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Flashling

@flashling.bsky.social
532 followers 285 following 1.9K posts

Cryptic crossword nut. Used to blow things up professionally.

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Reposted by Flashling
PuzzCulture @puzzculture.bsky.social · 6h
In today's post, we discuss The Independent's cryptic crossword and spread the word about attempts to save it from cancellation! puzzculture.com/2026/10/01/h...
puzzculture.com
Help Save The Independent Cryptic Crossword!
Although I have dabbled with cryptic (or British-style) crosswords for years, this year I’ve made more of a dedicated effort to improve my cryptic solving. I’ve tackled Josh Wardle&#821…
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Twm @twm-barlwm.bsky.social · 9h
I set today’s Daily Telegraph cryptic crossword www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/inde... Picture lawyer beginning to enjoy new number by Queen (5,9) Maybe Scorsese film is one demanding discipline (8) Chelsea's Terry taking a break (6)
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Chris Evans @mpcryptics.bsky.social · 23h
Bewildered that today will likely be my final cryptic in the Independent. Thanks to all those who've solved my puzzles over the past four years. Excellent copper fired round fleeing yard (6) Tube train home cancelled? South Western shall accommodate (5) ams.cdn.arkadiumhosted.com/assets/globa...
The Newcastle United manager, Matthias Jaissle, raising both hands to his head with a bewildered expression on his face.
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The Void ザ・ヴォイド @thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy · 30/09/2026
If you’d pay for a subscription of daily #cryptic #crosswords by Independent setters, please tell Mike. Comment #152 fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/indep…
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Liari @liari.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
See Eimi's comment at #152. fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i...
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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Flashling @flashling.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Bit surprised no-one has sung "When I'm 64" to me today
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Longyfan @longyfan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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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PeterMF @petermoorefuller.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Bard is back in the Indy today, featuring: Trendy adult board game place in the USA (7) Examined origins of surveillance culture with subjective article (6) Play for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti... #cryptic #crossword
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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Coot @coot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If it wasn’t anonymous, I might mention that I set today’s Times cryptic crossword. Clues include: Teenagers pong excessively, but only a fraction wash (6) Compiler’s current cracking standard to worsen? (6) #cryptic #crossword
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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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Abdul K. @abdvl.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
For anyone interested in solving, I have a puzzle featured in Rookie Corner under the pseudonym Ark (initials of my full name). The blog post should be up soon, where all constructive criticism is welcome! crypticcrosswords.net/puzzles/rook...
crypticcrosswords.net
Rookie Corner 643
A Puzzle by Ark + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + [raw] [/raw] + – + – + &#82…
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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 27/09/2026
Last call! I can take one more person on my autumn online masterclass for aspiring setters and advanced solvers if you reply in the next few days ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 7 and 14 November: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...
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Rob Jacques @knutcrosswords.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I set September's news-themed crossword for the @financialtimes.com. Sample clue: Wealthy chap Tice finally introduced to raunchy blonde (3,4) Solve the puzzle here: www.ft.com/content/f760...
ft.com
Sunday Number 164: News Puzzle
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Twm @twm-barlwm.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I set today’s Sunday Telegraph Prize Toughie www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/inde... Private Victor Watts has deserted (5) Weed this writer's spotted in middle of cowpat (4) Old people online civil in retirement? Not entirely (5)
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Twm @twm-barlwm.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I set today’s Daily Telegraph cryptic crossword www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/inde... Introducing Latitude, Pulp spring up (8) Ladder with small steps on it (4) Jazz keyboardist Chick nailing new organ part (6)
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I’m Dave Williams. You’re probably not @skirwingle.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here's a second #cryptic #crossword from me. "You're joking, not another one‽" www.mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/3952
static.klipy.com
You're Joking, Not Another One!
ALT: You're Joking, Not Another One!
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I’m Dave Williams. You’re probably not @skirwingle.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I think it's about time for my monthly #cryptic #crossword, don't you? crossword.info/skirwingle/p...
crossword.info
Crossword #90
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Liari @liari.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Potoroo is back in the Telegraph Toughie today. We hope you enjoy! www.telegraph.co.uk/puzzles/puzz...
telegraph.co.uk
Telegraph Puzzles
Telegraph Puzzles - Play daily online games including crosswords, sudoku, kakuro, codewords, PlusWord and more
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Rachel Playforth @archelina.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Seizing the moment, excitedly point out crisp (13) A scene from my daily life and also a clue from today's Telegraph cryptic crossword (my first time setting it!)
static.klipy.com
Spinning Potato Chips
Alt: GIF of a mesmerising potato crisp rotating on a black background
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John Henderson @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Did you know that @the-independent.com is planning to shelve its cryptic crossword at the end of October? Get involved, by contacting the Indy directly, by retweeting this post and/or by commenting at fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i.... Save the Indy #crossword!!
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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Champie @champierth.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Combine both terms, and call it Superficial Intellegence.
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Rob Jacques @knutcrosswords.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I set today's Toughie crossword in The Telegraph. Sample clue: Jelly Roll musical piece? (4)
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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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The Void ザ・ヴォイド @thevoidtlmb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy · 21/09/2026
The Independent is cancelling their #cryptic #crossword. If you care, maybe (boost this &) comment on this thread?: fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/indep…
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future
Some of you may have heard that The Independent newspaper has decided to drop the daily cryptic crossword with effect from the end of October 2026. I believe that the last puzzle will ... Read more >>
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Rob Jacques @knutcrosswords.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I set today's Indy cryptic. It'll be my last since the decision has been made to end the series on 31.10. Boo. I'd like to thank Mike for his help as editor down the years. He published my first puzzle and has been an absolute pleasure to work for. 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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Rob Jacques @knutcrosswords.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I imagine Evgeny has to shell out a few roubles on a case or two of Tignanello for Boris's next visit to his Umbrian palazzo so his mind is probably made up but if you want to comment on the closure of the Indy crossword this is the place to do it: fifteensquared.net/2026/09/21/i...
fifteensquared.net
Independent Cryptic Crossword – the future – Fifteensquared
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amoebacrosswords.bsky.social @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Another marvellous Filbert in today's Independent - but only five more to savour before the paper discontinues its crossword, sadly.
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Tramp @tramp1.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I set today’s Prize crossword in the Guardian. I wrote it in July 2024. State of fancy throne surrounding king: gold one (5,5) Guardian Prize crossword: No. 30,116 crosswords-static.guim.co.uk/gdn.cryptic....
crosswords-static.guim.co.uk
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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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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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Mags @magnumificent.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A lorry carrying a shipment of Worcestershire sauce from a brewery in Leicestershire was driving through Loughborough when it ploughed head-on into a Lamborghini Murciélago. 1/7
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amoebacrosswords.bsky.social @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Tango is back in today's Times Quick Cryptic today. Clues include: Metal implant reconfigured to protect you (8) I hope you enjoy it!
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Rob Jacques @knutcrosswords.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Sample clue from my puzzle on the back page of today's Telegraph: Cry from Fred, a boy upset about rubbish pop group party (5,5,3)
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Guinevere 🎲🎲 @guineverecryptic.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Dice on a Wednesday? Well, there’s a good reason for it… Country lover in threesome caught by postman (7) Clichéd rabbit straddling lover’s rear (5) Lifted part of chrysalid off a dying flower (8) Hope you enjoy it as much as I did setting it! #cryptic #crossword
theguardian.com
Cryptic crossword No 30,113
Cryptic crossword No 30,113
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Cethan Leahy @cethanleahy.com · 15/09/2026
Pretty funny that Ed Sheeran seemingly only hired Irish people and yet didn't see this coming.
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Flashling @flashling.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@knutcrosswords.bsky.social I'd rather he didn't
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Cas/Strix 🔜 MagicCon Atlanta @strixhavendropout.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Saw this and died
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Flashling @flashling.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Very true Twm. You're the Guy for this.
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Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I'm proud to represent the interests of the man in the street. The street is in Thailand and the man is Christopher Harborne.
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Henri @henriwords.com · 15/09/2026
OK who owes me a test solve? 😆 (regular blocked puzzle, no theme, no shenanigans, for MyCrossword later this week) Form an orderly queue in my DMs…
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still last @lastnotlost.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
*Heads Up* National Trust council voting is underway until 30 Oct'26. AGM PDF: nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/con... The b*stards at Restore Trust are recommending 5 candidates, so ones to avoid, and a resolution to vote against: www.restoretrust.org.uk/agm-2026 #NT #NationalTrust #AGM
Here are the five [Restore Trust] recommend to protect what the Trust is for:

Mash Bonigala, founder of The England Archive, documenting the blacksmiths, pub landlords and traditional crafts at risk of disappearing

Georgia Cristea, RIBA-accredited Conservation Architect and Interior Designer based in London, specialising in historical buildings

Lawrence Goldman, Oxford historian of 29 years, former Director of the Institute of Historical Research and former editor of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Anthony Mealing, practising Conservation Architect accredited for building conservation, who believes our built heritage should be managed as a living legacy, not just preserved

Bijan Omrani, award-winning British historian, classicist and writer, who led the campaign that kept Shute Barton open to the publicAny member who wishes to stand for election to the Council of the National Trust should be nominated and seconded by other members.

The Council of the National Trust should have a strong mandate from the members. However, governance is currently suffering from member disengagement. Between 2023 and 2025, voter turnout fell by about 60%, partly due to an overly-long ballot that makes meaningful scrutiny of candidates nearly impossible. Currently, any individual can appear on the ballot via an online form with no prior commitment to the Trust. In contrast, members wishing to bring a resolution must show the support of 50 members of 17 months’ standing. This disparity is illogical.

Requiring a proposer and seconder is a standard democratic safeguard. It ensures candidates have a baseline of support and have engaged with the wider membership before seeking a seat on the Council. This minor change will improve candidate quality, shorten the ballot to a manageable length, and help build confidence in the Trust’s democratic processes.
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Boater Witch Poppy @boaterwitch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I've been writing cryptic crossword clues and need some feedback on them, if anyone on here knows much about cryptics?
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Truly disgusting social media post from one of Brexit's most influential backers.
Arron Banks 

Going through Heathrow today, there wasn't one
white face in security or airport services. The
Home office is staffed by the type of people we
are trying to keep out! What hope?
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Sitter Crosswords @sitterxwords.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A fabricated invasion report by ex-US Tea Party constituents? (6,7) #cryptic #crossword #crosswordclue
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Simon Pegg @simonpegg.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The UK land speed record of 403.1 mph (648.7 km/h) set by Donald Campbell on July 17 1964 has just been broken by a paper shredder at Reform UK HQ.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
You might have to turn up for the results of this one, Nige.
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Sarah Dempster @dempster2000.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The first rule of Norman Collier club is ou alk ut orm er club.
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Mrs. Betty Bowers @mrsbettybowers.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
There have been so many impeachable offenses, but lying about how you were a hero on a day that 2,753 people died in NYC in the 9/11 disaster—when you were on the other side of town, safely calling local media to brag about how you now had the tallest downtown building—is such a despicable one
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Alan Richardson @alanrichardson.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A US President lying about his own activities on 9/11 is an abomination. Dear god, Americans, have you no decency?
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Coot @coot.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Delighted to be back in the Independent today. Clues includes: Make a mess of power grab acquiring fashion brand (4,2) Eric and Ernie wanted this star to excel (8) Sir Elton abandons husband in favour of American woman (4) #cryptic #crossword 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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