Tag Archives: solution

I had a number of people ask me about clues from The Stickler Weekly 12, namely 4-down, “One who’s keen to take a break? (6)”, and 11-down, “Handy communicator? (6)”. They quite rightly pointed out that this type of clue … Continue reading →

There are always elements found in cryptic crosswords that may cause division among setters and solvers: cryptic definitions, the use of extraneous words, subtraction techniques, the importance of surface meaning to name just a few. This crossword contained a contentious … Continue reading →

It’s not uncommon to have a person’s name as an answer in a crossword, but have you thought about, in crossword terms, how different any proper noun (and names especially) is to an everyday word? First and foremost is working … Continue reading →

I’ve talked about difficulty recently, but only in terms of how a puzzle grid can add its own complexity to the overall crossword. A crossword’s difficulty in general comprises so many factors that it’s almost impossible to get it right … Continue reading →

I’m often asked about the meaning of a question mark (“?”) at the end of a clue. When I’m solving, I’m struck by a lack of consistency by individual setters and across setters in general when using it. Solvers need … Continue reading →

Difficulty of a puzzle is determined by a multitude of factors. It starts before the setter even enters a word – with the grid. Regardless of what follows in terms of word selection and clue complexity, certain grids will always … Continue reading →

A solver noticed that 22-down wasn’t as good as it could be. The clue is sound, but the structure leaves the solver wondering which part is “upped” and which is the definition. Is it a word for CUT turned up … Continue reading →