ALP
@adamlp.bsky.social
Withnail bore, Fowles nut & Lib>Xim
A smug cryptic setter in the Indy (5)
A smug cryptic setter in the Indy (5)
This setter has two lives – one as Ray T, t’other as seen in today’s Tel Toughie, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2026/02/05/3631
Wanders around with shopping, maybe (7)
Punishes move trapping knight on board (9)
Daniel Craig perhaps embraces female villain (10)
Wanders around with shopping, maybe (7)
Punishes move trapping knight on board (9)
Daniel Craig perhaps embraces female villain (10)
February 5, 2026 at 2:08 PM
This setter has two lives – one as Ray T, t’other as seen in today’s Tel Toughie, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2026/02/05/3631
Wanders around with shopping, maybe (7)
Punishes move trapping knight on board (9)
Daniel Craig perhaps embraces female villain (10)
Wanders around with shopping, maybe (7)
Punishes move trapping knight on board (9)
Daniel Craig perhaps embraces female villain (10)
Reposted by ALP
#1ACCWC - Only 21 clues in the bag so far.. If you were waiting for the last minute, its almost here 🙂
#cryptic #clue #contest
www.1across.org/accwc/clues/
#cryptic #clue #contest
www.1across.org/accwc/clues/
January 29, 2026 at 5:55 PM
#1ACCWC - Only 21 clues in the bag so far.. If you were waiting for the last minute, its almost here 🙂
#cryptic #clue #contest
www.1across.org/accwc/clues/
#cryptic #clue #contest
www.1across.org/accwc/clues/
Who set today’s mid-Telegraph cracking treat to wrap up the month? Find out @ Big Dave, with tunes and one horrific picture ...
Complete standing order (4)
Admiral’s head over heels about rest of crew? (5,5)
More than one Arsenal star - but not Seaman - drank to excess in retirement (6)
Complete standing order (4)
Admiral’s head over heels about rest of crew? (5,5)
More than one Arsenal star - but not Seaman - drank to excess in retirement (6)
Toughie 3627 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3627 by Django Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment **** I always enjoy a Django: fun definitions and smart wordplay. Very gentle from hi...
bigdave44.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Who set today’s mid-Telegraph cracking treat to wrap up the month? Find out @ Big Dave, with tunes and one horrific picture ...
Complete standing order (4)
Admiral’s head over heels about rest of crew? (5,5)
More than one Arsenal star - but not Seaman - drank to excess in retirement (6)
Complete standing order (4)
Admiral’s head over heels about rest of crew? (5,5)
More than one Arsenal star - but not Seaman - drank to excess in retirement (6)
Beyond chuffed to be back in the Indy as Magus. My tin hat’s on – is yours?!
Warning: hipsters lifted by US federal agents … (6)
… one after another for speaking out can be put in prison (6)
Trump wants one head of BBC arrested by Christmas (5)
#cryptic #crossword
Warning: hipsters lifted by US federal agents … (6)
… one after another for speaking out can be put in prison (6)
Trump wants one head of BBC arrested by Christmas (5)
#cryptic #crossword
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Beyond chuffed to be back in the Indy as Magus. My tin hat’s on – is yours?!
Warning: hipsters lifted by US federal agents … (6)
… one after another for speaking out can be put in prison (6)
Trump wants one head of BBC arrested by Christmas (5)
#cryptic #crossword
Warning: hipsters lifted by US federal agents … (6)
… one after another for speaking out can be put in prison (6)
Trump wants one head of BBC arrested by Christmas (5)
#cryptic #crossword
Rotten monster, oddly icky head of ICE, who shot a puppy (6,4)
January 25, 2026 at 11:08 AM
Rotten monster, oddly icky head of ICE, who shot a puppy (6,4)
The world's in SHAMBLES, can you set it (right)? Come on, you know you want to! Top fun comp, this.
#1ACCWC 551 www.1across.org/2026/01/25/1...
This week’s ACCWC hosted by @adamlp.bsky.social is now open and is waiting for your clues..
#cryptic #clue #crossword #contest
This week’s ACCWC hosted by @adamlp.bsky.social is now open and is waiting for your clues..
#cryptic #clue #crossword #contest
1ACCWC #551 – SHAMBLES – OPEN FOR CLUES
This weeks contest is hosted by ALP For 1ACCWC 551, the chosen word is SHAMBLES Here are the rules Limit of 1 clue per setter. Please Annotate your clues clearly. Please login to participate. You c…
www.1across.org
January 25, 2026 at 9:05 AM
The world's in SHAMBLES, can you set it (right)? Come on, you know you want to! Top fun comp, this.
It’s Thursday, it’s smooth. Who on earth set this Tel Toughie? Visual tips for solvers now up @ bigdave44.com/2026/01/22/3623
Celebrate top new hit with ardent fans (5,3,4,3)
Order by peer to find somewhere for sleepers? (7)
Flier, leaflet backing mum over creche's closure (8)
Celebrate top new hit with ardent fans (5,3,4,3)
Order by peer to find somewhere for sleepers? (7)
Flier, leaflet backing mum over creche's closure (8)
Toughie 3623 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3623 by Silvanus Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment **** Silvanus on a Thursday is always welcome. He's returned with a typically to...
bigdave44.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:22 PM
It’s Thursday, it’s smooth. Who on earth set this Tel Toughie? Visual tips for solvers now up @ bigdave44.com/2026/01/22/3623
Celebrate top new hit with ardent fans (5,3,4,3)
Order by peer to find somewhere for sleepers? (7)
Flier, leaflet backing mum over creche's closure (8)
Celebrate top new hit with ardent fans (5,3,4,3)
Order by peer to find somewhere for sleepers? (7)
Flier, leaflet backing mum over creche's closure (8)
“Shooting Minnesota people”, claims maniacal Trump finally, “is a minor mistake” (5)
(Well, who wants to visit the USA anyroad?)
(Well, who wants to visit the USA anyroad?)
January 21, 2026 at 5:32 PM
“Shooting Minnesota people”, claims maniacal Trump finally, “is a minor mistake” (5)
(Well, who wants to visit the USA anyroad?)
(Well, who wants to visit the USA anyroad?)
Listening to Bruce, desperately trying to remind myself that not all Americans are total arse-hats.
January 21, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Listening to Bruce, desperately trying to remind myself that not all Americans are total arse-hats.
Oddly blacked-out jet of Republican who’s behind ICE & NRA dingbats (3,5,3)
January 21, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Oddly blacked-out jet of Republican who’s behind ICE & NRA dingbats (3,5,3)
A brisk solve from Kcit in today’s Tel – bar the blindman buff's parsing of 28a, despite its vanilla definition. Even the cavalry couldn’t really help with this one! Any thoughts?
As seen here, one possibly equivalent role? (8,6)
As seen here, one possibly equivalent role? (8,6)
Toughie 3619 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3619 by Kit Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Parsing 28a ***** – Enjoyment *** Fairly straightforward Lego from Kcit today, bar one spo...
bigdave44.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:12 PM
A brisk solve from Kcit in today’s Tel – bar the blindman buff's parsing of 28a, despite its vanilla definition. Even the cavalry couldn’t really help with this one! Any thoughts?
As seen here, one possibly equivalent role? (8,6)
As seen here, one possibly equivalent role? (8,6)
Beam’s back on T[oug]h[i]esaurus duty in the Tel proving that “run” can happily mean about a million things!
Tourist runs into one giving gratuities (7)
Contended, on reflection, argument's sound (7)
Perhaps tender sweetheart's pass gets rejected (5)
Tourist runs into one giving gratuities (7)
Contended, on reflection, argument's sound (7)
Perhaps tender sweetheart's pass gets rejected (5)
Toughie 3615 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3615 by Beam Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Enjoyment **** The usual synonym work-out from Beam who has dreamed up more alternatives ...
bigdave44.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Beam’s back on T[oug]h[i]esaurus duty in the Tel proving that “run” can happily mean about a million things!
Tourist runs into one giving gratuities (7)
Contended, on reflection, argument's sound (7)
Perhaps tender sweetheart's pass gets rejected (5)
Tourist runs into one giving gratuities (7)
Contended, on reflection, argument's sound (7)
Perhaps tender sweetheart's pass gets rejected (5)
A rare Tel Toughie from Samuel, AKA the peerless Chris Lancaster. 1a to all!
Pay twice when rep cut short cryptic greeting (5,3,4)
Putt hit with this feeling could display aptitude (4)
Hands clapped themselves? (4)
Pay twice when rep cut short cryptic greeting (5,3,4)
Putt hit with this feeling could display aptitude (4)
Hands clapped themselves? (4)
Toughie 3611 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3611 by Samuel Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty * – Enjoyment ***** A very happy New Year to you all, one made brighter still by the appear...
bigdave44.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:08 PM
A rare Tel Toughie from Samuel, AKA the peerless Chris Lancaster. 1a to all!
Pay twice when rep cut short cryptic greeting (5,3,4)
Putt hit with this feeling could display aptitude (4)
Hands clapped themselves? (4)
Pay twice when rep cut short cryptic greeting (5,3,4)
Putt hit with this feeling could display aptitude (4)
Hands clapped themselves? (4)
I really must thank @knutcrosswords.bsky.social - and whoever invented elasticated waistbands - for alerting me to the genius cheese-conveyor-belt gaff in Camden. I ain’t leaving - they’re going to have to remove my happy corpse with an industrial hoist.
December 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
I really must thank @knutcrosswords.bsky.social - and whoever invented elasticated waistbands - for alerting me to the genius cheese-conveyor-belt gaff in Camden. I ain’t leaving - they’re going to have to remove my happy corpse with an industrial hoist.
A vile, sham libertine exposed inappropriately close to Epstein abandoned by King (3,9,3)
December 23, 2025 at 4:02 PM
A vile, sham libertine exposed inappropriately close to Epstein abandoned by King (3,9,3)
A spirited and superlative puzzle from Silvanus in today’s Toughie slot, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/12/18/3603. These 3 sum up perhaps the perfect Christmas …
Teacher's maybe in contact occasionally during school (6)
Instantly show partiality to a wee dram? (4,1,4)
Gosh, naked adult dance! (5)
Teacher's maybe in contact occasionally during school (6)
Instantly show partiality to a wee dram? (4,1,4)
Gosh, naked adult dance! (5)
Toughie 3603 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3603 by Silvanus Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***** An absolute joy from Silvanus today. Very classy indeed. We’ve got s...
bigdave44.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A spirited and superlative puzzle from Silvanus in today’s Toughie slot, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/12/18/3603. These 3 sum up perhaps the perfect Christmas …
Teacher's maybe in contact occasionally during school (6)
Instantly show partiality to a wee dram? (4,1,4)
Gosh, naked adult dance! (5)
Teacher's maybe in contact occasionally during school (6)
Instantly show partiality to a wee dram? (4,1,4)
Gosh, naked adult dance! (5)
Weatherman’s gone a tad retro in today's Toughie – & borrowed Chalicea’s magic dictionary to boot! And why the devil not?
Boorish Aussies on roadside stuck with prison trousers (14)
Inept sleuth finally following a friend of Mr Geller? (10)
House band at last introduced to former TV host Lily (8)
Boorish Aussies on roadside stuck with prison trousers (14)
Inept sleuth finally following a friend of Mr Geller? (10)
House band at last introduced to former TV host Lily (8)
Toughie 3602 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3602 by Weatherman Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment **** A welcome return from Weatherman. As ever, the construction is immaculate a...
bigdave44.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Weatherman’s gone a tad retro in today's Toughie – & borrowed Chalicea’s magic dictionary to boot! And why the devil not?
Boorish Aussies on roadside stuck with prison trousers (14)
Inept sleuth finally following a friend of Mr Geller? (10)
House band at last introduced to former TV host Lily (8)
Boorish Aussies on roadside stuck with prison trousers (14)
Inept sleuth finally following a friend of Mr Geller? (10)
House band at last introduced to former TV host Lily (8)
Who may be delivering Thursday’s ultimate cryptic? Find out @ bigdave44.com/2025/12/11/3599
States tour may start here (8)
He made "small step" with crew (8)
Prize money keeping United in chase (6)
States tour may start here (8)
He made "small step" with crew (8)
Prize money keeping United in chase (6)
December 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Who may be delivering Thursday’s ultimate cryptic? Find out @ bigdave44.com/2025/12/11/3599
States tour may start here (8)
He made "small step" with crew (8)
Prize money keeping United in chase (6)
States tour may start here (8)
He made "small step" with crew (8)
Prize money keeping United in chase (6)
A jauntily sporty little number from Dharma in the Tel – racing, athletics and football, etc. Expect Dory Previn ....
Course, focus of Grand National (5)
Bash ace Farah perhaps and Bolt (2,1,6)
At last, Manchester United got better (7)
Course, focus of Grand National (5)
Bash ace Farah perhaps and Bolt (2,1,6)
At last, Manchester United got better (7)
Toughie 3595 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3595 by Dharma Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****/***** I didn’t really need the byline – this was very, very Dharma. As ever, th...
bigdave44.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:28 PM
A jauntily sporty little number from Dharma in the Tel – racing, athletics and football, etc. Expect Dory Previn ....
Course, focus of Grand National (5)
Bash ace Farah perhaps and Bolt (2,1,6)
At last, Manchester United got better (7)
Course, focus of Grand National (5)
Bash ace Farah perhaps and Bolt (2,1,6)
At last, Manchester United got better (7)
Kcit’s back to deliver cryptic mischief. HEROICALLY, I’ve managed to dodge Cher, The Living Years and Peter Gabriel.
Parody? British rules rewritten, quite outlawing it (9)
Me and Charles installing a lot of precise procedures (9)
Remark about Irish city, not new location of cathedral (9)
Parody? British rules rewritten, quite outlawing it (9)
Me and Charles installing a lot of precise procedures (9)
Remark about Irish city, not new location of cathedral (9)
Toughie 3591 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3591 by Kcit Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment *** I pretty much flew through this, largely via definitions. A spot of revers...
bigdave44.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Kcit’s back to deliver cryptic mischief. HEROICALLY, I’ve managed to dodge Cher, The Living Years and Peter Gabriel.
Parody? British rules rewritten, quite outlawing it (9)
Me and Charles installing a lot of precise procedures (9)
Remark about Irish city, not new location of cathedral (9)
Parody? British rules rewritten, quite outlawing it (9)
Me and Charles installing a lot of precise procedures (9)
Remark about Irish city, not new location of cathedral (9)
It’s Wednesday, it’s Silvanus in the Tel – slick as an otter’s pocket. Expect Jimmy Cliff, Hendrix and Peter Kay. Now, THAT'S a dinner party ...
Enthusiasm of extra on EastEnders (7)
Street flashers trying to attract attention! (7,7)
Attractive quality, courage, in one sharing your bed? (3-5,6)
Enthusiasm of extra on EastEnders (7)
Street flashers trying to attract attention! (7,7)
Attractive quality, courage, in one sharing your bed? (3-5,6)
Toughie 3590 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3590 by Silvanus Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment **** Sue is still bouncing back, so I’m afraid you’ve got me again. But I’...
bigdave44.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
It’s Wednesday, it’s Silvanus in the Tel – slick as an otter’s pocket. Expect Jimmy Cliff, Hendrix and Peter Kay. Now, THAT'S a dinner party ...
Enthusiasm of extra on EastEnders (7)
Street flashers trying to attract attention! (7,7)
Attractive quality, courage, in one sharing your bed? (3-5,6)
Enthusiasm of extra on EastEnders (7)
Street flashers trying to attract attention! (7,7)
Attractive quality, courage, in one sharing your bed? (3-5,6)
Django’s back in the Tel with a fizzy 80s flavour. I have NOT clipped When Will I Be Famous ...
80s band making comeback film - it's sweet (6)
Stage actor ultimately missing out on a lead in Mexican TV show (3,1-4)
Screen Dundee clubs put on right before Old Firm Derby is large enough initially (9)
80s band making comeback film - it's sweet (6)
Stage actor ultimately missing out on a lead in Mexican TV show (3,1-4)
Screen Dundee clubs put on right before Old Firm Derby is large enough initially (9)
Toughie 3587 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3587 by Django Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** – Enjoyment **** The usual cleverness from Django. Some quirky little tricks, fun defi...
bigdave44.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Django’s back in the Tel with a fizzy 80s flavour. I have NOT clipped When Will I Be Famous ...
80s band making comeback film - it's sweet (6)
Stage actor ultimately missing out on a lead in Mexican TV show (3,1-4)
Screen Dundee clubs put on right before Old Firm Derby is large enough initially (9)
80s band making comeback film - it's sweet (6)
Stage actor ultimately missing out on a lead in Mexican TV show (3,1-4)
Screen Dundee clubs put on right before Old Firm Derby is large enough initially (9)
Back in the Indy as Magus. I’m thrilled – others less so!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Celebrity failing to finish Iron Man? (4)
Past 007 George Lazenby finally splits (6)
Spooner’s favourite source of protein is seeds (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Celebrity failing to finish Iron Man? (4)
Past 007 George Lazenby finally splits (6)
Spooner’s favourite source of protein is seeds (9)
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Back in the Indy as Magus. I’m thrilled – others less so!
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Celebrity failing to finish Iron Man? (4)
Past 007 George Lazenby finally splits (6)
Spooner’s favourite source of protein is seeds (9)
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Celebrity failing to finish Iron Man? (4)
Past 007 George Lazenby finally splits (6)
Spooner’s favourite source of protein is seeds (9)
The usual wit and economy from Beam in today’s Tel, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/11/13/3583. Expect Loudon, Johnny and categorically NO Julie Andrews!
Study missing one old head teacher (9)
Current Republican in very hot water? (6)
Conflict with desperate sweetheart about droop (8)
Study missing one old head teacher (9)
Current Republican in very hot water? (6)
Conflict with desperate sweetheart about droop (8)
Toughie 3583 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3583 by Beam Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** – Enjoyment **** Quintessential Beam today – very tight, very clean. Surprisingly clean-...
bigdave44.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The usual wit and economy from Beam in today’s Tel, blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/11/13/3583. Expect Loudon, Johnny and categorically NO Julie Andrews!
Study missing one old head teacher (9)
Current Republican in very hot water? (6)
Conflict with desperate sweetheart about droop (8)
Study missing one old head teacher (9)
Current Republican in very hot water? (6)
Conflict with desperate sweetheart about droop (8)
A jolly blast of nostalgia from Light in today’s Tel, taking in cinema, football & cleaning product. Blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/11/12/3582
Support for fencing sheep that's a life-saver (3,4)
Banks perhaps getting tip from security guards (7)
Imposing old lady starts to dust office with Pledge (7)
Support for fencing sheep that's a life-saver (3,4)
Banks perhaps getting tip from security guards (7)
Imposing old lady starts to dust office with Pledge (7)
Toughie 3582 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
Toughie No 3582 by Light Hints and tips by ALP + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + BD Rating – Toughie difficulty */** – Enjoyment **** Sue is still off games and we all wish her well, but don't worry – she...
bigdave44.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A jolly blast of nostalgia from Light in today’s Tel, taking in cinema, football & cleaning product. Blogged @ bigdave44.com/2025/11/12/3582
Support for fencing sheep that's a life-saver (3,4)
Banks perhaps getting tip from security guards (7)
Imposing old lady starts to dust office with Pledge (7)
Support for fencing sheep that's a life-saver (3,4)
Banks perhaps getting tip from security guards (7)
Imposing old lady starts to dust office with Pledge (7)