One of those clues... i 484

[mike11111]

An interesting conundrum:

12ac "Such an addition is not fair, after changing sides". Clearly the answer revolves around INCLEMENT/INCREMENT. Crucially the fourth letter is unchecked. Therefore the correct answer depend upon the definition in the clue. If the definition is "is not fair", then the former is correct, whilst if the definition is "addition" then the latter prevails. I originally scribbled in the former, but after some thought decided upon the latter, though I would not bet my pension on it. I would be interested to hear the views of other cryptologists.

[HowardKennitby]

I would go with INCREMENT as this is the word you start with which changes into INCLEMENT.

[factor-fiction]

I'd go for increment bu the clue says Such an...
But I can see the other possibility -my initial thought was increment

[dannyk13]

I would go with increment, the result of changing sides

[factor-fiction]

I got that wrong.

I meant to type


I'd go for increment bu the clue says Such an...
But I can see the other possibility -my initial thought was inclement until i thought it through

[kayakamina]

The definition is always at the front or back of the clue, never in the middle.

Therefore 'is not fair' is not the definition but part of the wordplay.

Increment - it has to be.

[mike11111]

Thank you for your confirmation; also thank you Kayak for pointing out that the definition is never in the middle of a clue; I had not picked up on that one before, but will watch out for it

[chelle7272]

//also thank you Kayak for pointing out that the definition is never in the middle of a clue//

yes, one of the most helpful things I ever learned with crosswords! :)

[kayakamina]

Hi Mike

I better qualify my statement by saying that in a well set, professional crossword the definition is always front or rear.

K