Comments on: Financial Times 12,999 / Mudd

By: Gaufrid

Gaufrid — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:23:50 +0000

As I mentioned in my preamble, 24d was the one clue over which I had any concern because my interpretation of ‘many pairings’ was not supported by dictionary definitions.

After finishing today’s FT (the third in a row to give above average enjoyment!) I revisited this clue and have found that one of the definitions of ‘pair’ in Chambers is ‘a pack (of cards; obs)’, and ‘pairing’ is a nounal derivative of ‘pair’, but I don’t think this takes us any further forward.

By: smutchin

smutchin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:04:09 +0000

re 24d – I did wonder if “many”=K but I can’t think of any justification for “pairings”=NAVE. Something to do with the way cathedrals are laid out, perhaps?

By: Uncle Yap

Uncle Yap — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:39:16 +0000

This was a delightful puzzle with a variety of cryptic devices. Totally enjoyable. It’s a real pity not many are availing themselves of the FT puzzles.

Can you please explain 24D Card in many pairings? (5) more fully. Thanks

By: Gaufrid

Gaufrid — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:16 +0000

Agentzero, you are indeed correct! I looked at this clue a couple of times to try and find some wordplay but failed to see that which is now obvious

By: Agentzero

Agentzero — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:51:42 +0000

Gaufrid,

I thought 18a was actually a charade: P (“premier leader”) + RESIDENT (“in,” or maybe even “in office,” which would make it an &lit, as in “the resident professor of XYZ”).

Agreed, this was an enjoyable puzzle.