Big Dave's Crossword Blog – Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English

 Welcome

Welcome to Big Dave’s Crossword Blog

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You have reached the world’s biggest and best crossword blog.  If you are looking for help with the Daily and Sunday Telegraph cryptic crosswords or the Enigmatic Variations advanced cryptic, a total of 13 puzzles a week, then you have come to the right place.

If this is your first time, or for more information about this site, please click on Continue reading “Welcome”

Toughie 3243

Toughie No 3243 by Firefly
Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty ****Enjoyment ***

Firefly has given us a theme today based on 13a (which is quite appropriate for me since not having had a flake of snow all through the winter I awoke this morning to find a white covering on the ground).

My progress through the puzzle started at the pace of an arthritic snail but speeded up later. I enjoyed the battle – thanks to Firefly.

Please leave a comment telling us how you fared and what you liked about the puzzle. Continue reading “Toughie 3243”

DT 30573

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30,573
Hints and tips by Shabbo

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

No doubt as to the setter of this enjoyable puzzle. Ray T gives the game away with his brevity of clueing, his “queen” and “sweetheart” calling cards and he has even included his name in 29a.… Continue reading

DT 30572

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30572

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

BD Rating – Difficulty **** Enjoyment ***

Kia ora from Aotearoa.
Everything is very dry here and has been so for the last couple of months. This morning we set out for our usual walk feeling quite confident that the few clouds about would either dissipate or move away from our vicinity.… Continue reading

ST 3256 (full review)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3256

A full review by Rahmat Ali

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This puzzle was published on 17th Mar 2024

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Greetings from Kolkata. A lovely and pleasant puzzle from Dada this Sunday that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a full review of his puzzle for your kind perusal and important feedback.… Continue reading

Toughie 3241

Toughie No 3241 by Dada
Hints and tips by ALP

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

I’ve just been tutted in the street. Tutted! For cheerily whistling to myself. Was it you, Jane?! Now, I’m far from perfect (you’ll all be astonished to hear this, I know).… Continue reading

DT 30571

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30571
Hints and tips by Huntsman

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BD Rating – Difficulty *** Enjoyment ***/****

Nice & sunny here in Harpenden at present but wet stuff on the way unfortunately & not sure if I’ll manage to get out for a walk before it arrives.… Continue reading

DT 30570

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30570

Hints and tips by Falcon

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BD Rating – Difficulty *Enjoyment ***

Greetings from Ottawa, where Mother Nature continues to be in a frolicsome mood. It can be -10 C with snow on the ground when one awakes and +10 C with bare ground by afternoon.… Continue reading