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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.
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 removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.
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.
The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
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.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.
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 answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.
Examples: part of, associated with, types of.
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.
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 answer is a jumbling of letters except for the initial or final letter of the anagram fodder. An anagram indicator and truncation indicator will be present.
A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.
Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.
The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.
Examples: part of, associated with, types of.
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.
Hi David
Stickler Weeky 46
This one is a bother:
2 Down: T?B?A?U?E Is this right so far? Definition: notation?
Regards Norman
Musical notation. It’s an anagram.
Best
David
Thanks David. Sorted that one out!
Regards
norman
Hi David
Stickler 46
26 Across: S?M?A?I?O
Is this correct? Defn: Pleasing
Regards
Norman
Correct Norman
I have solved all “Sticklers” until #46 where I am struggling with the top right corner. I still hope to complete it by next weekend. Perhaps a little more on 11A would help.
I have recently been subscribing to the AFR cryptic, which for some reason I seem to find easier to solve. I wonder if this is just me or is it a strategy of yours?
It must be difficult to decide how hard to make the clues. Perhaps you have some sort of a “tough-o-meter” to check this aspect!
I note your comment re solvers being more likely to be in the more mature age bracket – I was 80 last weekend. I think this may be due to the fact that we were taught to spell, use reference books and that I believe logical thinking is a skill acquired with experience. What do you think?
Regards DQ
11-across: an old European coin, one you would have heard of. The definition is “Culture” but in a general sense, not a specific one.
The AFR is supposed to be easier than The Stickler, so it’s good that you find it that way. It’s all about the demographic, which is different for the weekend edition. When I first started, it was a competition puzzle on a Friday and was asked to make it hard; when it changed to Saturday, I was asked to adjust accordingly. Overall difficulty is really hard to judge – the inclusion of full anagrams, straightforward definitions and few obscure words seem to do the trick.
Regarding who solves cryptics these days – I reckon I could write a book about it. In summary, Australia’s initial interest was heavily UK-influenced, and as such we never really developed our own cryptic culture. As that influence passes on, so too what cryptic spirit we have. The lack of publications has also affected our growth and our reliance on imports (which new solvers can’t relate to) means take-up is almost non-existent. Add all the things you said and access to quick, easy wordgames online and through devices, and cryptics will struggle to be a real force again.
The Stickler
Re “elderly” solvers, I recall that John Mortimer (of Rumpole fame) once said that his father used to do the Times Xword on the train to London. He would solve all the Across clues on the way down and on the way home he would fill in the Down words, without reference to the clues, finally writing his version of the the Down clues!
11A now OK – thanks.
DQ
and just when I’ve been going so very well too, David!
but you’ve stumped me his time.
Struggled with top RH corner as well & elsewhere
14a, 6d, 21d & 23d – have answers but clues don’t seem to fit.
At 69 agree with DQ, age does have some genuine advantages!
until next week – I’ll be waiting
Regards Richard
Thanks David. My knowledge of Italian and Spanish helped me get the solution
Regards
Norman