Spectator 2464

[Clexigon]

I have done most of the clued, but cannot see any sense in the instructions for solving the unclued. Can anyone help me?

[roslyn251254]

have you got the unclued 14d?

[roslyn251254]

Look here ...
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Question1713054.html

[Clexigon]

No. I haven't got 14 down and have read the link, which makes absolutely no sense to me at all.

[novalis]

If you have crossing letters for 14 down - a Scottish word which means topsy-turvy - use Chambers Word Wizard. That will give you the word you need. It begins with TA.

[Clexigon]

I have the following for 14 down ???S?LT???IE. I am sorry for being so thick - I can't make this out at all. What is the answer?

[brainiac]

Tapsalteerie

[roslyn251254]

clexigon ...try the chambers word wizard with the letters you have.

[Clexigon]

Thank you, brainiac and novalis, for your assistance.

[roslyn251254]

sorry novalis ...didn't see your advice

[Clexigon]

I still don't see how this is connected with a Spanish imperative, and although I now have 'tapsalteerie' (thanks to brainiac), I just don't know where this is meant to go. I'm sorry but am relatively new to the Speccie.

[novalis]

Tapsalteerie is the answer to 14 down and is entered there.
Tap can be followed by 3 of the unclued answers, salte is anagrammed to give three more of them and Erie is one of a group of 5. The other unclued answers are three more of that group.

[novalis]

Salte is the Spanish imperative and means 'jump'. That indicates it has to be anagrammed.

[roslyn251254]

salte is the spanish imperative bit of 14d

[Clexigon]

I must be a thick as a plank. I see 'salte', but the whole thing makes absolutely no sense. There are three words: 'tap', 'salte' and 'eerie'. I think 15 across may be 'dance' (tap dance). Am I on the right track? It is driving me mad.

[novalis]

Tap dance is right. Please see my earlier post re the split - it is Erie not eerie -and the significance of salte.

[Clexigon]

Hello novalis. Thank you for all your help. I think I have all the answers, which are lakes, anagrams of 'salte' and words which follow 'tap'. I have one left and have tried word wizard with no results. 12 down ?C?RO? I think after this, I'll go back to easy puzzles.

[roslyn251254]

scarps ...21a is coypu

[novalis]

You are right with the unclued answers. Your O is wrong in 12 down. It should be P. Don't give up on this type of puzzle. It is just a question of practice and experience.

[Clexigon]

Thank you, novalis, for your encouragement. Sometimes I have got on all right, but have found it almost impossible for the last few weeks. I have amended the 'o' to a 'p' and think I have the answer now. I will not give up :-)

[roslyn251254]

i must be wearing my invisibility cloak today.........