Comments on: Guardian Quiptic N° 685 by Arachne

By: Robi

Robi — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:56:59 +0000

Very enjoyable solve, although a bit tricky, I thought, for a Quiptic [I never did parse EDIT properly.]

Thanks, PeterO for the blog and to Arachne for dropping by. Actually, 1d [DECAF] was one of my favourite clues, which I read the ‘right way round’ at the beginning. I also particularly liked ACADEME – this seems to be replaced by ‘academia’ these days, despite the best efforts of the dictionaries.

Happy New Year to everyone.

By: Arachne

Arachne — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 15:43:39 +0000

Thank you so much, Peter0, for your excellent blog, and to all for your comments.

Abject apologies for the ambiguity at 1dn. How many times have I promised not to do it again grrr. I did notice it before publication but unfortunately there’s a rather long lead-in time on Quiptics and Hugh quite understandably came over all faint at the thought of the technical glitches which a late change might have caused.

Apologies too for having gone AWOL recently, especially to any bloggers I might not have managed to thank. No excuses, but suffice it to say I’ll be glad to see the back of 2012.

Warmest wishes to everyone at Fifteensquared. May 2013 bring you health, happiness and many hours of cruciverbal pleasure.

Love and hugs,
Arachne x

By: Kathryn's Dad

Kathryn's Dad — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:51:16 +0000

Thanks, Peter.

Yes, a delightful Quiptic which experienced as well as improving solvers would have enjoyed. I too liked the reference to Plebgate in 13dn, and also liked AMATORY and MILKSHAKE.

I was another one with ENSNARE – ENSLAVE is a more precise definition, but I think both work.

Many thanks to Arachne for this and all her other puzzles this year.

By: Andy B

Andy B — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:40:26 +0000

A pleasant enough solve, although “ensnare” works just as well for 18d.
Andy B.

By: PeterO

PeterO — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:14:22 +0000

Thanks to Percussor and Eileen for the corrections – I had not come across gaffer tape before, and failed to spot it in Chambers. I have also added the definition underlines.

By: crypticsue

crypticsue — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:14:06 +0000

Thank you to Arachne for cheering up a very raining, windy and grumpy morning. Lots to like – I assume 1d is literally what you think of the coffee!

Thanks to Peter too for the explanations.

Happy New Year to all.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:56:23 +0000

Thanks for the blog, PeterO, and Arachne for another excellent puzzle, especially the wonderfully witty and topical [&lit?] 13dn!

I think 12ac is a reversal [review] of TIDE [course].

By: Percussor

Percussor — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:12:33 +0000

17a “Gaffer Tape” is widely used term in building, electrical and other trades for a tough wide usually silver coloured fabric adhesive tape