Listener Crossword 4017 - A Knotty Problem

[Apache4D]

Thought I would be exceptionally rude and post the link to the latest Listener that I have been waiting for all week!!

This is my first year of attempting the Listener crosswords and have managed to complete the first two offerings which seem to be of an easier standard. As for 4017, I can't even unravel the pre-amble so not sure how I'm going to fair. Good luck to All!


http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/art s_and_entertainment/games_and_puzzles/article5 521975.ece

[Apache4D]

LordBadger,

Have you also completed the final part of the pre-amble, which should give you something of interest North of the Border in every sense of the theme/grid?

Apologies if you have :)

Apache4D

[lordbadger]

Well yes Apache4D, I�ve done the colouring in .. I always find this aspect quite exciting :-) .. it�s more the leftovers like HODYIG that I�m feeling less thrilled about.

[Apache4D]

LB, apologies for stating the obvious and agreed with you totally, especially with the amendments south of the border being so neat tying in with the theme etc.

However I was just happy to find the removals, so obviously correct when the theme is understood, and even happier when I had the correct highlighter to hand!!

Look forward to this weeks (unfortunately still have four left on EV846).

[perseverer]

While I would prefer to be left with real words, I'm not sure it is always going to be possible. At least the position of the letters to be highlighted is significant thematically.

[castro221]

I think you're all being a bit hard on this puzzle. It cannot have been all that easy to set, and I enjoyed solving it. I don't feel in the least cheated by any aspect of it, and wish they were all as fair as this one!

[Cruncher]

Hear, hear!

[Apache4D]

By no means was I trying to criticise the puzzle at all, the main reason I enjoy solving these puzzles is that I am in constant awe of the compilers' ability & genius!!

4017 imo was intricately constructed, tied faithfully with it's theme, and the pre-amble was celverly written in such a way that it covered both the physical entry/movements in the grid and that to which the theme alluded to........unbelievable skill.

My only criticism is not aimed at Homer who has led me on an interesting and rewarding journey this week, but at myself for not being able to unravel all of the wordplay! After all, I think you're only competing with yourself when solving a cryptic crossword and in solving are offered an insight into the mind of the setter.

Apologies if any offence was caused, certainly none was intended.

Apache4D

[lordbadger]

Fair enough everyone. It�s still a B- from me this week.

I�m still trying to convince myself that there are other avenues of positional excitement as well. E.g. within 5a and 5d, and the sporting connection (suitably located too?). Is there also a coloured reference to a certain corner of the �familiar place�?? And isn�t the Isle of White somewhat misplaced???

[jamesah]

I found this very enjoyable and I think I understand all the clues now (after putting in the answers usually) except 39ac. I think there is only one possible answer from the checking letters and the reference to Balmoral seems to confirm this but what is 'one hiding in study' all about?

[AHearer]

Check Balmoral in the dictionary and you'll probably see how the cryptic part works.

[Mysterons]

Study = Read

Yet another &lit - I counted eight altogether with 29 across not quite making it nine. Was Homer trying to set a record I wonder ?

[jamesah]

Well, I still don't get it! Is the answer defined in Chambers as a goblin? Or have I got it completely wrong?

[perseverer]

jamesah, sure you have the right answer, but if something is hiding you can't ........ .......

[jamesah]

Yes, OK now thanks. I finally got what 'hiding' meant! These &lit clues are tricky.

[ziller]

I must be the only person in the world who can't fill in the unclued entry!
I've filled the grid, know letters to remove, know what to highlight........mmmmm.
There are seven spaces in the unclued entry..........should I be moving the 'runaways' from the lower area there? Then what?

Thanks

[perseverer]

ziller - yes to your first question. If you can access Brewer's, all will be resolved, but it wasn't only the traditional person who could help the runaways.

[bobbycollins]

ziller. one set of removed letters must find a home.....

[ziller]

So I enter the letters, swap the first 'e' & the 'o' around & I have employees of years gone by?

Can't find the word in Chambers though (gatherers, yes but not keepers) :-(

[AHearer]

Yes, ziller, it sounds as if you are there. If you don't have access to Brewers, googling for the place and the helpers you have found will bring up several confirmations.

[ziller]

Thanks all!
This step just seemed a bit awkward. I suppose it would've been great for the setter if the letters had slotted in without the need to swap two of them round.