Originally posted by RagwortIn most of my grids I offer a softer clue strain where the indicators are a little more obvious. This one was :
I'll try 'reprogram' meaning to convert with Elvis being software rather than the singer. I'd be more confident with some check letters though...
" Elvis to become a convert ". It detracts somewhat from the purity of the original ( where the indicator is also a synonym of the solution ) but the object is to be able to solve the puzzle, not frustrate.
skeets
Originally posted by skeeterWell it was certainly easier in its expanded form without the potential misdirection of 'convert' and 'to convert' as well as the anagram indicator.
In most of my grids I offer a softer clue strain where the indicators are a little more obvious. This one was :
" Elvis to [b]become a convert ". It detracts somewhat from the purity of the original ( where the indicator is also a synonym of the solution ) but the object is to be able to solve the puzzle, not frustrate.
skeets[/b]
I think what I find difficult as an "improving" solver is when convention might indicate an anagram of a linked word like "Presley" in this clue rather than simply a charade of synonyms of words in the clue.
Originally posted by RagwortIn skeeter's clue, convert has a double role. Besides being a synonym for proselyte, it also tells the solver to convert, or rearrange, Presley to.
Well it was certainly easier in its expanded form without the potential misdirection of 'convert' and 'to convert' as well as the anagram indicator.
I think what I find difficult as an "improving" solver is when convention might indicate an anagram of a linked word like "Presley" in this clue rather than simply a charade of synonyms of words in the clue.
Originally posted by HandyAndyAbsolutely, but you have to understand that the compiler is not providing the letters for the anagram within the clue (P R E S L E Y) and you have to find them by understanding that the "Elvis" points to them.
In skeeter's clue, convert has a double role. Besides being a synonym for proselyte, it also tells the solver to convert, or rearrange, Presley to.
I have seen this type of clue construct before but it is not particularly common in the crosswords I regularly attempt where in most cases the letters for rearrangement are within the clue rather than suggested by it. The compilers then use ever more vague indicators of anagrams such as "out" "off" "surprise" "badly" to disguise the nature of the clue.
But it is good to learn how some of these more difficult ones work.
Originally posted by RagwortAgreed, but this trend is becoming more prevalent as the anagrams are getting harder to disguise as the solvers skill set improves.
Absolutely, but you have to understand that the compiler is not providing the letters for the anagram within the clue (P R E S L E Y) and you have to find them by understanding that the "Elvis" points to them.
I have seen this type of clue construct before but it is not particularly common in the crosswords I regularly attempt where in most cases the let ...[text shortened]... re of the clue.
But it is good to learn how some of these more difficult ones work.
" Wrongly instruct the girl in class we hear." Nine letters and a little more mainstream.
skeets
Originally posted by skeeterI'm enjoying these, but I'm rubbish at it and I'm getting a headache !!!
Agreed, but this trend is becoming more prevalent as the anagrams are getting harder to disguise as the solvers skill set improves.
" Wrongly instruct the girl in class we hear." Nine letters and a little more mainstream.
skeets