The Fourth of July

◆ · By Capn Rick · Published 2022-07-04T04:01:47.651Z

Meta Prompt

The meta answer is a one-word answer to a one-word question.

HINTS (https://www.xword-muggles.com/viewtopic.php?t=1706&start=40#p98700)

SOLUTION (https://www.xword-muggles.com/viewtopic.php?t=1706&start=40#p99164)

Checking for previous play data...

Leaderboard (updated hourly)

DIS solved 2022-07-04T04:14:35.318Z
benchen71 solved 2022-07-04T04:27:51.578Z
woozy solved 2022-07-04T04:58:06.114Z
Schmeel solved 2022-07-04T05:54:03.759Z
Dow Jones solved 2022-07-04T07:24:47.943Z
FrankieHeck solved 2022-07-04T11:07:23.847Z
madhatter5 solved 2022-07-04T11:15:53.345Z
Cindy Heisler solved 2022-07-04T11:17:53.541Z
Tom Wilson solved 2022-07-04T11:25:13.843Z
BarbaraK solved 2022-07-04T11:28:52.941Z
Meg solved 2022-07-04T12:05:02.487Z
Cindy Weatherman solved 2022-07-04T12:08:51.393Z
ReB solved 2022-07-04T12:21:17.331Z
whimsy solved 2022-07-04T12:47:03.902Z
kymike solved 2022-07-04T12:53:46.501Z
dplass solved 2022-07-04T13:12:41.502Z
KayW solved 2022-07-04T13:39:03.474Z
THC solved 2022-07-04T13:41:08.863Z
lbray53 solved 2022-07-04T13:44:03.791Z
wendy walker solved 2022-07-04T13:50:51.932Z
Dave C solved 2022-07-04T14:23:04.573Z
I K Snamhcok solved 2022-07-04T14:24:07.951Z
Hector solved 2022-07-04T14:27:37.988Z
dannyvee solved 2022-07-04T14:42:51.432Z
auee89 solved 2022-07-04T14:44:44.110Z
Bbaack solved 2022-07-04T14:47:23.730Z
oldjudge solved 2022-07-04T14:54:50.861Z
GR solved 2022-07-04T15:04:04.086Z
Mwoychick solved 2022-07-04T15:09:29.489Z
rjy solved 2022-07-04T15:20:02.617Z
Qmark solved 2022-07-04T15:27:23.285Z
heidi solved 2022-07-04T15:54:55.884Z
ajk solved 2022-07-04T17:17:33.757Z
BrennerTJ solved 2022-07-04T17:31:19.397Z
michaelm solved 2022-07-04T17:52:39.129Z
david solved 2022-07-04T18:13:37.957Z
Laura M solved 2022-07-04T18:19:13.471Z
CPJohnson solved 2022-07-04T18:24:53.635Z
Deepak B solved 2022-07-04T19:38:59.848Z
Tyrpmom solved 2022-07-04T20:08:11.643Z
Pete Greenfield solved 2022-07-04T20:38:11.747Z
Carolyn solved 2022-07-04T21:10:41.459Z
Jeremy Smith solved 2022-07-04T22:09:26.382Z
Abide solved 2022-07-04T22:18:07.390Z
andeux solved 2022-07-04T22:57:16.444Z
markhr solved 2022-07-04T23:01:07.326Z
SewYoung solved 2022-07-04T23:03:44.962Z
Gutman solved 2022-07-04T23:39:41.728Z
Teamdoubletow solved 2022-07-04T23:47:56.169Z
Alvibu67 solved 2022-07-05T00:27:42.930Z
JM solved 2022-07-05T00:52:41.106Z
Toast solved 2022-07-05T02:07:22.140Z
Michele G solved 2022-07-05T02:08:21.089Z
Bird Lives solved 2022-07-05T02:09:54.335Z
Richard solved 2022-07-05T05:21:27.699Z
DrTom solved 2022-07-05T06:18:40.153Z
Hidden in 3D solved 2022-07-05T11:25:31.831Z
LisaT solved 2022-07-05T12:01:32.372Z
MamaEllen solved 2022-07-05T14:33:43.740Z
Ergcat solved 2022-07-05T20:50:50.116Z
Anita and Steve solved 2022-07-05T21:08:07.730Z
shalmanezer solved 2022-07-05T23:51:52.664Z
jbird solved 2022-07-05T23:59:24.719Z
Mikey G solved 2022-07-06T03:06:46.494Z
SJMcK solved 2022-07-06T04:41:18.841Z
JHSeeman solved 2022-07-06T16:06:40.831Z
LadyBird solved 2022-07-06T16:26:13.488Z
Johnny Luau solved 2022-07-06T17:52:44.778Z
vandono solved 2022-07-07T05:47:10.788Z
Sue Adams solved 2022-07-07T15:22:03.886Z
Phrogge solved 2022-07-07T18:54:19.530Z
Julie bookworm solved 2022-07-08T00:18:14.728Z
Caroline solved 2022-07-08T15:38:01.052Z
DebbieC solved 2022-07-09T01:33:42.644Z
edestlin solved 2022-07-10T13:19:29.065Z
swagdude solved 2022-07-10T14:37:22.552Z
Alex R solved 2022-07-12T02:31:11.361Z
Darrell solved 2022-08-08T00:48:41.208Z
Lucas solved 2022-08-15T01:41:55.121Z
Samik solved 2022-09-13T14:56:13.510Z
Kulea solved 2024-07-08T04:39:57.218Z

Comments

benchen71 5:34 · 2022-07-04T04:28:00.693Z
Nice one! Thanks, Rick.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T07:05:47.216Z
  Thanks, Ben. A nice easy one for a change.
DIS 🤓4:36 · 2022-07-04T04:14:56.741Z
Why not?
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T07:06:29.505Z
  Well, that will be the question of the day, I'm sure!
- ReB 4s · 2022-07-04T12:32:43.051Z
  That's the answer to the apocryphal Philosophy question [Why?] that reportedly scored an "A".
woozy 7:28 · 2022-07-04T05:00:11.623Z
So... um.... Is there an actual mechanism?
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T07:08:21.744Z
  Well... um... yes. Not the most challenging one, but it is a holiday, after all.
  - woozy 7:28 · 2022-07-04T15:54:09.010Z
    If I back engineer and take the 4th letters of 1,16, 22, 37, 51, 62, 67 ACROSS it will spell the answer but is there any incentive to consider those to be themers rather than any others?
  - woozy 7:28 · 2022-07-04T15:55:20.307Z
    Oh, geeboes! Those are the entries that start with Y. Sheesh. That was hard!
    - Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:44:10.400Z
      Glad you got it, woozy! I was just having a little fun with the literal 4th letter of the word "July". Then the 4th letters of the 7 "Y" words in the grid spell the answer.
  - woozy 7:28 · 2022-07-04T15:47:41.081Z
    So... what was the mechanism? (Other than a riddle where the grid was irrelevant?) As a riddle where the grid was irrelevant the puzzle was exceedingly unexpected. If there actually was a mechanism in the grid it has eluded me for over 12 hours. So in either case I'd say it was indeed quite challenging.
- dplass 6:11 · 2022-07-04T13:13:04.709Z
  I found it!
  - Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:44:33.902Z
    Great! Thank for solving, David.
Dow Jones 4s · 2022-07-04T07:30:49.206Z
Bravo, Cap'n Rick. I really enjoyed filling in the grid.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T12:17:41.590Z
  Thank you, Dow. Filling the grid may have been the hardest part, right? :)
madhatter5 4s · 2022-07-04T11:16:05.987Z
Genius. Thanks Rick!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T12:18:27.698Z
  Thanks, Josh. I don't know if I'd go that far in my assessment, but I appreciate your comment!
Cindy Heisler 2s · 2022-07-04T11:22:28.924Z
Well, I would have gotten it on my first submission if I had read the directions carefully!! I will blame it on being early in the morning. Guess I should have had my coffee first.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T12:18:50.573Z
  Thanks for solving, Cindy!
ReB 4s · 2022-07-04T12:26:56.522Z
That Q&A was the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw "one word question and answer". The grid was swift affirmation. Nice way to start a holiday with no lurking metas.

Now if you had said a two-word answer, I would have immediately thought of that apocryphal Philosophy final exam question.
- woozy 7:28 · 2022-07-04T15:48:13.238Z
  " The grid was swift affirmation." How so?
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:45:27.396Z
  Thanks, ReB. Hope you had a nice holiday.
kymike 5s · 2022-07-04T12:54:55.268Z
Enjoyed this one. Nice way to start the week.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:45:50.613Z
  Thanks, Mike. Easy peasy, right?
  - kymike 5s · 2022-07-05T23:55:25.440Z
    Yep
whimsy 10:31 · 2022-07-04T12:50:09.954Z
Thanks for a fun and laid-back holiday treat, Cap'n!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:46:13.808Z
  You're welcome, Claudia. Hope you had a nice holiday today.
KayW 🤓6:29 · 2022-07-04T13:39:24.857Z
LOL - VERY clever!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:49:40.188Z
  Thanks, Kay. Glad you enjoyed it.
wendy walker 5s · 2022-07-04T13:59:43.324Z
Thank you, Cap'n Rick! Those of us who were nerdy kids in the 1960s will remember fondly the episode of "The Prisoner" where Number Six asks a computer this very question. It whirs and smokes and then explodes.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:52:15.419Z
  Thanks, Wendy. I was a nerdy kid in the 60s, but I didn't watch "The Prisoner". Will have to look for it on YouTube!
THC 🤓5:38 · 2022-07-04T13:43:06.007Z
Thanks, Rick! A “just right” puzzle for today. Now I can start smokin’ the ribs!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:52:38.509Z
  Thanks, THC. Hope you enjoyed your ribs!
I K Snamhcok 1s · 2022-07-04T14:24:50.333Z
Funny! Happy Fourth!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:52:56.864Z
  Thanks, Chris. Glad you enjoyed it.
Bbaack 16:00 · 2022-07-04T14:50:49.971Z
Why are there so many "Y"'s? Oh, that's why! Nicely done! Now off to the "Y" for a swim!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:53:24.756Z
  You got it, Bbaack, That was Y.
auee89 4s · 2022-07-04T14:46:09.819Z
Thanks Rick! Like some others, my first submission was the question. Duh. Read the instructions. Happy 4th!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:53:48.001Z
  Thanks, auee89. Happy 4th to you as well!
Qmark 4s · 2022-07-04T15:29:03.917Z
Funny...thanks Rick!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:54:04.857Z
  Glad you liked it, Qmark!
michaelm 🤓10:26 · 2022-07-04T17:55:59.645Z
Thanks Cap’n Rick(Y). Happy 4th!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:54:41.298Z
  Thanks michaelm! Happy 4th to you too!
Laura M 🤓8:45 · 2022-07-04T18:20:24.692Z
Nice! Had to think a little.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:55:17.571Z
  Hope you didn't have to think too hard, Laura!
Carolyn 13s · 2022-07-04T21:12:17.135Z
Love it! Happy 4th
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-04T23:55:57.868Z
  Thanks, Carolyn. Hope your 4th was a good one!
Gutman 🤓16:25 · 2022-07-04T23:40:48.986Z
Happy 4th
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T00:26:06.514Z
  Thanks, Gutman! Hope you had a Happy 4th too!
Teamdoubletow 3s · 2022-07-04T23:48:17.047Z
Thanks for the holiday treat!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T01:25:28.701Z
  Glad you enjoyed it, Team!
Toast 🤓8:47 · 2022-07-05T02:08:42.895Z
Getting back in touch with my inner six year old. (Pouts, stomps foot.)
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T02:39:11.094Z
  Be careful, Toast! Your parents might not let you watch the fireworks!
Bird Lives 3s · 2022-07-05T02:14:58.093Z
Woody Guthrie? Seven entries start with Y. The chorus of Woodys "Why oh Why" starts with seven WHYs.

Some great cluing in this puzzle. :

Why, oh why, oh why oh, why? Why, oh why, oh why? Because because because because Goodbye goodbye goodbye
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T11:40:10.458Z
  Umm... yeah! That's it, Jay! Actually no, but I wish I had known about that song so I could've tied it in. Thanks for solving!
DrTom 14:46 · 2022-07-05T06:20:22.561Z
Thanks for something I could do while waiting to feed the outside cats (waiting for the barrage to stop so the little fur-balls will come out of hiding)
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T11:41:04.461Z
  Thank you, DrTom. Hope you and your kitties survived the Fourth.
Hidden in 3D 6s · 2022-07-05T11:29:02.744Z
Thanks, Rick! Solving put a smile on my face this morning! Now off to our 4-mile walk.
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T12:43:22.789Z
  Nice job, Hidden! I wish I could try some of the blueberry pie of yours!
MamaEllen 5s · 2022-07-05T14:33:58.028Z
Fun one!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T15:01:45.887Z
  Glad you enjoyed it, MamaE! Safe travels today!
Ergcat 4s · 2022-07-05T20:51:52.173Z
Thanks, Ben! Clever yet straightforward mechanism! Nice way to start the week! -Elaine
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-05T22:59:04.239Z
  Thanks, Elaine, but I constructed this one. :)
  - Ergcat 4s · 2022-07-06T23:48:18.787Z
    Sorry, Rick! I got confused there for a moment with another comment!
    - Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-07T03:19:29.452Z
      No prob, Elaine. Thanks again!
Phrogge 🤓9:52 · 2022-07-07T19:01:36.291Z
Only after I decided what the question might be based on the preponderance of a certain letter and impulsively entered the correct answe, did I go back and consider WHY that was the question and answer, then realized the answer was in the title. Did not see the cleverness of concealing the answer within the appropriate grid answers: Beautiful!!
- Capn Rick constructor · 2022-07-07T19:43:12.936Z
  Thank you, Phrogge! I appreciate your comments!

Play today's daily mini crossword

Start of Fred Flintstone's yell

Across

1A
Start of Fred Flintstone's yell
6A
British record label
9A
Scoundrel
14A
Labor group
15A
Racket
16A
Saudi Arabia neighbor
17A
Ticked off
18A
Pizza topping
20A
Posh Brits, slangily
21A
Dubai resident
22A
Desert plants with swordlike leaves
24A
Scarecrow portrayer
28A
Restaurateur Toots
29A
Links org.
31A
Wife of Jacob
32A
'72 Olympics swimming star
34A
Spotted
35A
Crafts website
36A
Write
37A
Mexican peninsula
40A
Clothes line
41A
Clinches
43A
Butter squares
44A
Humiliate
46A
Speak hoarsely
47A
Pigpen
48A
Senior moment?
49A
Discounted
51A
Li'l Abner's family
53A
Eye liners of a sort
56A
Hawaiian goose
58A
Alan of the Fed
61A
Storage medium
62A
Leavening agent
63A
Deluge refuge
64A
"SNL" alum Cheri
65A
Words to live by
66A
Part of CBS
67A
Alpine refrain

Down

1D
Chinese currency
2D
Irk
3D
1988 Bette Midler/Lily Tomlin comedy
4D
Ukrainian soup
5D
"___ takers?"
6D
Dutch cheeses
7D
Short skirt
8D
Enlargement: Abbr.
9D
Former Japanese capital
10D
Chamberlain, the British PM
11D
French friend
12D
Geese formation
13D
Nav. rank
19D
Cuba's capital, to Cubans
21D
Corn unit
23D
Snug
25D
Be like the nail that sticks out in a Japanese proverb
26D
Facilitates
27D
Limerick feature
29D
Earthy-tasting, as whisky
30D
Understands
32D
Richard's first veep
33D
Pie nut
34D
Jazz singing style
38D
Surprise wins
39D
Stoolie, to Brits
42D
Most meager
45D
Almost certainly will, after "is"
48D
"The Gold Bug" author
50D
Slow, in music
51D
Jerks
52D
Saw wood
54D
Hoppy brews, for short
55D
___ a soul (no one)
57D
Actor Jannings
58D
Workout site
59D
Classic car
60D
"Dig in!"
61D
Demure