About the Setter
David Stickley has been writing crosswords professionally since 1995. His cryptic puzzle, The Stickler, reached number 4786 before being axed in July 2013 due to cutbacks. In 2024 David and his wife Linda secured a weekly cryptic and quick slot in The SMH and The Age. David has also been published in the NYT, the UK's FT and Church Times.
Author Archives: David Stickley
AFR Cryptic, Saturday 14/11/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (7/11/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 STANDOFF Workers outside union finally resolve a deadlock (8) STAFF outside [unio(N) + DO] 5 GAUCHE Unpolished copper and silver put back with helium (6) (CU + AG) reversed + HE 10 LOBSTER Large … Continue reading
AFR Cryptic, Saturday 7/11/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (31/10/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 BLOUSE Top opening to book, a contemptible one (6) (B)ook + LOUSE 5 SHAW Irish dramatist and critic is certainly outspoken (4) Sounds like SURE 9 AHEAD Leading male starring in a commercial (5) … Continue reading
AFR Cryptic, Saturday 31/10/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (24/10/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 LATER A little peripheral (a terminal) in the future (5) peripheraL A TERminal 4 SUSTAINED American wearing black is held up (9) US inside STAINED 9 CHALICE Chap mostly left very cold water in … Continue reading
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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 24/10/2024, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (17/10/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 CURDLE Clot formed by last drop of blood in ruptured ulcer (6) bloo(D) inside anagram of ULCER 4 MOPISH Listless cleaner is employed by hospital (6) MOP + IS + H 9 TAPAS Knock, … Continue reading
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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 17/10/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (10/10/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 FLEABITE A piece secured by bolt is a slight inconvenience (8) (A + BIT) inside FLEE 5 BALLAD Everyone sitting tight during dreadful song (6) ALL inside BAD 10 RIGHT What authors do in … Continue reading
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