EV 1034

[bobbycollins]

Has anybody finished this? Got a full grid, the message and the four double defnition clues....and no idea what to do next. Found it tedious.

[devadolly]

Hello Bobbycollins, nearly as far on as you, almost all grid finished and 3 of the double clues but (as usual) am floundering with the letters.......yes it is hard work!

[dr b]

ditto. no idea what to write under the grid. as for the two phrases - one refers to the cells; OK, so what? it's not an instruction, is it? as for the one with the thematic word omitted, I can't see anything in the grid that it might refer to.

[turnerjmw]

I have finished it. But not my favourite setter.
As for what to write under the grid, as the preamble says, the first word (5) is a synonym of the first word of the general theme. The second word (4) is a synonym for the singular form of the second word of the general theme. If you look the two word phrase up in Chambers it will explain a) the specific word omitted from the second statement, and b) the justification for the first statement.

[turnerjmw]

Email me at patmark291 at yahoo dot com if you want a clearer steer

[devadolly]

Thanks fo rthe offer turnerjmw, might just do so after a further plod along to see if light dawns. All seems a bit 'bitty' and unsettling to me.

[Christiana]

Comforting to know I'm in the same boat as others. Almost finished the grid and have the four double definition clues, but as usual my extra letters aren't entirely accurate (I have a couple of answers that aren't yielding the extra letter as yet) and in the dark as to where the phrases tie in. Like DD will give it another whirl before possibly taking up turnerJMW's offer

[DocHH]

Devadolly, Christiana,
Try a search for the 4 parts that are subject to "Dismissal", that will give the general theme. The reread the hint that turnerjmw gave regarding the synonym of the first word. The BRB is then very helpul.

[kayakamina]

I found this EV a grind.

I think I could have easily left it incomplete had I not seen turnerjmw's hint,
so I persevered.
I seem to recall that I didn't enjoy Ifor's previous puzzle.

[devadolly]

Have struggled through a few more but only as an aside as have been busy with FRUIT, MORE FRUIT, VEG and MORE VEG!!!!! How are you doing Christina???? Juicing apples, freezing black beans and making a sort of British ratoutille from all the toms, cougettes, onions and runners. As an aside, have just booked for the Matthew Bourne Sleeping Beauty, has anyone seen it yet?

[Christiana]

Two words, DD - plums, beans. Lots of both, though the plums are under extreme attach from wasps, flies and even butterflies. I think this is because my apples are appalling this year, so not much there for them to attack. I only have a few courgettes and didn't grow onions or tomatoes.
Have completed the grid and think I know what to write under it but still not come to grips with with the two phrases or how to modify the grid.

[Christiana]

Making progress - just one small query remaining

[kayakamina]

Can we help Christina?

[Wharton]

Nothing to do with your question, just that your avatar brought back memories. As a lad I used to watch Bobby's brother Tommy play for Pollok Juniors - giving my age away!

[turnerjmw]

Hi k, as you're in typically helpful mood could you possibly explain the wordplay for 45ac? I didn't see how the "l" was removed from focal, unless "length" meant portion, i.e just the first four letters. But I didn't like it

[kayakamina]

Hi turnerjmw

According to Chambers - LENGTH is any definite portion of a known extent.

Therefore Focal less F (extra letter) with M (mark) for L (length)
= COMA - Defect in telescope.

I didn't think the clue really worked.

K

[turnerjmw]

Many thanks, k

[Christiana]

Thanks, K, for the explanation re. 45a - One of a couple of clues for which I had answers but didn't fully understand how the clues worked. Will email you later if I haven't cracked the final bits of the puzzle.

[Christiana]

One query - not affecting the end result, just curious. 48a - I know what the superfluous letter should be, but can't see how it can be arrived at. I ended up with an 'a' but to make sense it should be another letter, as far as I can see.

[Christiana]

Forget that - I was making the wrong word 'topless'. Haven't worked out the final thematic word yet.

[kayakamina]

And (topless) = ND + (M) ODLES = NODDLES - heads

M is the extra letter.