EV 909

[tweaker]

'THREE GRACES' by Rustic.

My third EV (a newbie). Looks - for me - rather solvable as I now own the aides required!

I assume my 2nd edition of ODQ has the required answer(s).

Good luck to all! and God bless happy easter.

[AndrewG-S]

First variation: synonyms of the first 4 letters of the word
Second variation: the first shall be last
Third variation: anagrams of last 4 letters
11 letters yes, but does not end in an e
I did post to the last thread to congratulate you on 30 years and make a crass me/i joke, butt i think everyone had given up looking by then!

[DocHH]

Devadolly,
Herself has been her monopolising the loptap, for her genealogy stuff she cannot do at work during the week, and she doesn't have internet access at the flat in London!She arrived thursday evening (that minus a meadow= 40a). She left this afternoon, I was allowed limited access on sunday as she appreciates my need to N&C on EV! So no need to worry about moi! You can't keep a good Establishment Person down in the long term, or even the short term come to that!!

OK, let's see if I can help a little more. The 11 letter word ends with an N! 31d has all the letters of the last 4 letters of the 11 letter word, fortunately all of 31d are checked! That should give you the 5 anagrams you need. Look at my post in response to Novalis, Ginger Tom wouldn't 20a if Rover did a modified 8d, 9d or 39a! The latter could also be a covering for a tree. That should guide you to a 3 letter word in the middle of the 11 letter word, adapted in the same way as 8&9d and 39a!

Glad you ate well in the House, have not fed there formally, but have been to receptions though with drinks and nibbles(?) on the terrace.

If you are struggling with other answers that intersect 31d, just ask!

[AndrewG-S]

The other reason for being quiet was that I am onto my 5th week on the Listener - did someone offer to send me some medication? Please could they hurry it up. The exciting thing is that someone called "spoiler" posted to another website stating that protocols were being breached! It's gang warfare over there...never knew crossword solving could get so dangerous

[DocHH]

AnrewG-S, does that mean it's BRBs at dawn? Those with current versions plus current ODQ, Brewers and Bradfords may have the edge!! Anyone carrying a full set of OED is at a disadvantage!

[AndrewG-S]

An EMP will sort out anyone on CD ROM

[DocHH]

Yay, thank goodness we are on the same side!

[DocHH]

Novalis, just heard your team have secured their place, enjoy a celebratory tipple"

[AndrewG-S]

My daughter just hijacked my laptop - I apologise if she has reported anyone as being abusive

[MatydaLover]

I think it is worth recording that the Variation B can be described in a similar way to the sisters in the classic images - that is, back to front. This fits in neatly with the theme of the puzzle. I wonder if it was deliberate?

[Physicsgirl]

Long time no EV! I don't for a second think that I'll complete this one but have managed to solve ...... 5 clues! Things have been hectic for me - mini PG has found her legs in a big way and can get herself into no end of trouble. That, coupled with work and the fact that I have been wiped out with the early stages of expecting mini mark 2 (due in September) have meant no free time. I'm lucky if I make it past 9pm before turning in. Lovely to see the familiar names again and hope that everyone is well. Will peruse the other posts and see if I can find inspiration

[DocHH]

Hello Physicsgirl,
Welcome back, we missed you, the paddling pool may have been emptied, but can easily be refilled, or might get a bigger one! All the refreshments have been put out of reach of a now very mobile MiniPG. Congratulations on mini MkII. We await the news of the arrival. You have to start EV at an early age!
You should do OK with this one, there are a lot of gifts. Took a me while to resolve Variations B&C, had to write the confirmed letters on a separate sheet of paper, then PDM!

[novalis]

Hi DocHH!

Am just recovering from a celebratory tipple.....or three! Being promoted is one thing; staying up is another. That will be success next season.

Hi Physicsgirl!

Good to see that you haven't deserted us completely and very pleased to hear that Mini PG is thriving. Hope all goes well re Mini Mark II.

Hi MatydaLover!

I should imagine it was deliberate. The ingenuity of EV compilers never ceases to amaze me. Can I back against Glamorgan with impunity this coming cricket season?

[devadolly]

Welcome back Physicsgirl, you have been missed greatly. Many congrats on Mini 2, you are a glutton for punishment aren't you? The paddling pool is still around in the DC, I will pop in the store and get it out immediately, I am currently occupying the DC as I just cannot make any headway with the variations at all. I have got one (wrong) word stuck in my brain for the one needed and I just cannot think of another relevent one despite all the hints clanging at my feet. My 40a is non-existant because although I have something suitable for the still, I do not see the connection to the festival and I am not happy with either of my conclusions for 30 & 36a although they could make the same letters available for 31 & 32d. All very irritating!

[novalis]

HI devadolly!

I'm not on my home PC at the moment so can't help re individual clues. As far as the word to be entered beneath the grid is concerned it is 11 letters long and as you have the first four letters a quick browse through the "red brick" and you'll soon get to the bottom of it.

[turnerjmw]

Hi devadolly, if you look up the first three letters of your answer to 40ac in the Red Book, you should find that a) it's synonymous with the whole answer and b) that the rest of the clue is explained. As for 30ac, the expected abbreviation also has a separate phonetic meaning, while 36ac drops one of the pair of vowels near the start to give common tipples, though not, it seems, among N & Cers.

MatydaLover, that was a good spot, and I'm sure you're right that it was deliberate

[Physicsgirl]

almost done now ..... getting to the bottom of it .... ha ha. 23a is causing problems, I have WE?Y but can't find something to fit. Have the word to go under the grid and augmented answers, just stuck on top RH corner. Will apply myself more thoroughly, must try harder!

[kayakamina]

Wery...E (start of election) in WRY (cross)

[kayakamina]

Anagrams fill the RH corner.

7a Anag end of main word

8d & 9d anag of the middle three letters in the main word - someone suggested to think of what Rover does!

[Physicsgirl]

Thanks, Kayakamina... thought that but was thrown by 8d being 4 letters long. Have all but 8d,9d, 11a. Missing 2 letters from 26a - ?ea?od, I know answers that will fit but don't make sense of the clue. Also think I've gone wrong 34d and 39a but don't know where.

[kayakamina]

Hi

34d is an anagram of 39a both of which are synonyms of 8d (4) 9d ( 3 not 4)