White as Snow

◆ · By DrTom · Published 2024-01-03T12:30:57.782Z

Meta Prompt

The meta answer is a fabled rock group

Although snow is not a "thing" in Florida I know it is in many places where Muggles reside and solve. Therefore this puzzle seemed very timely. I am not going to venture a guess on the difficulty. I, of course, think it is patently obvious what I want, but then I wrote it.

So, solve carefully, remember who wrote this and watch out for things purposely designed to confuse.

Difficulty: ? (no more than Persian)

Nudges Friday, reveal Tuesday

Thanks to my Testers: BarbaraK, whimsy and, Hector (who unintentionally was a tester but gave me a much better meta prompt!)

Nudges:

Nudge 1] Think of symmetry and synonyms

Nudge 2] If the title is not helpful, change it around a little

Nudge 3] Remember that I like to use wordplay...even in my meta prompts

Nudge 4] Although the answer is a band, it is not a band

Reveal:

There are 7, symmetrical, answers that all have some reference to "snow" in their clue and have a likely synonym:

DUMMY = DOPEY

TIRED = SLEEPY

TIMID = BASHFUL

MERRY = HAPPY

IRATE = GRUMPY

BONES=DOC

Along with a slight change to the title to make it Snow White, and the mention of the Evil Queen and her apple, hopefully that brought that merry group who dug rocks daily - a rock group of course - to mind and Seven Dwarfs popped into your head.

This played considerably harder than I ever thought it would, and for that I am sorry, but 44 people struggled through it and I am thanking each and every one of them. One more from me tomorrow and then a two week vacation from "tom foolery".

If you want to see a graphic representation of the solve, please go to:

https://www.xword-muggles.com/viewtopic.php?p=153157#p153157

Checking for previous play data...

Leaderboard (updated hourly)

Hector solved 2024-01-03T05:51:43.329Z
Laura M solved 2024-01-03T08:42:27.913Z
whimsy solved 2024-01-03T13:34:53.787Z
DIS solved 2024-01-03T14:20:39.074Z
rjy solved 2024-01-03T14:25:15.226Z
Mr Tex solved 2024-01-03T14:37:35.558Z
Meg solved 2024-01-03T15:10:13.320Z
boharr solved 2024-01-03T15:26:20.345Z
LarsCaine solved 2024-01-03T15:28:19.781Z
I K Snamhcok solved 2024-01-03T15:36:33.700Z
Cindy Heisler solved 2024-01-03T16:24:46.436Z
DCBilly solved 2024-01-03T16:57:33.469Z
heidi solved 2024-01-03T17:24:46.417Z
MatthewL solved 2024-01-03T17:40:16.134Z
Cindy Weatherman solved 2024-01-03T17:44:45.900Z
andeux solved 2024-01-03T19:00:49.936Z
markhr solved 2024-01-03T19:20:04.819Z
Mwoychick solved 2024-01-03T19:44:30.472Z
kurtalert solved 2024-01-03T20:58:44.611Z
CPJohnson solved 2024-01-03T21:10:38.717Z
BarbaraK solved 2024-01-03T22:53:37.172Z
hoover solved 2024-01-03T23:04:30.281Z
lbray53 solved 2024-01-03T23:16:44.434Z
emmie solved 2024-01-04T01:04:54.846Z
jbird solved 2024-01-04T03:19:01.054Z
Jeremy Smith solved 2024-01-04T05:14:28.703Z
SamKat9 solved 2024-01-04T06:23:56.997Z
Philip Chow solved 2024-01-04T14:26:50.483Z
Darth solved 2024-01-04T17:36:34.119Z
LB800 solved 2024-01-04T20:25:17.650Z
Berto solved 2024-01-05T15:59:56.718Z
Capn Rick solved 2024-01-05T16:34:41.385Z
Dave C solved 2024-01-05T21:21:40.623Z
Danny K Bernstein solved 2024-01-06T00:18:00.351Z
Carolyn solved 2024-01-06T00:27:20.329Z
woozy solved 2024-01-06T01:16:04.788Z
KayW solved 2024-01-06T02:15:38.833Z
HeadinHome solved 2024-01-06T13:05:42.072Z
ajk solved 2024-01-06T23:59:29.682Z
Pair O Ducks solved 2024-01-07T13:35:36.306Z
Ergcat solved 2024-01-08T00:22:44.074Z
JM solved 2024-01-08T19:20:21.627Z
AxelPlays solved 2024-01-08T20:52:06.645Z
Prog solved 2024-01-13T19:33:38.627Z
Mikey G solved 2024-01-15T17:29:55.031Z
Qmark solved 2024-03-03T13:40:22.173Z

Comments

Hector 3s · 2024-01-03T12:30:57.782Z
Oh and I should be considered something like an unhelpful test solver, since I came across this on crosshare last week by mistake. Still took a while to remember what was going on :-)
Hector 3s · 2024-01-03T12:30:57.782Z
It seems to usually be spelled DWARFS, so maybe accept that too. Nice one, DrT!
- DrTom constructor · 2024-01-03T12:30:57.782Z
  Yes DWARFS is correct, DWARVES is something Tolkien added, by mistake, to the lexicon. Now here is the, "don't wait too long between testing and publishing" warning for all considering puzzle construction. One of my testers already told me about the DWARFS because in my original I had the 7 and the first letter of their alternate name spelled out DWARVES. So I changed it so that only their names would appear since there were 7 of them and only 6 letters in DWARFS. I did also heed your earlier "testers" comment about the originals being gold and silver miners, that is why it went from Diamond Team the original meta prompt to Rock group. I've added the correct DWARFS but will continue too accept DWARVES as well. Thanks for solving, and for your comments; I am always glad of some help.
  - Hector 3s · 2024-01-03T14:58:35.545Z
    Well worth solving twice. I recommend solvers read through the original story (the ending of which I certainly did not remember, and which is particularly Grimm).
  - boharr 3s · 2024-01-03T15:31:47.573Z
    I entered DWARVES but was marked incorrect. Google found a band my that name. https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dwarves_(band) band dwarves from en.wikipedia.org The Dwarves are an American punk rock band formed in Chicago, Illinois and based in San Francisco, California as of 2009.
Laura M 🤓10:23 · 2024-01-03T12:30:57.782Z
It took me a few tries to submit correctly but I didn't think it could be anything else. Fun one, thank you!
rjy 3s · 2024-01-03T14:57:31.100Z
Nice one, Doc! Saw the posting just past midnight but was too sleepy to take it on, but was happy as the answer revealed itself - it’s so in my wheel-house. Gotta say, though, I was a bit grumpy I couldn’t shoehorn my initial guess - The Edgar Winter Group - as the answer, but that was kind of dopey anyway. Anyhoo - I’m usually too bashful to offer up a punny posting to the esteemed master of puns, especially in this case since it just wasn’ eezy. But a delightful puzzle, thanks!
- DrTom constructor · 2024-01-03T17:29:44.145Z
  Well your puns were all great, I believe you may have dwarfed even my efforts! Funny you should mention Edgar Winter...when I was making the prompt (originally it was "A famed diamond team" but got changed because someone ley me in on the secret that it was Walt that made them diamond miners, in the original Grimm they were gold and silver miners) I too thought of the Edgar Winter group because of their famed singer, and after all this only came out last night....
Meg 3s · 2024-01-03T15:15:32.999Z
My first guess for 32d was SPOT, which is TOPS backwards. Looked like a path to me!! Loved your clues as usual and the Aha moment was particularly lovely.
Cindy Heisler 2s · 2024-01-03T16:27:22.939Z
Fun one. I submitted a few wrong answers like The Seven Dwarfs, etc. Finally submitted correctly. Thanks, Dr Tom.
- DrTom constructor · 2024-01-03T17:30:51.579Z
  Whoops, that is a combo I did not anticipate. I'll have to add that as a possible solve. Thanks for persevering, that deserves a big Hi Ho!
MatthewL 🤓9:37 · 2024-01-03T17:42:48.767Z
I swear I tried every iteration before landing on the right one (thanks to a helpful muggle). Picky picky (see what I did there)? Thanks for the puzzle, Tom!
- DrTom constructor · 2024-01-03T22:35:17.460Z
  OK, seems that numerous people are having the right idea but are not entering it the way I have it fromattted. What was your first impulse? It kind of has to remain seven (or 7) dwarfs/dwarves because they are all included in the grid. But if there is something mere intuitive, please educate me so people are not frustrated (I know I often am when I KNOW the answer but don't know how Crosshare wants it.
  - MatthewL 🤓9:37 · 2024-01-04T14:40:39.000Z
    My problem was I entered every iteration I could think of, but I spelled out "seven" every time, rather than using the number 7. You may have changed it since then.
hoover 3s · 2024-01-03T23:05:31.270Z
OK, I did have to google that because I have never in my life heard of this group, and I am almost as old (within a decade, maybe) as Dr. Tom.
SamKat9 🤓12:14 · 2024-01-04T06:24:46.821Z
Great puzzle. thanks Dr. Tom!
Philip Chow 🤓11:11 · 2024-01-04T14:35:29.734Z
fabled "rock group" had to backsolve for the S because i didn't see the snow reference in BONES and assumed the S was synonym in ARMY... and i was like how is Doc related to an army? I guess they have medics in the army... went back to find the more elegant word association...
Darth 🤓9:44 · 2024-01-04T17:44:03.952Z
I had tried to construct one with this theme a few months ago, but never got it to work. Glad to see it, and so well constructed! Kudos, DrTom!
Berto 🤓3:25 · 2024-01-05T16:09:37.394Z
Admittedly I was nowhere near getting this, but the second nudge took me down the right path (hi ho…). “Fabled rock band” - had me totally mining in the wrong cave… nice one Doc!
Capn Rick 🤓8:50 · 2024-01-05T16:36:23.604Z
Fun one, DrTom! Thanks!
Carolyn 3s · 2024-01-06T00:28:16.160Z
So cute! Can't believe I didn't see it earlier.
KayW 🤓4:34 · 2024-01-06T02:16:44.986Z
It took the nudges but I finally got it. You could probably hear my headslap cross-country. LOVE it. Thanks, Tom!
HeadinHome 🤓1:27 · 2024-01-06T13:15:23.456Z
I am flabbergasted that the nudges did not help me. Mixing around the title got me “Snow as White,” “Etihw sa wons,” “White as Wons”…. Just never thought of Snow White, and my brainstorming of synonyms for all the 7 themers (I did know which those were) gave me a list of 17 words, only one of which was the name of a dwarf! (Example: I had IDIOT FOOL DOLT for DUMMY… though I must say, on that one it’s understandable, since DUMMY is a noun and DOPEY is an adjective… though if I had thought of DOPE it probably would gotten me there). Anyhoo… this clever puzzle really stumped me. Not until you DM’d me to list all the common synonyms for the themers did I figure it out!
Prog 🤓11:35 · 2024-01-13T19:34:00.773Z
AMAZING!!! The RED herring got us for a while.
- DrTom constructor · 2024-01-14T05:25:03.810Z
  Uh Oh, what red herring did I manage to include? If it was there it was not intentional, honest. I try to make my puzzles as solvable as possible but sometimes I inadvertently include a clue/word that I need for fill and, because I know what the answer or mechanism is, I don't see it as a herring. Glad you enjoyed it.

Play today's daily mini crossword

"Get that outta there!", briefly

Across

1A
"Get that outta there!", briefly
5A
Album that contains the hit "Heat of the Moment" by the eponymous group
9A
Spill the beans
13A
Soother that is in as many crosswords as it is products
14A
Derogatory term for a student about as smart as a snowflake
15A
Where to look for a stud
16A
Adhesive product to mend a broken heart?
18A
Not a good look
19A
Great expectation at the terminal; Abbr.
20A
Christian name in fashion
21A
First person to recommend two tablets?
22A
Noah's motivator
24A
Woke up without getting enough rest because he had to shovel snow all evening
27A
Apocryphal fiddler of Rome
29A
24/7, 365
33A
Afraid and standoffish (and maybe a bit "flakey")
36A
Holds up
38A
Catty rival of Nike
39A
Father of the god of thunder
40A
Really enjoying the Christmas party and snowy weather
41A
Parting words
42A
Where subs and pigs are kept
43A
One type of fairytale monster
44A
Very nettled about the impending bad snow storm
45A
Tall cactus with upraised "arms"
47A
"___ take food from strangers"
49A
Exasperating nasal condition associated with cold snowy weather
51A
GIve someone a hand
55A
Abnormal individual in a side-show
58A
Favorite part of a crossword church
60A
Half a laugh
61A
A girl in a famous nursery rhyme possessed one of these
62A
Mail from devotees
65A
Royalty using an apple; ___ Queen
66A
"Star Trek" nickname for the flight surgeon (who was at times snowed by Spock)
67A
Where to be high in France
68A
Are, but yesterday
69A
What hip-huggers hug
70A
Synonym for militia, and every good meta solver know how important synonyms are

Down

1D
Like calendars and many of my jokes
2D
Only the top crust
3D
Person from the area
4D
Scream from a rat
5D
Rogue, for example
6D
Feel sharp pain
7D
Babysitter's handful
8D
Affirmative vote
9D
Bullfighting and wild game safaris
10D
Cars on a flume ride
11D
Up to the task
12D
Those with a hive mentality
14D
Comparatively arid (like where you will find 45A)
17D
Barely beat
21D
Blokes
23D
Allstate's opinion of beach houses in Florida
25D
Deep-seated
26D
Like an optimist's outlook
28D
Home of the, now, Big 10 Ducks
30D
"___ or not ___, that is the question", asked by some marching band members
31D
Oh, forget it
32D
You can have a bald one or a liver one
33D
Spinners of some renown
34D
Flash that often comes when you are not expecting it
35D
Big name in old vases
37D
Bobby the Bruin
40D
It's a new day
44D
Small map in a big map
46D
Arctic bird
48D
Places to get a drink in Africa
50D
New age Greek musician
52D
"Rumor has it"
53D
Watery part of the blood
54D
Acting peevish
55D
Sped
56D
Best type of review
57D
Arabic for "commander"
59D
One type of bargain that may be struck
62D
Hoover's org.
63D
"You've got mail" internet co.
64D
"J to ___ L-O!"; Jennifer Lopez remix album