Enigmatic Variations No.1738 – Cross Words by Robyn

“In each of 12 clues an extra word must be removed; these words define the theme. A further 12 clues each have a letter missing; these letters suggest how to derive the exact wording of the theme – which must be written below the grid – from CROSS WORDS. Answers to the remaining 12 clues “clash” in 6 cells; entering the correct letter in each affected cell will display a symmetrical representation of the theme (24 cells in total), which must be highlighted. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”The extra words (BICKER, DISAGREE) are all verbal altercations. The extra letter in each instance is an S, which forms CROSS SWORDS when added to the title. The six clashes are resolved to spell four swords: FOIL, CLAYMORE, CUTLASS, ESTOC, thematically presented in the grid.

It was a fairly rapid grid fill for me – not that that’s a bad thing! Spotting early on that the extra letter was an S in each case helped because there were some likely candidates for extra letters.

‘Works we hear’ in 12 across was a tricksy bit of misdirection, but I made sufficiently rapid progress that it wasn’t until the grid was mainly complete that I reflected on the similarity of the extra words.

That the clashes could only be ‘thematically’ resolved – because each choice resulted in a real word – was a nice touch. Still, there was none of that frustrating grid-staring that mars the endgame in some puzzles.

The pun – which may have raised a groan in some quarters, although not in this one – must have occurred to other setters, but I’m unaware of its use elsewhere. I’d be interested to know if anyone has seen it deployed elsewhere.

In any case, thanks to Robyn! Let us know what you thought of it down below.

As always, please let me know if anything isn’t clear.