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Not so Simplex: sometimes my crossword attempts feel otiose

Despite being a reasonably well-educated person, I have never heard of that word

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Wed Feb 04 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – While I enjoy the challenge of the Simplex crossword there are times when I am completely stumped. Last Saturday, January 31st, was an example when I was unable to answer clue 19 down – indolent or ineffectual. The solution, published today, Monday February 2nd was “otiose”.

Despite being a reasonably well-educated person, I have never heard of that word. I always understood that the Simplex crossword was meant to be challenging but solvable. Obviously sometimes not. – Yours, etc,

TONY CORCORAN,

Rathfarnham,

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Sir, – Zephyrs (4 Down, Simplex Crossword, February 2nd).

Oh that it were Scrabble. – Yours, etc,

JONATHAN WHITE,

Killiney,

Dublin.