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A type of clue where the WHOLE clue defines the answer, and the WHOLE clue also is the wordplay (a mechanism to derive the answer through various cryptic devices). "&lit" is short for "and literally".
To qualify as an &lit, a clue must have no unused components either in the definition or the wordplay - it must be readable one way as a definition, and another as the wordplay.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
A word or series of words that signify the loss of one letter at the start or end of a word or string of letters.
Examples: beheaded, cut short, endless, nearly, largely etc.
A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.
Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.
The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
There is only one part to this clue, a definition, and it's usually a play on words. There aren't any indicators.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) on the INSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: held by, kept by, embraced by - anything that creates the image of being contained.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The entire answer is the result of removing the first or last letter from part of the clue or its synonym. A truncation indicator will be present.
Finished it at last, had a misspelling but now have the congratulations message. 10a is a new word for me, 18a is an old favourite and 9d is a good one.
Hi Christine, where was your misspelt answer? I have the same problem with the grid completed but no congrats and can’t find where I went wrong. Maybe you can help me, ta
Hi Steve, 2d, second letter was the issue.
Thank you, that was the problem I didn’t even think of another vowel fitting in there but should have realised my original 3 letter word wasn’t really a covering.
Thanks again Christine ?
Thanks of this Tip folks.
Wasn’t happy with my first answer, second thoughts = much better.
Otherwise gaping holes all over Right side, but resisting Clue Hints.
Tomorrow is another day…………..
Knocked it off in a night, thanks to some late involvement by the beautiful and talented Mrs Mansell.
1a: as always with this type of clue, a source of joy and deep admiration
13a: loved the definition
18a: knew the word, but a new definition for me. Would have been hard going without Di’s help with “lace makers”
22a: “six-footer” was cute
14d: beautifully constructed
24d: loved every aspect of this clue, especially “he took two tablets”
Christine is well ahead of the pack this week. 10a features in the song “Surrey with a fringe on top” (Oklahoma) which refers to curtains containing this stuff.
18a I knew the word but not in this context.
9d A good choice, well up in my options for clue of the week, but that goes to 24d the post by Greg helped me to see the light.
23d was my last in. I had my definition and word play at the wrong ends. Strange how a simple clue can be so elusive.
I am a bit wary of 2d with 2 options,
I must have something else wrong as I do not get the congrats. I’ll try again later today as it is already tomorrow.
Finished now thanks to Christine, 13a is a wonderful deception, had to take a peek at the clue hint or I would never have got it, also liked 11a and 24d. Thanks David
Full on work, study, scouts this week-so will have to wait for the w/e, but sounds an interesting challenge!
Must have been overtired last night. I tried the grid this morning with all the same words. Checked my spellings as my fingers often do not obey my brain, and got the congrats.
All that time checking when I should have started at square 1
This was a thoroughly enjoyable romp with some interesting challenges, and garden paths to lead me astray.
Fell over the Line, assuming
21d – dress may be supported by this & 24d – each tablet had Ten Inscriptions……
As well as my beloved Alphabet Soups (Arthur) – 6d, 9d, 14d
most of my Picks of the Week are already noted – e.g. 13a & 2d.
Also thought 22a (loved the six-footer) & 5d worthy of note.
Couldn’t agree more Arthur, yet another thoroughly enjoyable Romp.
Thank You – David.
I thought 5d was something you took to remain healthy. Then the forgettery came up with the alternate which fitted the clue. I agree with all the choices and noted that the last word of 6d (solved) is the same thing as the last word of 6d clue.
Finally finished, 13a would be my pick for this week.
Fellow Wordsmiths…..
Any thoughts on starting an “Anti-Decimated” Movement?
It is driving me Nuts, even on ABC.
As they said to Pauline, Please explain.
I only listen to community radio, and then only when they are playing 50/60’s music. For TV I watch the news. I video of everything else which may be of interest, so I can get rid of unwanted actors or material at the press of a button. So I am at a loss.
I understand that to decimate is to kill 1 in 10. (Although there is argument that killing is not an essential element, reduction by one 10th will suffice). I have seen decimate used in the context of leaving one in 10. If the movement will help to rid the world of idiot presenters or inane TV, count me in.
Incidentally We all remember when Pauline was pilloried for not knowing the meaning of xenophobia. My take on this is that the presenter did not know the meaning herself but found it on the autocue. She could not explain, but to save her face, shed turned it around and the dingoes came to the party. I venture that most of the critics needed to privately look at the dictionary before taking the high moral ground. It is now part of Australian folk lore, and is well known enough to be clued in a Stickler.