CCCWC February competition voters’ comments

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A clue to DRUNKENNESS.
31 comments were received for this competition (from 9 competitors, 2 others)
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Comments on the competition
1.
In this set of clues, we find “news – leader” = N 5, “Kent heading” = K 7 and “final location” = L 16. In my book, none of these is acceptable. “News – leader” is not the same as “leader of news” or even as “news’ leader” (with an apostrophe); nor “Kent heading” as “Kent’s heading”; nor “final location” as, say, “last of location” – though, of course, to substitute the sound versions would destroy the surface meaning. This shortcoming is particularly unfortunate in the case of 5, which otherwise has the makings of an excellent clue with a well-married original definition and surface.
2.
A brute of a word to clue can only lead to a fair number of brutal ugly clues — nasty bits and pieces, nasty definitions. Why does our word-chooser throw this sort of word at us? That said, I did find five clues, rather surprisingly. PS, Hint to clue-writers — if you need to write an essay to explain your clue, you will instantly arouse my suspicions that it really isn't very solvable, or indeed any good!

Comments on the clues

1. A French national’s acquired knowledge in clothing? It’s being wasted

1.	Shouldn't national be capitalised?

2. A source of slurs and unkind sneers circulating when one's away

1.	Nice surface and well disguised definition
2.	Like the definition!

3. Because of this, the captain renders sunken craft (not QEII).(11)

1.	The definition needs a question mark at the very least.
2.	Full marks for a clever clue.

5. Breaking news – leader with Sun, "Red Ken's Newts' Affliction?" (11)

1.	A pity about the unsoundness of "news- leader" = N. Otherwise, very good.

7. Cricket captain admits career with Kent heading for intemperate end

1.	Nice connect in surface

8. Depression primarily relieved by doctor being merry

1.	Weak defintion.
2.	What is Sunkenness?! I cannot find this word listed in Chambers/OED.

10. Doctor before United Nations knows about society's crapulence.

1.	Well constructed; very straightforward.

12. Doctor fumbling nuns' knees as a result of serious boozing

1.	Runner-up to 13 in the nuns' knees
2.	"as a result of" doesn't really work for me

13. Doctor worried nun's knee's being wrecked

1.	Neatest of the nuns' knees with a clever def.

15. From a sip it starts, it produces a piss artist with time (doubles often involved in latter stages)

1.	Interesting idea but too strained in execution

16. In the cellar, final location, in illegal sense, for St Martin's evil.

1.	I can’t see how 'illegal' indicates an anagram

17. Inebriation causing deviant nun to grab man in frock

1.	Not sure about "causing" here

18. Inn bloke undresses — i.e. slob ——— made naughty?

1.	Even by the looser criteria for &lit in composite anagrams, I fail to see how this conceivably qualifies.

22. Lord's inclination ? Sobers up for taking it on (11)

1.	Couldn't see the second definition.

23. Losing nothing Un endorses disturbance around North Korea, could cause imbalance (11)

1.	NK is not a recognised abbreviation for North Korea

24. Manage dog's home almost completely within old department of high state

1.	Almost love this clue – but the 'of' unfortunately doesn't work.

25. Misguided nuke Royal Navy sends – result of excessive rum ration?

1.	Nice defintion
2.	Good surface, but I think the definition could be better
3.	Best clue here, I reckon

27. Not having complete sense, like gegs?

1.	Scrambled eggs worked – it's a recognised phrase. This doesn't.
2.	If anyone could solve this I'd be astonished.
3.	I'm not sure there’s a definition here

29. Red Ken's cavorting with nuns? This would explain it!

1.	Unlikely but entertaining surface

31. Spiritually elevated state (11)

1.	Nice CD though not very cryptic.

33. The Scotsman's not recognised missing editor wearing bandage (the result of a bender)

1.	Some kudos for indicating Scottishness