Spectator 2599 -Slow To Change

[Matakari]

Good morning,
A real challenge from Mr Magoo this week! Anyone completed it?
Gave it a rest yesterday, and am back at it today! A handicap with
no ODQ!

[Neveracrossword]

It was a wonderful puzzle, very well put together. Don't worry about not having an ODQ as it's definitely not essential - I have a copy, but got the proverb by other means. Mr Magoo's puzzles are probably the most satisfying - and most challenging, but the effort is worth it.

[novalis]

As NACW says, not having OQD is not a disadvantage. It is a proverb I've heard many a time. As always with Mr Magoo - a Times crossword championship winner - this is a well constructed puzzle which presents a nice challenge.

[Tilly2]

You can say the challenge bit again!
I think I've met my nemesis with Mr Magoo.
I have managed to do three so far.:-(

[Matakari]

Yes, Tilly2, our Nemesis indeed! I've got 12 so far that look good.
The challenge goes on...

[Neveracrossword]

Tilly2, I've had another look at the puzzle. Some of the clues are more straightforward, less challenging, than others. I think you'll be fine with 15 A, 27 A, 2 D, 3 D, 18 D, 33 D and 34 D.

[teacher1]

Neveracrossword ...... can you help me with 4a please?

[Neveracrossword]

4 A. Triangular prism arranged by bouncers I rejected (5,4). I'd never heard of the answer!

It's a triangular prism. The 'bouncers' are people who don't tell the truth, I is in the answer and there's the abbreviation for 'arranged' 'Rejected' is the usual crossword device.

[teacher1]

Thank you Neveracrossword.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks,. Teacher1, hope it helps!

[klazomaniac]

Hi all, I too have come to a halt after a lengthy (but pleasureable) battle with all the clued's last night.
Good to see that the ODQ is not required to complete this one.
But wish I had one right now. lol
Now i'm back in, Onwards I march to tackle the thematic part and hopefully the penny will nicely fall into place.

[Neveracrossword]

Klazo, I don't mind lengthy battles, so long as they are pleasurable. The Spectator quite frequently has puzzles which mention ODQ - or Brewer's - but the reference books aren't always vital. (If I managed this one without ODQ, I'm sure other solvers will too!)

[klazomaniac]

Thanks NAC. I have just written all the thematic grids down on a seperate sheet to have a play with. So I'll see if I can make some sense it.
I think a lot of Googling is about to take place. So I probably won't be back for a while. :-)

[Tilly2]

Thank you for pointing out the more straight forward clues, NAC.

The (now) six that I've managed are none of those. :-)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Klazo, your positive attitude is commendable!

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry, Tilly2 - I hoped those clues would look less daunting! I suppose the ones that I found tricky might have been straightforward for others...

[Tilly2]

No need to apologise, NAC. Perhaps I'm
Over thinking.

[Matakari]

Tilly2, the clues suggested by NACW, I have.
15a begins with I???R
18d begins with P?????T
33d begins with L???O
34d starts with F???S
I'm keeping up the battle!

[Tilly2]

Thanks Matakari. I'll have a look at those.

[klazomaniac]

My goodness. Got the Proverb (never heard it before).
And how many variants !
Now onto tackle that last three. Might have a break as my noodle is a bit fried from looking.

Mr Magoo, You've certainly set us a task this week !

[Boethius]

Thank you, Neveracrossword, for 4A. Was beginning to think 9D Satirist chucking Queen in oven (4) must refer to Peter Cook (er), making my 15A wrong. All OK now.