Enigmatic Variations

Enigmatic Variations No. 1483: Mixed Feelings by Stick Insect

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The first thing that struck me about this puzzle was the tiny font of the clue numbers in the grid! Just about at the limits of my already-aided eyesight – I suspect some solvers may have struggled to make them out? The second was the 12 x 14 grid…a rare-ish shape…and thirdly the asymmetry of some bars – both maybe suggestive of adaptations to fit in some elaborate thematic material? Will I have MIXED FEELINGS about this puzzle?…

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Enigmatic Variations No.1482 – Map by Gaston

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“Eight suitably positioned and thematically connected elements are hidden in the completed grid. Five of these are of a kind and should be coloured appropriately (35 cells). Three others (the first and last two on the MAP) should each be highlighted by drawing rectangles round the relevant elements (13 cells in total). Solvers should add to the MAP by finding a ninth element, forever associated with the theme, whose six cells should be coloured brown, including one cell that had been shaded earlier. Apart from one that is L-shaped, all elements are in straight lines. Two answers are abbreviations. ”

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Enigmatic Variations No.1478 – Excusez-moi by Eclogue

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“The correct letters of misprints in definitions, in clue order, provide a French version (ignoring one accent) of a common English idiom and some additional assistance, which together will explain each EXCUSEZ-MOI required in a number of undefined, but otherwise plain, clue answers. Enumerations refer to entry lengths. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; one answer is an abbreviation.”

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Enigmatic Variations No.1474 – The Mover and the Lover by Ifor

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“The originally-completed grid contains three empty cells, to be filled with letters taken from elsewhere in the grid, so showing a thematic movement. The effect of this movement must be undone by changing one entry to two new words and inserting a bar. Clues to all answers occupying 7, 8 and 9-letter slots contain an extra word. Read in clue order, one letter from each (always the second or penultimate) spells out the MOVER; the alternative choices identify the LOVER. Numbers give cells available; ignoring empty cells, all answers and entries are words in Chambers Dictionary (2016).”

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Enigmatic Variations No. 1470 – Level Crossing by Hedge-Sparrow

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“Two unclued entries, to be completed by solvers, are the site of a LEVEL CROSSING and an (incomplete) inscription commemorating it. Seven answers require a non-standard method of entry (numbers in brackets after clues refer to entry lengths). The missing part of the inscription is represented by modifications applied to six other answers prior to entry (three each of two types). Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; 40 and 1 down are in Collins.”

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