Latest News, Blog and Editorial

Big Competition Solutions – UK Issue 386

Get To Know Greek Letters

Hello!

The Greek alphabet was first used in the 8th century BC and is still used today. It has a set of 24 letters which you might see as mathematical symbols or the names of stars.

Our own alphabet is named after the first two Greek letters, Alpha and Beta, and you may have noticed that [more…]

Learn about the phrase ‘How’s your father?’

The history of some of our colloquial or idiomatic phrases is often the subject of debate, as is the case with the expression ‘How’s your father?’ To a non-British person, it might sound like an innocent enquiry after the health of a parent, but there’s much more to it.

Music hall comedian Harry Tate used [more…]

Colossus Competition Solutions – UK Issue 389

Cluewords 212 – Gremlin

The Baffler, page 41

The clue ‘Ecuador’s largest city’ is incorrect, it should have read ‘Ecuador’s capital’.

Thanks to M Allen from NSW for reporting this gremlin.

MEGA Competition Solutions – UK Issue 90

Select puzzles to view solutions:

Big Competition Solutions – UK Issue 385

Solve Cryptic Clues Like a Sleuth

Hello!

What is it about cryptic clues that makes them so addictive? We humans are programmed to relish a challenge, whether physical or mental, stretching our muscles or our thinking powers.

And what better mind challenge than solving a cryptic crossword? Like a whodunnit detective novel, the details are there but they need to be unravelled. [more…]

Mother’s Day in Australia

Hello!

In Australia, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. Families often come together for special meals, whether it’s a hearty brunch, a picnic in the park, or a relaxed barbecue in the backyard. Many Australians also take the opportunity to pamper their mothers with thoughtful gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or handmade [more…]