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Persian Flaw

■ · By Priyanshu Pandey · Published 2022-12-10T17:13:38.914Z

Constructor's Note

Loooooong ago, I remember reading a note in one of Dr. Feynman's lecture compilations where he discusses symmetry in particle physics. While the physics behind has escaped my memory, his example has stayed on. He tells us how the Japanese built a gateway (I guess?)that is perfectly symmetrical -- except for a single intentionally misplaced tile that is supposed to remind us that humanity is inherently flawed. The Persians had similar beliefs and the practice of a deliberate mistake in an artwork has come to be known as a "Persian flaw" among artisans.

Theme reveal: The puzzle is rotationally symmetrical, except for the circled square . So, if you cut me enough slack for my novice crossword skills, by a long shot, the circled letter may be the so-called "Persian flaw" from the title

I had always wanted to play around with palindromes, and now that I have a little more faith in myself, I can move on to some more serious wordplay

I am barely any philosopher and while I may not entirely agree with the idea, this seemed like an interesting theme for a puzzle, so here we are! :')

Thanks for 5A - ing up with me :')

Checking for previous play data...

Comments

Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-10T18:31:29.277Z
6A is supposed to be "those" and not "there." I have edited and corrected the error but it may take a while to show up. I'm sorry
Adhitya Sibikumar 1:27 · 2022-12-10T20:43:24.209Z
Tis nice. Me proud of you.
- Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-11T04:07:36.782Z
  :))
Brian Callahan 🤓57s · 2022-12-10T23:41:00.633Z
You could have done a perfectly symmetrical grid with POP and OSOS, but I'm glad you didn't. Cool to learn about the Persian Flaw. Thanks for sharing.
- Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-11T04:06:51.556Z
  Thanks a lot! :))
spikeydlux 🤓20s · 2022-12-12T21:41:31.560Z
Nicely done!
- Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-13T04:02:13.344Z
  thank you!!
Jon 🤓1:14 · 2022-12-13T04:42:49.654Z
Nice.
- Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-13T07:24:28.333Z
  :))
E Anders 🤓53s · 2022-12-18T22:48:52.764Z
Loved the puzzle and the story behind it! Wonderful!
- Priyanshu Pandey constructor · 2022-12-19T11:40:32.919Z
  thanks! :))

Play today's daily mini crossword

Eminem's forte

Across

1A
Eminem's forte

4A
"Average at best"
5A
If you ___ with somebody, you barely tolerate them
6A
Those in Cuba?
7A
Golf course standard

Down

1D
Helicopter fixture
2D
Taiwanese computer maker
3D
Eyes do it in awe
4D
Ancient Iranian capital
5D
___ talk