Coot
@coot.bsky.social
Cryptic crossword setter in the Independent, the Times, the Times Quick Cryptic (as Loon), Unch magazine and on MyCrossword
It’s a big day today in more way than one. Do give this one a go 🎉🥳🎁🎈🍾
YOU’RE INVITED 🎉
Hope you’ll stop by, at least for a bit, amidst the many awesome festivities at @mycrossword.co.uk
Drizzle honey from mouth for Vixen? (8) 🍯
Get over essentially foolish breakup - with taste of Italian ice cream (6) 🍦
Unaware of nice bananas in birdhouse? (8) 🍌
#January13 🎁
Hope you’ll stop by, at least for a bit, amidst the many awesome festivities at @mycrossword.co.uk
Drizzle honey from mouth for Vixen? (8) 🍯
Get over essentially foolish breakup - with taste of Italian ice cream (6) 🍦
Unaware of nice bananas in birdhouse? (8) 🍌
#January13 🎁
Cryptic crossword No 3,029 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,029 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 26 clues by tpgrammar. Published Tue 13 Jan 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
mycrossword.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 4:13 PM
It’s a big day today in more way than one. Do give this one a go 🎉🥳🎁🎈🍾
A new setter on MyCrossword? Not exactly.
Hat tips to my co-conspirators @henriwords.com @postmarkcryptic.bsky.social @cranberryfez.bsky.social & Gennaro, and huge thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3028
Hat tips to my co-conspirators @henriwords.com @postmarkcryptic.bsky.social @cranberryfez.bsky.social & Gennaro, and huge thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3028
Cryptic crossword No 3,028 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,028 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by Ghost. Published Tue 13 Jan 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
www.mycrossword.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 6:24 AM
A new setter on MyCrossword? Not exactly.
Hat tips to my co-conspirators @henriwords.com @postmarkcryptic.bsky.social @cranberryfez.bsky.social & Gennaro, and huge thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3028
Hat tips to my co-conspirators @henriwords.com @postmarkcryptic.bsky.social @cranberryfez.bsky.social & Gennaro, and huge thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3028
I was on a train at the same table as Sir David Attenborough (c. 1989) and only saw in the paper that it was his birthday as he was getting off. I had studiously avoided bothering him but would definitely have wished him a happy birthday had I known.
Eric Morecambe lived in the house over the road from me several years before I was born
Please quote this with the time you didn’t interact with someone famous - eg one time I was in Cardiff the same weekend as Willem Dafoe (but I didn’t see him or even know he was there until he appeared on the telly later)
December 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM
I was on a train at the same table as Sir David Attenborough (c. 1989) and only saw in the paper that it was his birthday as he was getting off. I had studiously avoided bothering him but would definitely have wished him a happy birthday had I known.
Reposted by Coot
Delighted to be back as Bard in the @the-independent.com today.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Big cheese beat restriction, having discovered tax not applicable (3,6)
Very impressive bit of extreme picknicking (4)
Here’s the family engaged in some extreme picknicking on Skye.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Big cheese beat restriction, having discovered tax not applicable (3,6)
Very impressive bit of extreme picknicking (4)
Here’s the family engaged in some extreme picknicking on Skye.
December 22, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Delighted to be back as Bard in the @the-independent.com today.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Big cheese beat restriction, having discovered tax not applicable (3,6)
Very impressive bit of extreme picknicking (4)
Here’s the family engaged in some extreme picknicking on Skye.
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Big cheese beat restriction, having discovered tax not applicable (3,6)
Very impressive bit of extreme picknicking (4)
Here’s the family engaged in some extreme picknicking on Skye.
Hard on the heels of yesterday’s excitement, I’m delighted to be back in the Independent today. Clues include:
At Arsenal, United fan starts to dance so wildly it makes ground shake (3,7,5)
Help oneself to son’s chips (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
At Arsenal, United fan starts to dance so wildly it makes ground shake (3,7,5)
Help oneself to son’s chips (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
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
December 18, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Hard on the heels of yesterday’s excitement, I’m delighted to be back in the Independent today. Clues include:
At Arsenal, United fan starts to dance so wildly it makes ground shake (3,7,5)
Help oneself to son’s chips (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
At Arsenal, United fan starts to dance so wildly it makes ground shake (3,7,5)
Help oneself to son’s chips (5)
#cryptic #crossword
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
As the Times Cryptic is anonymous, I couldn’t possibly reveal the identity of the setter making their debut today …
December 17, 2025 at 7:21 AM
As the Times Cryptic is anonymous, I couldn’t possibly reveal the identity of the setter making their debut today …
I’m delighted to report that my friendly, feathered alter ego Loon makes another appearance in the Times Quick Cryptic slot today. A slightly tricky one judging by the early SNITCH.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
December 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I’m delighted to report that my friendly, feathered alter ego Loon makes another appearance in the Times Quick Cryptic slot today. A slightly tricky one judging by the early SNITCH.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent.
Sample clue:
Flamboyant playwright - Coward? - lies around (5,5)
Solve it here FOR FREE:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Flamboyant playwright - Coward? - lies around (5,5)
Solve it here FOR FREE:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
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
December 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent.
Sample clue:
Flamboyant playwright - Coward? - lies around (5,5)
Solve it here FOR FREE:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Flamboyant playwright - Coward? - lies around (5,5)
Solve it here FOR FREE:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Reposted by Coot
Very pleased indeed to have had the opportunity to compile today's Times Crossword.
www.thetimes.com/puzzles/cros...
www.thetimes.com/puzzles/cros...
Times Cryptic No 29398 | Puzzles | The Times & The Sunday Times
Times Cryptic No 29398
www.thetimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Very pleased indeed to have had the opportunity to compile today's Times Crossword.
www.thetimes.com/puzzles/cros...
www.thetimes.com/puzzles/cros...
It’s been a while, but my latest puzzle is now up, featuring:
What could make big bin perfect? (4,2,3)
Finance issue almost over for neighbours (5,4)
Many thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2880
What could make big bin perfect? (4,2,3)
Finance issue almost over for neighbours (5,4)
Many thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2880
Cryptic crossword No 2,880 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 2,880 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 28 clues by Coot. Published Sat 22 Nov 2025. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.
www.mycrossword.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
It’s been a while, but my latest puzzle is now up, featuring:
What could make big bin perfect? (4,2,3)
Finance issue almost over for neighbours (5,4)
Many thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2880
What could make big bin perfect? (4,2,3)
Finance issue almost over for neighbours (5,4)
Many thanks as always to @mycrossword.co.uk
#cryptic #crossword
www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/2880
Reposted by Coot
Unch Crossword Magazine
Unch, the clued-up crossword magazine
unchcrosswords.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Reposted by Coot
You know when you've been Tangoed!
I'm very pleased to make my debut in the Times QC slot. I hope you'll find it approachable and fun: www.thetimes.com/puzzleclub/c...
I'm very pleased to make my debut in the Times QC slot. I hope you'll find it approachable and fun: www.thetimes.com/puzzleclub/c...
November 17, 2025 at 7:32 AM
You know when you've been Tangoed!
I'm very pleased to make my debut in the Times QC slot. I hope you'll find it approachable and fun: www.thetimes.com/puzzleclub/c...
I'm very pleased to make my debut in the Times QC slot. I hope you'll find it approachable and fun: www.thetimes.com/puzzleclub/c...
Reposted by Coot
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
The Difficulty Dial · MyCrossword
As a cryptic crossword setter you don't always know exactly how difficult or otherwise your own puzzle is - they're all easy when you know the answers! And e...
www.mycrossword.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
Reposted by Coot
Sample clue from my cryptic crossword in today’s FT:
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
November 7, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Sample clue from my cryptic crossword in today’s FT:
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Location of industrial strikes within Catalan village (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE:
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it out at ft.com/crossword
Reposted by Coot
It’s me in the Independent today.
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
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 4, 2025 at 7:03 AM
It’s me in the Independent today.
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
Cantankerous ill youngster straddles potty (5)
You can solve this cryptic crossword FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Highly recommended. Congratulations @petermoorefuller.bsky.social!
So excited to be making my debut as Glyph in @theguardian.com Genius slot today.
Cheers to @alanconnor.bsky.social for the spot, and thank you so much to the great folks that tested this puzzle.
Hope you enjoy solving it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...
Cheers to @alanconnor.bsky.social for the spot, and thank you so much to the great folks that tested this puzzle.
Hope you enjoy solving it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2...
Genius crossword No 269
Deadline for entries is 23:59 GMT on Saturday 29 November. You need to register once and then sign in to theguardian.com to enter our online competition for a £100 monthly prize
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Highly recommended. Congratulations @petermoorefuller.bsky.social!
Reposted by Coot
I’m back in the Indy today!
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
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 1, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I’m back in the Indy today!
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Featuring:
🔴 Red, gold and brown a bit too much (6)
🎖️ Call it a day having received medal and diamonds (2,2,3)
🎵 Show Me Love, Spinning Around and Come What May? (7)
Play for free here:
puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Rather chuffed to report that my friendly, feathered and equally foolish alter ego Loon makes his debut in The Times Quick Cryptic series today.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
October 27, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Rather chuffed to report that my friendly, feathered and equally foolish alter ego Loon makes his debut in The Times Quick Cryptic series today.
#cryptic #crossword
#cryptic #crossword
Reposted by Coot
Now a load of you have had a chance to get your hands on Issue One, please do share your feedback!
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
Unch Crossword Magazine
Unch, the clued-up crossword magazine
unchcrosswords.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Now a load of you have had a chance to get your hands on Issue One, please do share your feedback!
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
You can contact us via our Contact page here: unchcrosswords.com#contact
Any suggestions, comments on particular puzzles/clues, questions etc etc all very much welcomed.
Finally it landed on the doormat. Looks great - well done @unchcrosswords.com! Goes well with the tablecloth too!
October 18, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Finally it landed on the doormat. Looks great - well done @unchcrosswords.com! Goes well with the tablecloth too!
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
October 17, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Virtuous man lifted toilet seat (5)
You can solve this puzzle FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it off at ft.com/crossword
Reposted by Coot
Today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent is awful, but hopefully you’ll like it.
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
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
October 2, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Today’s cryptic crossword in the Independent is awful, but hopefully you’ll like it.
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Sample clue:
In high spirits, Gary Lineker finally comes out (3)
Solve it FOR FREE at puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
It seems that I have quite a large family in northern Italy
September 29, 2025 at 4:18 PM
It seems that I have quite a large family in northern Italy
Reposted by Coot
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
FT
The latest UK and international business, finance, economic and political news, comment and analysis from the Financial Times optimised for your device on app.ft.com.
ft.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:02 AM
I set today’s cryptic crossword in the FT.
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Sample clue:
Turn, turn … I’m turning left twice (8)
You can solve it FOR FREE
- at ft.com/crosswordapp
- by printing it at ft.com/crossword
Subtly downgrade a band:
Half man, half wafer
Half man, half wafer
Subtly downgrade a band:
The eccentic continent of Galahad Tan
maybe not so subtle either?
The eccentic continent of Galahad Tan
maybe not so subtle either?
Subtly downgrade a band:
Primal Whisper
- still not subtle enough, Steve.
Primal Whisper
- still not subtle enough, Steve.
September 25, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Subtly downgrade a band:
Half man, half wafer
Half man, half wafer