CCCWC April competition voters’ comments
Clue no. 13: Death count
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A clue to GRAVE.
4 comments refer to this clue (from 4 competitors, 0 others)
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Here is the text
| Comments on the competition |
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| 1. |
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Points to:
5: 36 – Obviously topical, so perhaps wouldn't be as good at another time, but nonetheless inventive.
4: 37 – Concise, with a lovely surface.
3: 50 – Again, a nice surface, but seems a little less smooth than the above.
2: 13 – The best of the definition only clues, I thought.
1: 23 – I like the juxtaposition of Greek and Roman imagery.
Must give a mention to 22, 21 and 50 as well, though – all good surfaces. |
| 2. |
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A clue-word with numerous meanings and offering a wide range of potential approaches. There were fewer instances of unsoundness than usual and a fair number of perfectly acceptable clues. In awarding points, I gave precedence to clues offering originality of approach (especially with respect to the definition), clever wordplay and, as always, a convincing and satisfying surface.
3 points each to:
25 Although, strictly speaking, this clue is flawed by its failure to indicate that, in these senses, “how” is dialect and “sad” archaic, it is so neat that I am prepared to overlook that.
38 A cleverly hidden definition and sound word play contributing to a convincing (and arguably topical) surface.
57 An admirably succinct composite anagram offering a very clever double definition. Whether it is an &lit in the normally accepted sense of the term is arguable, however.
2 points each to:
36 At the time of writing (7 May), it remains to be seen how apposite this clue will turn out to be, but it is tautly constructed and with a convincing topical surface.
40 A well crafted clue with a convincing surface, but there is less sparkle to the definition than in 25, 38 and 57.
1 point to:
31 A good definition appropriate to the surface, but the wordplay in the s.i. is a bit predictable.
0.5 point each to:
13 As economical as 25 and the double definition is entirely sound, but “Death count” is a rather artificial phrase and hardly a recognized alternative to “body count”.
42 Economical with a convincing surface, but grave4 means “in a solemn manner” and “solemn” and “serious”, though associated in meaning, are not quite the same thing |
| 3. |
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| A very good entry with nearly twenty clues vying for points. The best idea was the 'Viagra vendor' etc. hidden word, and 55 combined it with a brilliant definition – the runaway winner for me. 36 is neatly worded and especially topical in the light of the election result. 12 is also topical after Steve Davis's recent short-lived comeback. I liked 13's simple double def. idea that no one else spotted, and 40's original approach and natural surface. Many others would have been contenders but for the strong competition, including 9, 17, 26, 28 and 49. A couple that didn't measure up were 24 (poor grammar and little surface sense) and 30 (I can't accept Oldbury = old bury). |
| 4. |
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I couldn't separate the top two, each of which was very good.
1st= (3 points each): 12, 38
3rd= (1.5 points each): 7 (I can't quite convince myself that the definition is OK, but it's very clever), 55 (the best of the Viagra hiddens, this has an excellent definition)
5th= (1 point each): 3, 13, 29, 43, 49, 57 |
