Explanation: There are eight 8-letter compound words in the pattern 4, 4. Each of these compound words can be broken up further with a four-letter grid entry to form a...compound compound word, I guess? For instance, HOMEROOM = WORK (homework, workroom), TIREMASK (yes, this is a thing - but it was the most contrived entry, I'll admit!) = IRON (tire iron, iron mask). So the new word gives us two additional compound words and/or phrases. The initial letters of these inserted words spell the apropos WISHBONE, an item that is often broken up in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday! Finding the words that worked was a bit of a challenge, but feel free to leave more in the comments! Happy turkey day, everyone!
Loved this one. I almost backsolved to FISHBONE based on 15-A. Then thought about the title and found the W.
lbray53 2s · 2024-11-24T00:00:54.307Z
So fun! Took me awhile but finally saw it. Great construction.
ALSO thanks for the gift card.
Carolyn 4s · 2024-11-24T00:39:09.123Z
That was fun! Many happy memories of breaking the turkey WISHBONE after Thanksgiving! And, thanks again for the gift card. Now I can buy myself a crossword mug ;)
whimsy 8:14 · 2024-11-24T00:31:00.065Z
The first thing I thought of after successfully test-solving was the PBS show about the Jack Russell terrier that I used to watch with my kids back in the day. "What's the story, Wishbone." But then I quickly realized how close we were to the holiday -- Oh, right!
Loved the puzzle, Mikey -- It's just about the furthest thing from being a turkey!
Fun puz! I saw them, but started to make up some of my own: home show/showroom; flip note/ notebook... haha :D Love the Thanksgiving theme. Have a good one, MikeyG!