Comments on: Guardian 25,305 / Rufus

By: John E

John E — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:20:39 +0000

Thank you for confirming that I didn’t miss anything subtle! Not the most convincingly worded clue in my opinion.

By: Duncan Shiell

Duncan Shiell — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:18:24 +0000

John E @23

E is given in Chambers as an abbreviation for ‘English’

I think ‘in’ is simply being used a link word between the definition (pass) and the wordplay E + LAPSE

By: John E

John E — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:10:29 +0000

19d was easy enough to solve, but I cannot really see the sense of the E part of the clue. Am I missing something subtle?

By: Martin H

Martin H — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:19:21 +0000

Hi Carrots, Yes, you’re right that you have to selectively expose the coated plate to the acid, but the scratching bit of the process – if that’s the method you choose to use – is not the etching bit: it’s rather the preparation for the acid treatment, which is an art in itself.

Not sure what you mean by Rufus’s sting(s) in the tail. Ian talks about his ‘curveball’, but surely any decent setter has a trick or two up his sleeve; deception is what it’s all about isn’t it?

By: Carrots

Carrots — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:16:43 +0000

Martin H @18: I`m sorry MH, but I have to correct you about your assumptions re: etching/scratching/cutting. An etching is made by using a stylus to draw or scratch through a thin film of acid-impervious “ground” on a (usually zinc) plate, which is then immersed in an acid bath to “bite” into the exposed metal. The resulting cavity is then wiped with ink which is squeezed out by a press onto paper in order to make a print.

As for Rufus, I entirely agree. He`s always had a sting in his tail, but now seems to have half-a-dozen!!

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:04:28 +0000

I was puzzled to find two Cryptics today and just assumed the extra was an Easter bonus! However, I completed both without realising I had strayed into Quiptic mode!

By: Martin H

Martin H — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:23:17 +0000

A fair and considered commentary from duncan, as usual. Those who say that Rufus is ‘getting stiffer and better’ should be cautious. He has for very many years been a most capable setter perversely drawn to awful clues, and I for one see no sign of that changing. However, as with the good weather, we should be grateful while it lasts, and note the scarcity today of non-double definitions, (18 comes pretty close and ‘WAR CRY’ simply repeats in its definition the SA’s proclaimed intention in publishing the magazine), and the sparing (for Rufus) use of cds.

‘Inappropriate’ seems an odd choice of word in 22. ‘Impossible’ or ‘unlikely’ might be more appropriate. Etching (unlike itching) has no connection with scratching, relying as it does on corrosion and not cutting. I didn’t like ‘turn up’ for ‘furrow’, which simply means ‘make a furrow in something’ – when earth might be turned up; but that is a result and not the definition. ‘Skin trouble’ was a good cryptic element though.

Otherwise generally an enjoyable puzzle. ROOSTERS was simple but effective, and PALM very good.

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:25:53 +0000

Oops!

Correction re #16.

I should have said 15 down was the last clue solved.

By: Ian

Ian — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:12:44 +0000

Thanks Duncan. Much appreciated your explanations.

Rufus is always capable of throwing in the odd curveball. For me today it was 15across, which was, believe it or not, the last to go in.

As usual an array of sparkling clues, the best of which 10ac (elegance personified), 21ac (just beautifully written), 11ac (simple, yet elegant) and 17dn (Rufensian wit).

A pleasant way to spend 40 minutes (only a few minutes less than the Araucaria on Saturday) on this glorious Easter Monday here in S. Devon.

A happy Easter to all at Fifteen Squared.

By: Carrots

Carrots — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:08:34 +0000

A most enjoyable puzzle from Rufus who does seem to be getting stiffer (and better) these days. It was completed today in the shadow of Wellow`s new Maypole. The dwellers in this tiny hamlet raised many thousands of pounds to replace the original, which was deemed unsafe by the health & safety police. I half expect them ban cryptic crosswords next on the grounds that they sometimes make your head hurt!