EV 994

[AndrewG-S]

Am I the first one to post on this - or have I missed the thread? By no means an easy EV this week, with clashes and misprints complicating matters. But definitely worth pressing on with as there is an impressive endgame and a clear resolution to the choice. Many thanks Chalicea and congratulations on multiple puzzles this weekend (IQ as well).

[Shoni70]

Absolutely flummoxed. All clues completed, and I have the clashes in a certain pattern. I have also the answer to the 9 consecutive clues , but unfortunately this does not help me make the choice, unless the answers are in that old language. I think I might have the first word but the second defeats me and I cannot find any connection anywhere between 8 down and these. Very broad hints badly needed from the brains of colleagues here please. Iam now going to relax and watch the football.

[EMor1]

Shoni
I think that the phrase you are looking for starts not at the first clash but two sqares ahead in the sequence. In one square of the sequence there is one letter which does not clash. So with the 11 clashes you are looking for a phrase containing 14 letters. It is in two languages one of which you are asked to pick.
Did you manage to get 21 across? I have it starting with an abbreviation for 'coloured'.
Good luck

[Shoni70]

Thank you so much EMor1. I had been obsessed with the clashes such that I became blinkered to the surroundings Could you please settle an agument between my friend and I regarding 55a. Should the final answer be the marten or the nut tree ?

[EMor1]

For what it is worth I went for the nut tree ie the K (not initially killed) in the marten replaced by c (caught).

[devadolly]

Thank you all for the hints, unfortunately I'm just not seeing it and as I must away for yet more blood letting at the quack's I feel it is time to throw it over the shoulder! See you next week!

[Shoni70]

Thanks once again EMori 1.This is how I read it also.
Sorry to have been so long before replying, but am in the middle of writing my Christmas Cards. May I take this oppportunity to wish all EV solvers a very Merry Xmas ( this will be so by the amount o wine imbibed) and a Happy New Year