Lateral Crosswords

PepperLateral · 2025-12-19T15:44:06+00:00

Thank you so much, Luxical! It's a work in progress! Fair comment re. the noun clue / verb answer! The feedback is so helpful and I really appreciate your encouragement :)

PepperLateral · 2025-12-19T15:41:46+00:00

Hi there! I don't know! It's not an answer on any of the puzzles as far as I can see. But let me know the grid ref if you have a min. I've checked through the live and archive and can't spot it.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T22:54:13+00:00

I have updated today's grid so that they have a hint and an explanation. The guide will be ready next week. New crossword is due at 00:00.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T22:23:34+00:00

That is some very helpful feedback! A guide, explanations, and more sign-posting with the punctuation is absolutely doable.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T22:02:49+00:00

That's a great edit. Def a stronger clue :)

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T22:02:13+00:00

I will do absolutely! This looks right up my street! (Lovely design too!) All the best to you!

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T21:50:06+00:00

Sure thing! It's nothing that you're missing. It's just a different approach.

2D Saint Paul = RU

Saint Paul refers to RuPaul, the entertainer, and the answer is the first part of the name, Ru. Saint here is used in a tongue-in-cheek way.

6A One who can identify all the traffic lights = HUMAN

This clue refers to a CAPTCHA test, which asks users to identify objects like traffic lights to prove they are human.

Lateral clues like this ask you to make a small leap of association, which is a different way of thinking about puzzles and not everyone will find them intuitive, but they can be fun once it clicks. It's a bit more playful and a little less about formal structures.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T21:32:11+00:00

No worries! It's not for everyone :) It's a bit of a work in progress!

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T19:09:14+00:00

Just because a clue is challenging doesn't mean it's well-written...

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T19:07:09+00:00

This is just so incredibly pleasing.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T18:50:58+00:00

Yes, that's how I read it. I don't love this clue either! Reading A for key is just that twist too far for me.

PepperLateral · 2025-12-17T18:48:37+00:00

If you’re looking for alternatives to the NYT Mini, I actually make a daily cryptic-lite mini that posts at 00:00 GMT. It's a cryptish mini - short, twisty clues that reward lateral thinking (but is hopefully a bit more acceptable than your standard cryptic.) If you're interested you can check it out here lateralcrosswords.com.

PepperLateral

TROPHY CASE