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FT Crossword 12,699

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ralphwalker | 09:16 Mon 25th Feb 2008 | Quizzes & Puzzles
9 Answers
24 (d) Worker said to be less important? (5)

Obviously the answer is ether MINER or MINOR but which? Both would seem to be apposite.

Would welcome some ideas.
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Minor is "less important" but the clue says "said" which means "sounds like", so the answer is MINER (a worker) which sounds "less important".
Indeed.

If the fourth letter is not checked via a crossing answer then I would call that "an unsound clue".
BigMac, I think it really depends on how it is read.

My commas.

Worker said, to be less important, would be MINOR

Worker, said to be less important would be MINER
Just shows how interpretations differ - I would have reasoned that 'less important' was the definition of the word to be entered and therefore the answer would be 'minor' as is sounds like 'miner'.
Accept that, Tichfield, but as written above there are no commas, and so my inclination would be to go with Miner.

Have just checked the clue as it appears in the FT and it reads exactly as ralphwalker has written it. The fourth letter is unchecked.

My view is that it's the worker which is said - although I accept there are grounds for doubt.
Well, as said above, it is open to interpretation.

Without a checked letter I think either answer should be acceptable.
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Many thanks BigMac Tichfield and JUNKMAN. I too, agree it is an unsound clue, as your most erudite answers prove. I think I shall probably go for MINER. If I am wrong, I think I shall have a go at the compiler, Cinephile!
I don't know what others think, but in my experience, the definition sought is usually the first synonym in the clue ie worker, so I'm def going for miner too....
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Thank you Misstoddler. Yes, that is the reason why I have chosen MINER. However, as you say, the definition is USUALLY the first synonym but not always in crosswords. I think the compiler in this case has produced a bad clue because can be interpreted in two ways

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