Cathcart Cryptic #5

Comments

• Jason Cathcart constructor · 2024-08-07T13:00:47.867Z

  Explanations:

  1A: P(ECAN*)S

  5A: Acrostic

  6A: RHO MU*

  7A: D(IRENE)SS

  8A: STEP<

  1D: A+Z+UR (“you are” homophone)+ E(MPLOY)

  2D: CO+MET

  3D: N+EONS

  4D: H(EY RE)MEMBER

  6D: S(HIP)

  Report
• Aaron Riccio 🤓51s · 2024-08-08T01:47:49.523Z

  A fully checked cryptic makes for a relatively easy solve, and the clues were pretty generous as well. Don't get me wrong—fun puzzle! That said, since your grammar is tight, my recommendation is that you really focus on surface sense. I think 6A and 7A are outstanding in this regard (I especially like [fraternizing] as an anagrind of a Greek organization), and 6D is neat as well. But stuff like 1A and 1D don't mean much to me, and 5A and 4D feel constrained by wordplay needs. Bring on the next grid!

  Report
  • Jason Cathcart constructor · 2024-08-08T07:12:51.636Z

    Agree with all of that, appreciate the feedback! In 1A, I was trying for a sort of homemade pimple remedy, and I wanted 1D to read like something inferred from a written correspondence... didn't flesh them out much, and it shows. I've never seen anyone use "fraternizing" before & I was iffy on using it as an anagrind, so thank you for validating that! Still a beginner at writing these, onto the next grid now :)

    Report
• tuber 🤓44s · 2024-08-10T10:22:41.305Z

  Nice grid, thanks

  Report