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.
Category Archives: AFR Cryptic
AFR Cryptic, Saturday 6/6/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (30/5/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 LIFE SPAN Decrypted files criticise maximum time spent working (4,4) Anagram of FILES + PAN 5 PAROLE Conditionally release play without every second part (6) P(l)A(y) + ROLE 10 CLAMOUR Cold ending of political … Continue reading
Library Appearance in Mosman 15/6/2026
Hi All Sydneysiders, I’ll be joining a monthly gathering of cryptic crossword solvers at Mosman Library on Monday 15th June, from 10.30am to 12. The group works through various cryptics together, bouncing ideas off each other. My friend, Ralph Penglis, … Continue reading
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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 30/5/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (23/5/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 BUCKLE DOWN Stud was first to have to make a determined effort (6,4) BUCK + LED + OWN 6 DEED Act’s text published in trade editions (4) traDE EDitions 10 BERMUDA TRIANGLE Mature bird … Continue reading
AFR Cryptic, Saturday 23/5/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (16/5/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 RUINOUS One after Rugby Union talent is extremely harmful (7) (I after RU) + NOUS 5 DEFIANT I gave food to retired worker ready for a fight (7) [(I + FED) reversed] + ANT … Continue reading
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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 16/5/2026, Clue Hints
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AFR Cryptic (9/5/2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 APPLICANTS Captains at sea holding place for candidates (10) Anagram of CAPTAINS outside PL 6 HELP Come to the aid of young dog without lead (4) (w)HELP 9 SLOOP Sailing vessel joins forces heading … Continue reading
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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 9/5/2026, Clue Hints
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