iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Laughter // Shrew There is laughter in the forest, And a shrew that dies alone. Lord, let them come easy to me. They can't. They won't.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 11h

40 4-word clues with a grid containing 4 4-shapes for grid number 4000... it's peak.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Reposting this one to see if I snag anyone else to give it a go. The secret is... It's a 7x7 pangram! And there are only 35 letters in the whole puzzle 🫨

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

During @ouroborosop.bsky.social 's stream yesterday I was inspired by jorotomo's mini and whipped up this 7x7 mini with a grid fill that was very tricky! The "twist" will help you with the unches ;) Have fun!! Something finally pocketed, showing profit? (5) www.mycrossword.co.uk/mini/344

mycrossword.co.uk

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Well hot damn why isn't that advertised more haha

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Side question: how does one view how many completed solves a grid has? Or are you equating this with Hearts?

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Sorry about the sad news. I'll try to drop into the stream on my way home from work <3

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Looking for a cosy cryptic grid to do? Try my latest MyC! www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3902 Whack editor for description of cut-off pants (5) Don't stop mobster with a new boss (2,2,3,2) Fluttering eyelids in a sleazy way (7) Name for somewhere cat protects horse (7)

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,902 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,902 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 37 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Thu 10 Sep 2026. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Haha I really really hope this is an OnlyConnect episode I'll get to watch in a couple weeks...

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I happened to be on a team with the Thinky games host for the July one, it was great fun and now I plan to eventually host it in Oslo!

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Reposted by Ben Dawes

Matt // metagloria @metagloria.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

New one from me to shake the rust off! Thanks to @bendawes.bsky.social for testing and helping refine some surfaces. Surprising way to get hater into cryptic crosswords? (5-10) Difficulty talking athletic regulations, perhaps, for Spooner? (7) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3874

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,874 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,874 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 30 clues by metagloria. Published Fri 4 Sep 2026. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Thanks so much, that was a delightful watch. Attached gif explains the split on 24/25D!! Iconic!!

static.klipy.com

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Anticipation

Alt: Rocky Horror Picture Show - Anticipation

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Reposted by Ben Dawes

Liari @liari.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Streaming puzzles from MyCrossword today at 2:30 BST by @bendawes.bsky.social, @archelina.bsky.social, @fimjishwick.bsky.social and @henriwords.com. Twitch.tv/liari77

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

After being inspired by @henriwords.com 's Dolly grid on @metagloria.bsky.social 's stream, I took an hour to grid and 2 to clue this Tim Curry full. Please enjoy! Thrash and sob about proper actor's ending (5) Tim perfectly embodies mischievous scamp (3) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3848

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,848 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,848 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 36 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Thu 27 Aug 2026. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

This is my favourite of @metagloria.bsky.social 's grids ever! Does that make me bonkers?? You should go see it and figure out what makes it bonkers!!

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Reposted by Ben Dawes

Liari @liari.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Planning to stream today around 2:30pm MyCrossword puzzles by @ouroborosop.bsky.social, @henriwords.com, @bendawes.bsky.social, @gumbootcrosswords.bsky.social and @magpielinguist.bsky.social. twitch.com/liari77

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Give my latest grid a whirl and leave a comment if you do! French wine and eggs accompanying dal curry (8) How something's painted poorly by Dali bathing drunk? (2,1,3,5) Blew by stop light (7) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3759

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,759 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,759 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Mon 3 Aug 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Themed cryptic grid with my favourite clue I've set this year (8d). I almost tossed the whole grid - but regridded it just to ensure that one could be published! You may need some crossers, though ;) How one might set par for course in Louisiana, perhaps? (3,3,5) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3759

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,759 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,759 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Mon 3 Aug 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

It was set on the discord with info posted in the #event-discussion channel! Canada was indeed the theme!

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I entered the @crackingthecryptic.bsky.social 24 hour cryptic crossword setting challenge and got second place! GO CANADA! The Great White North may set upon Ms. Lovelace (6) Bones found in gulag stripped of goods, supporting lie by East (7) Hemp sheet? (4) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3744

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,744 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,744 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 27 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Thu 30 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Had the pleasure of testing this grid!! It's a good 'un!

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Reposted by Ben Dawes

Liari @liari.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Stream today (in approximately 2 hours). Will be tackling MyCrossword puzzles by @bendawes.bsky.social, @metagloria.bsky.social, @henriwords.com and @ouroborosop.bsky.social Twitch.tv/liari77

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Out with another grid! I would love any and all feedback on it :) Really tried to keep clues clean + succinct. Hope they are fun!! Professor Lars consumes bacon bits (7) Turn me over after stubbing toes! (4) Set loose, I am the orc, the orc of many colours! (15) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3711

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,711 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,711 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 31 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Tue 21 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Some samples: The king leads from one, nobly sitting in it? (6) Old method on the corner that's secured page? (6) Chopped tree cooks - black on the bottom coming out? (8)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Just published puzzle that was a monster to set! Thanks for the help @metagloria.bsky.social The challenge - no pure charades - &lits aplenty and a couple cheeky DDs and CDs for good measure. Sink your teeth into it and let me know how you do! www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3670

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,670 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,670 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 32 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Fri 10 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

I will likely be driving (road tripping across Europe) and thus unable to be in chat, but will try! And will enjoy either way!

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Amazing! I will publish it now and DM you the link :)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Dear cryptic crossword solvers! I have a grid that I've made that's a little special and I would LOVE to watch someone solve it on a stream or recording. I haven't published it yet but it's been tested by the wonderful @metagloria.bsky.social :) Would anyone be interested? Let me know!

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Open equaliser on Canal+ (French for a heading) (6)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Hot and cold machine for shock therapy? (4,11)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Latest on @mycrossword.co.uk ! As a tester said; "1a is a banger" - hopefully the rest follow suit! www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3646 Thanks @metagloria.bsky.social for testing !! Crooked Don, help my defense hub! (5,4) One shy, nearly, or thereabouts (3) Within moot points, a gem (9)

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,646 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,646 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 27 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Sat 4 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Reposted by Ben Dawes

Matt // metagloria @metagloria.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Biweekly puzzle drop! Tried a little something new. Thanks to the excellent @bendawes.bsky.social for testing and helping refine a clue or two. One might see us rebuilding places of worship (7-6) Fling from part of Australia is ongoing (7) and more! www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3641

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,641 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,641 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 29 clues by metagloria. Published Fri 3 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Samples (first may be my peak, forever...): Loyal sorts to produce alloy - how so? (14) Subtle observation derives pi on a generality, in part (9) Disturbed routine in early human development site (2,5) Ancient city with crumbling walls - in France, I start to riot; in Germany, I start to obey (7)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

New grid! I've been working hard on trying to hone my clues to be "publishable" (in a very general sense) so if you have the time to try it out and leave a comment it would mean the world! mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3625

mycrossword.co.uk

Cryptic crossword No 3,625 · MyCrossword

Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,625 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 25 clues by NoBadWeather. Published Mon 29 Jun 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Samples! Means to means? (10) Hot drink on call (7) Lying regularly locks criminal up until death (8)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

How fun! Reminds me of a clue from the other week: Spooner's safe speaking such statements, say? (13)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Sample clues: Public space where it's open to air? (5) Holder of the holy grail decapitated; with query, tortured (9) Fails to set straight, as I'm returning mixed signals (9)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Would anyone here be so kind as to test a full cryptic grid? Looking for feedback on whether clues parse, difficulty etc. :)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Drink is very good! Your points are exactly what I feared haha

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

How do we feel about the word "lots" being "sea", as in "a sea of options"? Full clue: 19d. Hot lots on call (7)

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Ben Dawes @bendawes.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Up there with "on board" being "inside SS" - I'm against, unless you know your audience well enough

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