Comments on: Inquisitor 1241:Obsession by Chalicea

By: HolyGhost

HolyGhost — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:21:12 +0000

Thanks, Chalicea, for the explanation – let’s leave it at that & move on.

By: Chalicea

Chalicea — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:36:03 +0000

My original clue was for reasons I can’t explain ‘Risky chum’ which was even worse as John, the editor, pointed out with the comment ‘If the F gives Frisky as an anagram indicator, there’s no definition here. Actually there’s no definition here!’
Mindlessly, I simply added a definition: ‘Frisky chum to a great extent’ (which, of course, with FRISKY intended as an anagram indicator, had exactly the same anomaly as the final clue).

John then suggested the current clue (Chum’s lying a lot (4)) and, as usual with editorial suggestions, I was happy with it since it looked like an improvement and my mind was focussed on providing a definition.

I can see the objection to it, in that the extra letter comes from an instruction within the word-play section of the clue and all the others produce the letter as an additional one to the letters needed (or remove it as a letter omitted from those needed) for the solution. Phi pointed it out to me gently at once when the puzzle appeared. However, I appeal that, at least, the letter came from the ‘word-play’ half of the clue.

As I said, it’s a minefield, and though I love the setting, I keep stumbling over those mines.

By: HolyGhost

HolyGhost — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:09:30 +0000

Recently returned from an extended holiday, and a backlog of puzzles to tackle.

Not sure I understand Chalicea‘s “despite innumerable proof checks, we let the revised clue through” – what was the unrevised clue?

Anyway, the F missing from 21a didn’t detract too much. Thanks to all.

By: Chalicea

Chalicea — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:32:30 +0000

Thank you, Duncan and Hi of Hihoba. Indeed, I stepped out of the IQ mould in going to such a literary extent – I just couldn’t resist the possibilities offered by ‘MUCH possessed by DEATH’ and the rather evocative description of Webster’s obsession. The editor picked up that anomaly in 21ac but, despite innumerable proof checks, we let the revised clue through. Setting can be a bit of a minefield. I do love your detailed analyses, Duncan.

By: Hi of hihoba

Hi of hihoba — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:20:40 +0000

Very literary stuff from Chalicea. I spotted Webster quite early and wasted some time looking up Webster’s dictionary-related facts, which were very interesting, but not helpful! I had to solve most of the puzzle before getting the phrases from the letters, then Google sorted it out.

I could not fathom the F in 21A, so am happy that Duncan has an answer. All the other extra or missing letters were part of the definition or the wordplay, so this was the odd one out.

I enjoyed it very much and found it yet again a learning experience! So thanks to Chalicea.