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.
Tag Archives: crosswords
AFR Cryptic Alphabetical Jigsaw (New Year 2026) Solution
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic Alphabetical Jigsaw (New Year 2026) Solution
AFR Cryptic (New Year 2026) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 POSTSCRIPT Supplement rent prescribed in court after appointments (10) (RIP inside CT) after POSTS 6 TIFF Firm not starting a minor dispute (4) (s)TIFF 9 PLACE Locate soft and delicate ornamental fabric (5) P … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (New Year 2026) Solution
AFR End Of Year Special 2026 Solution
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR End Of Year Special 2026 Solution
AFR Cryptic (Christmas 2025) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 MISMATCH Clash is concealed by two males at church (8) (IS inside M+M) + AT + CH 5 STAIRS Celebrities taking one flight (6) STARS outside I 9 SLOPPY Careless spy seen hanging around … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (Christmas 2025) Solution
AFR Christmas 2025 Clueless Solution
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Christmas 2025 Clueless Solution
AFR Cryptic (13/12/2025) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 FREE-FOR-ALL Go down outside bar or fight (4-3-3) FALL outside (REEF + OR) 6 LIST Write down orderly’s tip (4) Double Definition 10 ALTER Modify components in general terms (5) generAL TERms 11 SUCCESSOR … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (13/12/2025) Solution
AFR Cryptic (6/12/2025) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 HURTS Inflicts injuries on regiment primarily occupying small buildings (5) (R)egiment inside HUTS 4 FLATTERED Fine coffee and wine should be praised (9) F + LATTE + RED 9 DOUBLE CREAM High-fat dairy product … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (6/12/2025) Solution
AFR Cryptic (29/11/2025) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 DISGRACEFUL Shocking cold caught by out-of-shape lifeguards (11) C inside anagram LIFEGUARDS 9 HOLDING Mercury plugged by veteran in stocks and shares (7) HG outside (OLD + IN) 10 LIE-DOWN Acted deceptively to have … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (29/11/2025) Solution
AFR Cryptic (22/11/2025) Solution
Across Answers and Clues Explanations 1 SAT-NAV Guidance system positioned by reversing vehicle (3-3) SAT + (VAN reversed) 4 CLEAR-CUT Copper infiltrating corrupt cartel is definite (5-3) CU inside anagram of CARTEL 9 COASTAL A stone found coated in fossil … Continue reading
Posted in AFR Cryptic
Tagged AFR Cryptic, crosswords
Comments Off on AFR Cryptic (22/11/2025) Solution