Independent Inquisitor 1285

[GordonFisher]

Sorry about earlier lack of info-this is my first time-can anyone give me a hint as to how to look at the following clue---Why one pronounces capital C when spelling out "Cassavas" (6 letters)

[Lathamjeld]

Gordon - the answer is, I think, Yuccas.
Why 'pronounced' = Y
a 'pronounced' = u
Capital = C
C = C
when = as
Cassavas = Yuccas
Hope this helps...you've picked a good one to start with...it's not quite as difficult as they can be sometimes...have you got a Chambers dictionary? If not, you'll need one to tackle these thematic, barred puzzles...best of luck and enjoy!

[Lathamjeld]

Sorry, that second bit should have read 'one'= a (pronounced) = u

[GordonFisher]

Very many thanks-I struggle each week with the Inquisitor and never finish it-outside my capabilities I'm Afraid

[Lathamjeld]

Keep persevering, Gordon. It's taken me about a year, but I just about manage to complete the Inquisitor most weeks and, when I'm feeling brave, I try the Listener in the Saturday Times. The clues are definitely more difficult than a normal weekly cryptic in a broadsheet but the biggest obstacle I've found is that a lot/most of the words in the final grid will probably not be words you necessarily know (I didn't know 'canephorus' until this week's Inquisitor!). You have to work them out from the clue or use other letters in the grid to help you along. Keep going...the sense of satisfaction you get when you've completed a full one is worth it!