Listener 4194, Two Little Ducks by Ben Trovato

[Zabadak]

Now that really WAS easy, though I had to work fast as I'm off out to watch England/Sweden in the company of some Spurs.
Once the first of the unclued answers drops, the rest follow without too much ado and provide lots of help for the clued ones.. Fortunately I've got lots to do this weekend.
Thanks, though, Ben - I enjoyed that much more than last weeks.

[tilbee]

Somewhat slow to identify the thematic elements, but no real challenges. A fun diversion however, so thanks to BT.

[tenflags]

thanks for clarification RR as I was wondering the same.

[contendo]

I'm clearly in a minority of one in not getting this one. Finished the grid after breakfast, complete with the members of the thematic set, but no idea how the clues can have a "thematic reading". Perhaps light will dawn after a bit of weeding.

[midazolam]

Contendo, the golden rule of Listeners is to read the preamble, EVERY word of it...you should weed out the answer soon.

Didnt we have this theme not too long ago in a Listener?

[aldanna]

No, Contendo. A minority of two, at least. I had almost finished before six last night, and was mentally putting myself in the Friday club. Nearly a day later I remain stuck on the thematic reading of the clues bit, and still puzzled by the "leads" referred to. Maybe I should try weeding (thematic weeding of the clues, maybe?).

[sunny-dave]

If either contendo or aldanna gets beyond the point of exasperation, then they could email me for a (gentle) hint [email protected]

[Twit-Who]

Make that three! I too was feeling quietly confident and filled the grid quickly but not a clue how to read the clues thematically. Help!

[aldanna]

Thanks, sunny-dave, but I'll struggle on with the clue-staring.

[aldanna]

Ta-Daa! Sudden pdm as I was cooking the dinner. Try that instead of weeding, Contendo?

[Scorpius]

I'm not surprised a few are having trouble with the last bit (as I was initially). I don't think the preamble gives a particularly accurate description of what the solver must do to identify "yet more members". My advice to anyone stuck is to ignore the preamble and experiment with a few "tried and tested" techniques.

I thought one or two clues were questionable but 7 down was very neat indeed.

[BlackHugh]

I enjoyed this one thanks Ben T- although I also remember the same theme not too long ago. One last thing remaining ... I haven't any idea about the title.

[tilbee]

Blackhugh, think this may refer to the number of thematic elements ? At least that is all I could see. Still no idea about title for 4193.

[crosswhit99]

Took a while to get the theme, then bingo !

[Texasetes]

I'm one of the few who have hit a brick wall at the final stage, and I wonder if my non-current BRB is causing me a problem. I may be clutching at straws, but could someone with access to both the 2008 and 2011 editions say whether, for the purposes of this puzzle, there are any material differences between the two? Thanks.

[tilbee]

Texasetes, they appear the same to me.

[tilbee]

Sorry meant to add, think Scorpius's post hit the nail on the head,.

[Texasetes]

Thanks, tilbee, for taking the time to check.
I'll sleep on it and hope that inspiration hits me in the morning.

[contendo]

Dr B, are you still there? You have posted 4589 comments on the Answerbank, surely a record by several miles. Can it really be that you still don't have a BRB? Should we club together to buy you a copy?

[contendo]

Trux - Yes, "If it's not true it's a happy invention" but trovare normally means to find and is no longer used to mean to invent. At least that meaning is not quoted in the big Oxford Paravia Italian dictionary. The phrase is said to date from the 16th century. A looser but perhaps more stylish translation would be "If it's not true it ought to be".

[vetuste_ennemi]

I think you're right about the ducks, Tilbee. I think Taste and Fancy has a connection to a second person in the same line of work as the first, and is a possible reflection on the"could have" saying.