Words: 11 (5×6)
Average Length: 5.09
Re 1A: Cars, not being familiar with Shakespearean English, assume “wherefore” means “where,” just like lots of people do. Any way, who am I to ignore a pun that’s just sitting there. Not surprisingly given the title, 3D and 7A were the seeds.
Words: 10
Average Length: 5.00
I started this grid with the 2D/8A combination, then added 3D/7A, then decided to include as many other soundalike as I could. I hope the result is enjoyable rather than annoying!
Words: 18 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.00
I’m nearing the end of a wonderful cruise from San Diego to Miami. On a sea day last week, while waiting for trivia to start, I decided to construct a ridiculous puzzle, as one does. This one includes a made-up word (1 Across), an anagram or two, a bunch of puns, and some absurd definitions.
Words: 19 (7×7)
Average Length: 4.63
This puzzle celebrates and honors the FIVE MILLION Americans who took part in rallies across the nation last Saturday opposing the Trump regime. I attended the one in Charlottesville and wrote about it on my travel blog. Here’s a link if you’re interested; in addition to the essay, there are photos of some of the amazingly creative signs.
Words: 12 (6×6)
Average Length: 4.67
This was a mind-wandering-before-falling-asleep puzzle, when the idea for 1, 2, and 3 Down popped into my head. Over breakfast the next morning – after my normal routine of Wordle, Connections, the Atlantic puzzle, the NYT puzzle, and Simply Daily’s Easy Cryptic Crossword – I filled the grid. Since the seed answers may be hard to get, at least at first, I clued this puzzle to play easier than my usual.
Words: 14 (7×7)
Average Length: 5.14
It’s been a while since I posted a Mostly Musical Mini. The last couple, alas, marked the passing of musicians I grew up and grew old(er) listening to (Jimmy Buffett, Robbie Robertson). This one, thankfully, isn’t a memorial, though it definitely skews toward Dad (or Grandpa) Rock.
My second attempt at cryptic construction. Please let me know what you think. I’d appreciate any pointers/suggestions.
Explanations below – highlight the space after each clue number to reveal them.
1A: Twists: Reach across (SPAN) Rhode Island (RI) = SPRAINS
5A: Toys: Canine (PUP) fur babies (PETS) = PUPPETS
6A: Game (in the wild meat sense): Diagram (VENN) containing personal letters (ISO) = VENISON
2D: Trims: Personal record (PR) using (U) Mario Bros. console (NES) = PRUNES
3D: Live-in help: Two golds = AU PAIR
4D: Later: Dumpling? (WONTON) on reflection = NOT NOW
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
This grid started with 1 Across because I’ve been watching the NFL playoffs, but then when I went to clue it, I kept remembering the brilliant opening credit sequence of Airplane!, which you can see here.
Jeff's Puzzles