Clue: 2 x 2 Answer: tip top

[sallyh75]

Any of you clever people know why?
(Old D Telegraph crossword from a book)

[factor-fiction]

Are you saying he clue was "2 x 2" and the answer was "tip top"?
If so, I can't explain the answer.
Was it a cryptic crossword? If so, was the 2 x 2 a reference to clue number 2?

[Tilly2]

Can't answer this sally but it's going to bug me until someone does!

[factor-fiction]

2 x 2 could mean 2 by 2 which could be a reference to timber sizes or even to Noah's Ark (the animals came in 2 by 2).
Still doesn't help me with the answer though

[bibblebub]

As factor30 has asked, what is the answer to clue 2? I suspect that 'tip' and 'top' are both synonyms of that answer.

[factor-fiction]

...or maybe it relates to the answers for 2a and 2d

[factor-fiction]

Since reading this I keep finding myself singing the theme from Top Cat
Top Cat!
The indisputable leader of the gang.
He's the boss, he's a pip, he's the championship.
He's the most tip top,
Top Cat.

Yes he's a chief, he's a king,
But above everything,
He's the most tip top,
Top Cat.

Top Cat!

[bibblebub]

(don't go and see the latest film version in the cinemas at present, it's rubbish by all accounts)

[sallyh75]

I'm helping out someone else here - but clue was written as seen. I'd thought of timber and Noah's Ark and did wonder about a car reference (as in 4 x 4??). I think not......Haven't seen the actual puzzle so will check out the refs to 2a and 2d. Might have been a physical ref to the top left hand corner as you suggest.
I'm depressed you know all the words to the Top Cat song!!
Thanks for the brain power

[Alec61]

In this crossword, 2d was “Summit unknown to primate first” so the answer was APEX. 2x2 was therefore Tip and Top, two synonyms for apex.