Comments on: Guardian 23980/Rufus – cryptic definition overload

By:

rufus — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:40:20 +0000

Re ANON/ONAN. The crossword editor thought my clue for ANON was too near a clue used recently so we changed it to ONAN – obviously the on-line did not get the message!

By:

BenIngton — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:56:57 +0000

rufus – I too enjoy CD’S so keep them coming apace!

Is there any reason why the paper and online clues for 25d are different?

By:

rufus — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:39:56 +0000

Oops! I only counted 8 CDs in 30 clues. When I started solving puzzles there were many setters using CDs, which I have always enjoyed, but nowadays very few. Several crossword editors say their readers like and ask for them – and I am pleased to provide them. I accept that some solvers love them, others loathe them!

By:

petebiddlecombe — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 07:22:42 +0000

Solved the paper version when travelling – needed my morning fix but knew the usual papers would be at home when I got back. Rufus does love those CDs – but this time, although one or two of them slowed me down a bit, they didn’t stop me finishing the puzzle in a reasonably quick time, or seem to allow “red herring” answers. Even the Times ones can hit this problem – on my course the other day, I gave the example “An added twist to the origins of life (6,5)”, thinking that DOUBLE HELIX was pretty safe as the only convincing answer. Up piped one of the attendees with “BREECH BIRTH” – which I had to admit was convincing without any checking letters to save the day.

By:

linxit — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:10:36 +0000

The online clue is “A new number to be put up shortly”. I’ve just checked back again and it’s still the same.

By:

BenIngton — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:36:36 +0000

linxit – re 25d, is this the online clue? The paper version is “Judah’s son sends love to grandma” giving ONAN (O + NAN).