Tag Archives: solution

A few weeks ago, while constructing a grid of words for The Stickler Weekly, the phrase “one in a thousand” came up in the list as an option. Over the years my process of choosing words to clue has changed … Continue reading →

A while back I mentioned the son of a former neighbour who contacted me asking for advice regarding setting cryptics. He is now in his late 20s and was looking to learn more about the art of setting after solving … Continue reading →

English can be a frustrating language, what with its multiple ways of expressing the same thing, many meanings and word forms for the same “word”, and countless variations of spelling and pronounciations. Of course, it’s most of these things that … Continue reading →

Recently a friend contacted me wishing to reconnect with cryptic crosswords. He’s in his 40s and has dabbled with cryptics for extensive periods during parts of his life, but a stint overseas took him away from those he used to … Continue reading →

Recently cryptic crossword setter John Halpern (aka Paul in The Guardian) ran the London marathon in a time of 5 hours 57 minutes, or about 13 minutes a mile. This was a marathon with a difference: at the start of … Continue reading →

First, thanks for all the chatter regarding the financial model going forward. I’ve been away for a week and will endeavour to digest all comments and suggestions and reply soon. Thanks. I’ve been a member of the Australian Crossword Club … Continue reading →

Please see separate post for this week’s cryptic comment. Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 SUSTAINING Work of a colourist outside America is holding up (10) STAINING outside US 6 AREA Art not fully funded by each territory (4) (AR)T … Continue reading →

On the odd occasion a solver may say that an answer is obscure. I realise that this is an opinion, unless it’s backed up specifically by a dictionary entry, however, I’d like to tell you little about what I think … Continue reading →

Those who enjoy watching Inspector Morse on TV may not realise that the character’s creator, Colin Dexter, was a huge cryptic crossword fan and gifted setter. His passing a few weeks ago sparked a number of tributes and stories, a … Continue reading →

Back in 2001 I was asked to adjudicate a competition where multiple people or groups supplied clues for a set grid, the resultant combined effort destined to be published in The Daily Telegraph. I received the go ahead from the … Continue reading →