Listener Crossword 4155 Body of Evidence by Jacques

[Zabadak]

Interesting this one in that I know what the end result should be, with the evident truth clearly displayed, but I can't see how best to get there: I have a number of viable options depending on what you count as a considerable body of letters.
Otherwise a decent set of clues, though I'm not sure about the definition at 1d
Thanks to Jacques and regards to all.

[Zabadak]

And apologies to Jaques for twice adding an extra letter. Must be the theme of the crossword gettingits own back.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, I have a problem with the ones that are in the OED but do have a full grid, and, indeed I can see what the end result should be - just like you, Zabadak, and even how to get there but I am not convinced that I have it right.

[trux]

Likewise, Mr Z : grid filled. Several possible endgames still look on the cards - I can see what I want to move, just not sure which route to take. Definition is fair in 1A (under second headword). Definition in 28A perhaps more borderline but caused me to titter. Many fine clues though some had more than one answer (18A but it should be clear which to choose) and 31A (total toss-up). Anyhow, many thanks, Jaques for fun so far.

[trux]

Have cracked it now - and most elegant, too. Beautifully constructed !

[midazolam]

I thought this was a fun crossword. Jaques is a regular in the EV and Magpie, and now keeps up the trend of enjoyable Listener debuts. The grid fill was straightforward despite the Letters Latent, but the denouement was a leap of faith as the highlighting does not jump out. Overall a neat construction. Thanks Jaques

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, how elegant. I am happy with the final effect - that endgame makes sense now that I have seen the error of my ways. What a fine Listener debut. Indeed Jaques is a familiar EV and Magpie name.

[Zabadak]

Elegant indeed, and presumably the other considerable body is meant to be where it is too - though I saw that before the primary collection.
Apart from these (and the evident truth) it's a meaningless jumble of letters, isn't it? - which means competitors will have to exercise great care in transcribing. Don't think I'll try!

[borealis]

This one gripped me - had to keep going till all explained. Thanks Jaques.

A nice mix of not-too-hard-to-start-with clues, and tough ones. 28 was my favourite too, trux. Clues seeming to have more than one answer were 29 and 32, which I only resolved using the discovered title. In contrast to midazolam, the highlighting jumped out easily, but the body movement took a while - sign of age! In reality, I suppose it would have taken just under a fortnight.

[TheBear69]

22a is another one with more than one answer, but like the others, your choice is forced. A lovely puzzle, indeed!

[AndrewG-S]

Really enjoyed the cluing. Bit like others above can see the endgame elements but not totally sure what to move yet. Thanks Jaques

[AndrewG-S]

Ah, I see it, very clever. Yes I am sure the positioning is quite deliberate.

[AHearer]

I agree with all of you. A very pretty puzzle with a pleasing outcome. I'm pretty happy about the OED words as a result of the wordplay and letters from the title, though I have not been able to check them explicitly. Thank you, Jacques.

[Coalminers]

It would seem to be a significant number of years since a significant event, but I haven't yet been able to confirm the date.

[Ruthrobin]

Coalminers, yes, I believe this year is significant, though the real consequences of this situation happened some decades later.

[starwalker]

Given my scattergun approach to solving the clues, I had quite a collection of omitted letters before anything made sense. Now with a completed grid, all is clear. Just the final step to go, but very enjoyable (thus far).

[emcee]

I'm at the same stage as you, starwalker. I know what needs to be done, I think, and part of this aided me in solving some of the more difficult clues.

[pushmi-pullyu]

Wow, what a clever puzzle. I still have to get 1 across, but apart from that everything is in place.

[pushmi-pullyu]

Got it now.

[emcee]

I think I have it. My only problem is deciding how many cells to shade. I've gone for more than eight! (I don't think that gives anything away). A nice puzzle, thanks Jaques.

[AndrewG-S]

Just got my new BRB, with a satisfying thud on the doorstep. The wordgame companion in the middle is quite interesting. Gives lists for anagram indicators, homophone indicators, letter selection indicators etc. Certainly useful for someone starting out on cryptics. But I wonder whether this will then start to play a role in what is and is not acceptable for a clue. For example homophones are often the subject of some debate - so I am a little surprised to see "drunkard says" for a slurred homophone - mesh for mess is the example given, not a cryptic form I have encountered. Then in another section are listed some interesting words like "chillax", which my kids tell me to do the whole time. But this does not seem to appear in the main body of the BRB, so is it an allowable word or not? It is an entertaining and amusing section but could give rise to a bit of debate.