This puzzle was inspired by the grid of MGWCC #817 Keep It Simple. You don't have to have solved that one to enjoy this one; the mechanisms are entirely different! The answer to the meta is a 3-word phrase. Answer & explanation: https://www.xword-muggles.com/viewtopic.php?p=198333#p198333
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here: https://www.ephesusscroll.com/about/interest4.html. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Was stumped on the second step for a while but it came clear.
I was a little concerned with 47D. I originally put in YENTA but when that failed and I say it had to begin with B-I- I immediately reacted "Oh, no! He wouldn't! Not him!". I'm really relieved you didn't.
hoover 3s · 12 giorni fa
I saw part 1 quickly, but then got stuck at SIRSPALELODYNU until I saw SIA and DYE.
I got it based on the title and the fact that "and" must be involved. Then I back-solved to see the 3-letter words.
whimsy 🤓11:40 · 11 giorni fa
I too guessed correctly based just on all the "ands" because I couldn't see anything else. But then had plenty of fun going back and figuring it out based on hoover and DaveC's hints! (Thanks, guys.) And Thanks, Ben! Nicely conceived and carried out; always more than what meets the eye!
KayW 🤓3:34 · 11 giorni fa
Very nice, Ben!! Once again that was going to be my WAG but I wanted to know WHY before trying it.