Enigmatic Variations 835

[Spaghetti]

Is anyone else struggling with this?

I have a couple of down clues left, and was hoping that the thematic non-words would give me a helping hand, but I can't figure out what they are - and so far I haven't had any success with googling, either.

[devadolly]

Hello Spaghetti

Yes, after a couple of 'good' EVs' the last couple of weeks, I am back to asking to sit at the Master's feet and get teaching and guidance!! Think I am further behind than you are so, come in Novalis, DocHH, Christina and Mizalodam words of wisdom please.

Regards

Devadolly

[DocHH]

Hello Spaghetti,
I certainly am struggling this week, first time for a while. As you say there's not much help from the non-word thematic entries. Have made the assumption all unchecked squares are the same for each entry, be horrendous otherwise. Have managed to take a welcome break, although not on the Motorway today.

[DocHH]

Hello Devadolly
I'm right there in the queue with you today!! Might be able to hint/help with some specific clues though!
Ciao
DocHH

[devadolly]

Dear DocHH

Please - hint! hint! leadingly hint!

Regards

Devadolly

[DocHH]

Cher(e) Devadolly
It helps to try and focus on the cryptic parts on the down clues. Did you ever read Lion Witch and Wardrobe? That had someone nearly sloping! That makes 24d a little easier to b<correspond>b
Au revoir mon ami(e)

[ulysses100]

The ten letters in the across clues relate to something that a lorry driver has in his cab, and the two word phrase at the bottom is where he traditionally takes a break.
As to the other across answers I can only assume that they are the mixed up letters of other recording instruments (???)

[Spaghetti]

I've got as far as you, Ulysses 100, but I have to admit I gave up for the evening to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Results! Perhaps a new day will bring inspiration...

[devadolly]

Thank you all for the hints - will knuckle down as soon as I have got two deadlines out of the way. I shouldn't really even be sneaking a look on this site until I have got them out of the way - I can feel heavy editorial breathing approaching as I 'speak'................................

Regards

Devadolly

[Spaghetti]

I was right! I had another look this morning and, after careful re-reading of the preamble, the penny dropped. I'm reluctant to volunteer even a hint, but if anyone is reaching the end of their tether....

[ulysses100]

I'm afraid Spaghetti that I am going to have to ask for a gentle hint. Because there are still a few down clues to get (17,18,30,31) I cannot see where to go (yet).

[Spaghetti]

OK, ulysses100. The preamble says that the unclued entries are thematic. It also says that the 10 letter word from the across clues reveal an 'alternative description of the theme'.

So the theme must be an alternative description of (try a 4-word colloquial expression for) the 10-letter word.

Let me know if that helps!

[ulysses100]

Thank you Spaghetti for such a quick response.
The four word phrase leaped into my mind straightaway -- I'll now go away and think on't.

[ulysses100]

....in fact 1 across came immediately !!!!

[Spaghetti]

It was quite a challenge this week, wasn't it - compared to those for the last 3 or four weeks. I still think they're off the mark calling it the hardest barred crossword, though. The Listener wins hands down in my book!

[ulysses100]

I am nearing completion but still frustrated ! I have all of the transport (but a strange spelling of 39ac). Are all of the inserts real names or generics ?
E.g 16ac gives S?T and 39ac ?AM or AM? Is 21ac the same meaning as a ghost ?

[Spaghetti]

I think you must have 4dn wrong. 16ac is S?E in my solution.

I don't have anything unusual in 39ac, either. You seem to be reading the A as part of the insert, which it isn't in my reading.

You're right about 21ac, from which you'll gather that some of the inserts are proper names, some not.

[ulysses100]

Thanks again.
Yes, I had Carter instead of career, and in 39ac I was trying to fit in a variant spelling of caleche, instead of the simpler word that is there.

[Spaghetti]

I'm gald you cracked it in the end. Mine's on its way now but I have kept a photocopy in case of further queries!

[novalis]

Have just returned from a weekend away without newspapers etc. Sounds as if this week's EV is quite a challenge!! Could somebody post me a link please so I can have a look at it.

[DocHH]

Sorry Novalis. I only have the paper copy, but it was certainly a step up from the normal level of difficulty!!
Ciao ciao
DocHH