Touchy Subject
◆ · By Darth · Published 2024-06-17T10:02:48.654Z
Meta Prompt
The answer to the meta is a three-word phrase.
In social interactions, we know certain topics evoke strong emotion and can lead to intense discussion or even conflict. From religion and politics to personal beliefs and core identities, these “touchy subjects” have the power to polarize and affect our relationships. Empathy is essential to navigate our differences and foster a culture of respectful dialog.
That said, this puzzle contains a message popularized by Shakespeare, but I’d like to move its meaning from the context of romantic relationships to a broader sense. Is that cryptic enough? My test solvers claim this is my "best puzzle construction to date"… but note they are also family and overlook my faults. So... try it and see for yourself. Your feedback is welcome. Thanks!
The answer to the meta is a three-word phrase.
Checking for previous play data...
1A
Recipe amts.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
Across
- 1ARecipe amts.
- 6AShopping aid
- 10AStart of the XIII century
- 14AReal-estate listing
- 15ACockney traveler's lodging?
- 16ARower's implements
- 17ABrand that keeps you going?
- 18ARotating x-ray device
- 20AInternet automaton
- 21ACalendar number absent in the Anno Domini system
- 23A"The greatest teacher failure is" speaker
- 24ASlightly open, as a door
- 26AMarch Madness letters
- 27AUpper-class
- 29APasta suffix, in brands (such as "The San Francisco treat")
- 30A"Social contract" philosopher, whose ideas helped shape the U.S. Constitution
- 32A"Hamilton" Tony winner Leslie ___ Jr.
- 33AScreeching standstill
- 35ALawn-trimming tools
- 37AWay to read with feeling?
- 39ADisconnect, as from a power outlet
- 43AJUULs and other e-cigs
- 48ABar mitzvah dance, or 60 minutes in Spain
- 49AFirst month in Mexico
- 51AAoki of World Golf Hall of Fame
- 52AFar from fresh
- 54A"___ first you don't succeed..."
- 55A"Wheel of Fortune" turn
- 56AOcho ___, Jamaica (Spanish for "Eight Rivers")
- 57AReason for earplugs
- 59ASuffix for pay, cray, or schnozz
- 60AAnthony Fantano (or anyone who "geeks out" over tunes)
- 62AAttended
- 64A911 call (abbr.)
- 65ASpeed contest
- 66AAncient Greek marketplace
- 67AArched alcove in a cathedral
- 68AU.S. citizen (abbr.)
- 69ATree houses?
Down
- 1DNickname for Shakespeare
- 2DCambro of coffee from Dunkin'
- 3DYellow raisin
- 4DNoncommercial TV ad
- 5D"I'm too ___ for my shirt" or "She thinks my tractor's __" (song lyrics)
- 6DClassic drink since 1886 (now available "spiced")
- 7DGravitational pull, or romantic interest
- 8DPut back in the water, when working on a tough stain
- 9DPampering, for short
- 10DSoliloquy, or a "one-person conversation"
- 11DVoltaire satire
- 12DGod, or a "humans vs. AI robots" thriller starring Gemma Chan (2023)
- 13DTel Aviv's locale (abbr.)
- 19D"Yes, Captain!"
- 22DGet a bigger picture?
- 25DGet ___ of (throw out)
- 28DSummer pair?
- 31DSniggler's snares
- 34D"How about you?" in texting
- 36DLow grade
- 38D1982-94 NFLer (after/before the longtime "Oakland" label)
- 39DVocalized pauses
- 40DBid in bridge, or a political plea
- 41DSings one's approval?
- 42DPays de ___ (Nantes's region in France)
- 44D"___ for Peril" (Grafton novel)
- 45DSpouses, in Spain
- 46DFancy finger work
- 47DBeethoven's "Moonlight" and "Waldstein" for two
- 50DHour for opening business, often
- 53DPC "fast exit" key
- 58DActor McGregor, who played Obi-Wan
- 60D___ culpa ("My bad")
- 61DGun-rights org.
- 63DSensitive number, for some people