CCCWC April competition voters’ comments
Clue no. 25: How sad
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A clue to GRAVE.
2 comments refer to this clue (from 2 competitors, 0 others)
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| Comments on the competition |
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| 1. |
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| I thought the how/grave spot 25 merited top billing, and the author of 57 deserves congratulations for attempting (and succeeding with) a subtractive anagram when so many other possibilities suggested themselves. I was less struck by the Viagra-based entries, I'm afraid, and some of the forename identifiers stretch fairness, as is demonstrated by the use of Steve, Michael and Vanessa to give Redgrave. There has to be a uniqueness within public consciousness for this to work well, surely (and the fact that I was going to instance Elvis before Costello came to mind shows the difficulty involved). The Al/Gore substitution seems to hsve gained currency – I don't like it much. |
| 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 |
