Listener 4166, Brief Appearances by Schadenfreude

[Walterloo]

Looks like a hefty and interesting challenge this week from a renowned setter. How many Friday Clubbers will there be with this one? Good luck to all.

[jim360]

Hmm, I quite like the red section in itself - especially the amusing definitions of "weasel words" - though agree that it isn't in the most convenient place. Perhaps at the end, and adding back in that first names section, would make it better?

[cruciverbali]

Page 50 (48) for King's Alumnus also by Schadenfreude:

http://alumni.cam.ac.uk/news/cam/cam64/

[sunny-dave]

Enjoyed that a lot - best puzzle since my return from the wilderness - I love the terse 'every word matters' clue style and the finished grid was good too :)

[JackDeCrow]

Phew, yes that was quite a piece of work! As already observed, an amazing amount of material hidden in the grid that just stayed hidden until right at the end. And after all that, I still don't understand the wordplay to 5d - is it extra specially terse?!

[perseverer]

Jack - think abbreviation + single letter all in another abbreviation of similar origin - yes it is quite terse.

[JackDeCrow]

Ah yes - thanks perseverer. Wasn't familiar with one of those abbreviations, so wasn't quite thinking the right way, shall we say. And that inner abbreviation is perhaps stretching it a bit - have only just fully understood it!

[Philoctetes]

This is more like it. Rigorous cluing, a theme that gradually reveals itself through the logic of the puzzle, bags of relevant material and a few red herrings, all constructed beautifully. This so far outdoes the "Mash" problem on all counts as to be in a completely different league - no need to hide behind the patronising comments found on the Times discussion for that aberration. Here the balance is perfect, and that, for me, makes this a far superior Listener.

[abns]

Not much to add - I found it tough but impressive. Must admit I used rather too much chambers word wizard...

[Alan7777]

I have found the clues difficult but fair and now have a full grid (apart from one cell) and the 22-character instruction. But I'm not sure what to do next which is a worry because you all seem to have had no difficulties. Perhaps it will be obvious in the morning.

The answer to 52 across isn't in BRB 12th edition nor my iPad version which held me up for a while.

[Alan7777]

Brilliant! I have seen the light. Excellent challenge. Hope that next week's (in two day's time) is a little easier as I will be busy.

[iamamoose]

"terse" is the word alright.. an excellent puzzle

[silversolver]

Came to this one late but worth the wait - I agree with all of the above. An excellent puzzle (as usual from Schadenfreude) and a good (but fair) challenge.

[word_cross]

woohoo, finished in time for a tiny break before number 4167 :-)

[bobbycollins]

listener 4167

[IainGrace]

Well done to all who have finished this. Don't know if we are having a slightly "off" week, but really struggling to solve more than half the clues. May possibly have misinterpreted some of the rubric. Disappointing since it does all seem worth the effort. Hey ho. On to the next one.

[Philoctetes]

Keep at it, IG. Everything does work out, and the theme is eventually well signposted (unlike one recent one :P ) and should be familiar at least in part.