Comments on: Financial Times 13,287 / Neo

By: Neo

Neo — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:09:19 +0000

Many thanks for splendid blog, and for generous comments.

Couple of things seem to have been lost in transit: 6 down started life with caps on ‘The Elemental Particle’, which was intended to look a bit like a name a musical group might use. 7 is possibly not the original clue, as until reading the blog I had no idea that P can be clued as ‘priest’ (and I would very likely have dispensed with the ‘has’!).

Many thanks.

By: Agentzero

Agentzero — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:25:09 +0000

Hi ACP,

FUND OF WIT is a cryptic definition. Someone who is always ready with an amusing remark may be said to have a fund of wit. Also, a fund of wit might punningly refer to a fund of money (backing) for Oscar Wilde (who was a wit).

John French,

No, that’s the definition within the clue. IMHO, in a good clue, the definition and subsidiary indication, taken together, should make up a meaningful English phrase or sentence that seems to be about something else entirely. 5 down, among others, has this quality; 6 down does not.

By: John French

John French — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:40:56 +0000

6d. THEME SONG loosely equivalent to signature tune, if that’s what you mean by surface meaning.

By: anax

anax — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:45:31 +0000

Stunning stuff as ever from Neo. 9a had me in stitches – great to see implied naughtiness rather than the blatant stuff – and there were loads of cracking constructions elsewhere; 10a, 17d, 20d and 23d just a handful of clues with big ticks alongside them.

As Conrad says, check out Tees in the Indie – always a safe bet for really good entertainment.

By: Conrad Cork

Conrad Cork — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:03:34 +0000

Nathan

Neo is Tees over at the Indie, so more chances to enjoy him.

By: Nathan Jesurasingham

Nathan Jesurasingham — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:43:51 +0000

I really loved this puzzle – it had humour, was a pleasure to solve and had excellent clues.

My favourites were 1a, 11a, 13a, 8d, 14d and 24d.

Neo, thanks for this excellent puzzle. I have been solving your puzzles in the FT for a while and have enjoyed all the ones I’ve attempted. I look forward to your next FT puzzle.

Thanks also to Agentzero who always writes very good reviews.

By: ACP

ACP — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:44:07 +0000

Hi Agentzero,
could you please explain 25ac FUND OF WIT ? Even Google tells me nothing.
Tx.