Friday, July 29, 2022

PUZZLE 0008: Cryptic #5

PDF file | PUZ file | Solve online | Solution, clue breakdown, and notes

"F***ing cryptics – how do they work?": a primer

It's been a while since I set a cryptic, but I think my cluing has improved sharply from the first four attempts (three of which the more daring of you will find on my Crosshare page).

Some other favorite things about this grid:
  • No 3-letter entries
  • Wide range of vocabulary
  • Lots of different types of wordplay
I'm still a bit intimidated by full 15x cryptic grids, so for now the grid stays at 13x. But that might change with cryptic number six, now that I'm getting the hang of this.

In an effort to fine-tune my skills and get some insight into different cluing tastes, I reach out to a different test-solver for each cryptic. This puzzle's test-solver was George Ho of Loplop Crosswords, who provided thorough clue-by-clue feedback on the rough draft, which was greatly appreciated. Be sure to check out his page for more cryptics – "Spitting Straight Fire," along with his recent collab, "In One Basket," are both A+ solves.

Enjoy the puzzle! See you next Saturday with something new. –Hoyt

(UPDATE: One clue has been edited for accuracy. My apologies for any confusion.)

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