Introduction DNF, on account of 16 Down. Solutions A brief summary of cryptic crosswords —feel free to skip— : Each clue has at least one “definition”: an unbroken string of words which more-or-less straightforwardly indicates the … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1892 by Hurley”

I saw the setter’s name and settled down for a patient solve rather than my normal QC romp attempt. This was rewarded by the enjoyment of some mental gymnastics and deceptions. I took over 12 … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1891 by Izetti”

Solving time: 6 minutes. I found this quite straightforward so I shall be interested to find out how others got on and hear about any difficulties that may not have occurred to me. As usual … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1890 by Oink”

I thought this a decent middle-of-the-road Quick Cryptic from the dependable Tracy to end the week, although I found a couple of the surfaces a little clunky. It helps if you know your flowers, European … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1889 by Tracy”

I think around 7 minutes to get to the ‘Unlucky!’ sign, and then another perplexed minute or so staring at 9ac and 6d before clicking on the answer: at the time of solving the answers … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1888 by Joker”

I seemed to be on the wavelength with this one. Not a total write-in, as several clues needed returning to for a second go, but on the gentle end of the spectrum. Definition underlined. Across … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1887 by Mara”

Ah, Orpheus again but without such a sting. 8 minutes for an interesting solve. Started slowly but then the biffometer started ratcheting up – a word to the wise here for other potential biffers  – … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1886 by Orpheus”

Once again I managed to do most of this sequentially, thrown off my stride only by 21A which should have been enough of a chestnut for me by now just to write it in. I … Read more “QC 1885 by Breadman”

Quite the anagram fest today, which usually indicates the easier end of the spectrum, though I took 8 minutes which is mid-range for me. CoD probably 16ac. Across 1 Thought of French being set free … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1884 by Mara”