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Charlie Methven

@charliemethven.bsky.social
351 followers 120 following 1K posts

I set cryptic crosswords as Methuselah and Chameleon and write questions for Only Connect • charliemethven.com • he/him

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Reposted by Charlie Methven
ecclescrosswords.bsky.social @ecclescrosswords.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
While the campaign to save @the-independent.com #crossword continues, worth continuing to point out what a fantastic opportunity this is for @theipaper.com . No better daily cryptic - they know this already, as recycled ones form a key part of their strong puzzle section. @olyduff.bsky.social
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Longyfan @longyfan.bsky.social · 22h
To elaborate on that last repost, eimi – cryptics editor at the Indy – is gauging interest in an independent follow-up to the Independent crossword Email trulyindependentcrosswords@gmail.com with the subject line “truly” Comment #152 on the fifteensquared blog fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i...
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Liari @liari.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
New @crackingthecryptic.bsky.social video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_JI...
youtube.com
Help SAVE The Independent Cryptic Crossword
YouTube video by Cracking The Cryptic
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Henri @henriwords.com · 23/09/2026
The best practical advice I’ve seen so far is in comment number 55 by PostMark at the link in John’s post below - email the managing editor of the Independent Details are in that comment 👍
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Just republished an old Indy puzzle. I always liked that it name-checks setter, editor and test-solver: King casually calls for toast with pork pie (7) Top spy replaces lead for fancy audio equipment (4) Legendary hunter mounting leopard or minotaur hides (6) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3945
mycrossword.co.uk
Sign in · MyCrossword
Sign in to your MyCrossword account to access your crossword history, create new puzzles, comment on solutions, and track your solving progress.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
LRLR @lrlr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Sad to see the Independent has ceased their cryptic. If you’re a former independent setter, drop me a DM. Minute Cryptic is accepting limited submissions for mini cryptics.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Also, while The Indy's decision is based on clicks, The i Paper presumably doesn't yet know how losing its crossword might affect physical sales of the paper. If you buy The i Paper for its crossword, might be worth saying so here? fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i... bsky.app/profile/eccl...
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
ecclescrosswords.bsky.social @ecclescrosswords.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I wonder if the best chance for the Independent crossword is for the @theipaper.com to take it up. It has taken old puzzles for years so should know the value of the brand - and the quality - and it takes pride in its puzzles page. @olyduff.bsky.social
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
John Henderson @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The future of the Independent #Cryptic #Crossword: fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i...
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Raider @mycrossword.co.uk · 19/09/2026
🚀 New MyCrossword release... well, sort of. I've been adding a few bits and pieces to the site lately so I thought I'd mention them here.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
ecclescrosswords.bsky.social @ecclescrosswords.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Sad news that The Independent is to stop its Cryptic Crossword in November, barring a last minute change of heart. It has forged its own distinct identity and will leave a great hole. Particular credit to Mike for introducing so many new great new setters to the professional ranks.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Gonna be a long night
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
John Henderson @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
One is so tired of editors (7) A cracker from the late lamented Nutmeg that came up in conversation yesterday (and not in the context of #Inquisitor or #EnigmaticVariations before you ask).
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I've updated my cryptic grammar guide with a section on which sort of grammatical combos (I hear some people call them fodules) work well for indicating anagrams, reversals etc. charliemethven.com/crypticgramm...
charliemethven.com
Charlie Methven – Cryptic grammar
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Rachel Playforth @archelina.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
If you get the i paper, today's cryptic crossword is by me 😊
Partial page from newspaper showing clues to cryptic crossword no 4865 by Angel
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
I've updated my cryptic grammar guide with a section on which sort of grammatical combos (I hear some people call them fodules) work well for indicating anagrams, reversals etc. charliemethven.com/crypticgramm...
charliemethven.com
Charlie Methven – Cryptic grammar
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
In today's varied crossword landscape, it's possible to start the day with a Yank, enjoy a Tug with lunch and still fit a Guy in before bed
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
tpg @tpgrammar.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Thank you to MyCrossword’s famous solver, Kateh!
youtu.be
“Cryptic Doubles” with Kateh
YouTube video by tpgrammar
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
I’m Dave Williams. You’re probably not @skirwingle.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
What ho, here's one in the i for @thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
i cryptic crossword No 4858 by Mev.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Guinevere 🎲🎲 @guineverecryptic.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Hope you enjoy the first ever Tuesday Dice puzzle! Maybe something appropriate for this time of year… Nice places being arranged – somewhere to accommodate writers (6-4) Open-minded nude American Bishop is sacked (8) #cryptic #crossword www.theguardian.com/crosswords/c...
theguardian.com
Cryptic crossword No 30,100
Cryptic crossword No 30,100
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
PostMarkCryptic.bsky.social @postmarkcryptic.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Pleased to have compiled today's Independent crossword. Including: During dry spell, love going for a drink (7) Progress at last, a substitute for milk! (8) Scotch barely open, flipping rubbish party folds (7) puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
puzzles.independent.co.uk
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.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Stoo G @formulastoo.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Can we just take a moment to salute the #onlyconnect question setters for putting the "in the middle" clues *in the middle* of the Connecting Wall
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I'm in the Indy today with clues including: Arms on the counter somewhere in pub (4) Spaniard’s “house white” is port (10) Penning article, cancel dated book (6) Some seethe as he strokes trophy (3,5) puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
puzzles.independent.co.uk
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.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Ben Zimmer @handle.invalid · 26/08/2026
Remembering the time DOLLY PARTON performed the Dallas Cowboys' 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show after TONY POLLARD scored for the Cowboys, and nobody noticed they were anagrams of each other web.archive.org/web/20231124...
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Rachel Playforth @archelina.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
New Featured cryptic on MyCrossword by me today - should be a gentle start to your solving week I think 😇 www.mycrossword.co.uk/featured/18
mycrossword.co.uk
Featured crossword No 18 · MyCrossword
Solve Featured crossword No 18 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 32 clues by Angel. Published Mon 24 Aug 2026. Free to solve online.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Anthony Etherin @anthonyetherin.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
ANAGRAM-SONNET FOR JORGE LUIS BORGES — on the occasion of Borges’ 127th birthday:
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Anthony Etherin @anthonyetherin.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
IO (Only two vowels, alternating) Long I trod, dislodging rocks, blind on Io’s wilds…. Now I hold this cosmic god, this fossil of iron; this lost lion with torn wings: Now, I hold Io’s sphinx.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Catnip @catnipxword.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Nepeta's back in the Indy today by popular(ish) demand. Sample clues: Private area's security measures no good (5) Fat fool keeping almost emaciated First Lady very close (5,2,7) puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
puzzles.independent.co.uk
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.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
The Void ザ・ヴォイド @thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy · 20/08/2026
Hey Dexter, I set today’s #cryptic #crossword in The Independent. Solve free online here (select Aug 20th): puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cry…
puzzles.independent.co.uk
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.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Jazz quartet occasionally ripped off Kind of Blue (5) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/1968
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 1,968 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 1,968 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 32 clues by Methuselah. Published Mon 9 Sep 2024. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Sitter Crosswords @sitterxwords.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Missing Aardman's original cut-price clay animation for this? (7,4) #cryptic #crossword #crosswordclue
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Does anyone have any idea how many people currently solve cryptic crosswords? What's the all-time count of cryptic solvers?
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Is this anything?
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
@guineverecryptic.bsky.social Nicely done
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Liari @liari.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
I set the latest Featured crossword on MyCrossword. www.mycrossword.co.uk/featured/17
mycrossword.co.uk
Featured crossword No 17 · MyCrossword
Solve Featured crossword No 17 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 34 clues by Liari. Published Mon 10 Aug 2026. Free to solve online.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Henri @henriwords.com · 30/07/2026
After a few straightforward and oddly popular puzzles it’s time to bring my average Likes back down with a SHENANIGANS crossword! 😈 Tasters: 💪 Muscle function weak (5) 🚗 Car bonnet not quite free (5) 🇮🇹 Italian food recipe: slice of veal in garlic mayo (7) www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3743
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 3,743 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 3,743 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 36 clues by Henri. Published Thu 30 Jul 2026. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Unintended cinematic synergy from my OC question tonight
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Eatable cutlery is an unusual concept, so let's check in with this cartoon man, who will surely explain everything without appearing to endorse self-cannibalism
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
@rayscotchcoulton.bsky.social Guess what animal this is (Around the World in 80 Days)
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Alex Elizabeth Byrne McMillan @undeniablyalex.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Saw ‘The 39 Steps’ last night. Way too many people for a tribute act.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Pat Cousins @patcousins.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Thank you to Charlie for bringing this to our attention. A very special puzzle, indeed! My not-so-special solve is here, but do try it yourself first: youtu.be/dUOvxJ5Pnv0?...
youtu.be
BONUS: Independent Cryptic Crossword (14 July 2026) by Atrica
YouTube video by Pat Cousins
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Henri @henriwords.com · 21/07/2026
(4)
News > UK > UK Politics

Nigel Farage hits out
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
From the archives: Oddly suppressed goodbyes and affirmative word about to finish a long story (7) Youngster seeking old man Methuselah sadly getting cold, not hot (10) A side of arsenic fed to awfully sly cop who detained hero (7) [x2] www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/1210
mycrossword.co.uk
Cryptic crossword No 1,210 · MyCrossword
Solve Cryptic crossword No 1,210 on MyCrossword. 15x15 grid with 33 clues by Methuselah. Published Fri 16 Jun 2023. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
It's such a funny Easter egg that every charity shop in the country contains at least one copy of The Salt Path
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Lupus Londonwolf @lupuslondonwolf.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Piet Mondrian's work on the London Underground is exceptional.
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
weeder @weeder.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Must feel so good for text after you hit ctrl-x, floating in liminal space, before ctrl-v thrusts it back onto the desolate page
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Cheer up, France, they save the really fun questions for the third-place play-off
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Reposted by Charlie Methven
Jack Yeo @jackryeo.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
There are *so* many possibilities for what's about to happen.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Today's Independent puzzle by Atrica is something special puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
puzzles.independent.co.uk
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.
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Charlie Methven @charliemethven.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Enjoyable start to Only Connect Series 22, or as I'm calling it, "Paradise Lost Lost"
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