Listener 4097: Half-Thyme by Dipper

[midazolam]

In a way typical of what we expect from Dipper, although harder than recent efforts. Initially a quick start developed into a much slower finish. I enjoyed tracking down the herbs but I thought the placing of the misprints was slightly unfair. At least it left something else to tackle near the end (unlike previous times).

[Zabadak]

Not at all bad, and I liked the challenge of the clashing letters: I guess there's no particular reason why we should expect the "fairness" of, for example, one clash per word. I thought the prologue was quite generous from Dipper: we've seen plenty where the theme and process are much less clearly signposted. It's also probably fair to say that there aren't that many thematic phrases that meet the criteria, definitely helping with the resolution. Appreciation and thanks to Dipper

[daagg]

Well I've certainly learnt a new phrase. The last two answers took too long, particularly since I thought of one of them before diving down a different rabbit hole. I think setters should be allowed to play hard and fast with any rules, because it just adds to the fun - variety is the spice of life.

[Ruthrobin]

I really enjoyed finding the herbs but spent almost as long on the resolution of the clashes, finally making a lucky guess. I, too, have learned a new phrase.

[daagg]

It looks as though the phrase relates to a "bad thing" - Wikipedia seems more specific than Chambers. I thought some of the clues were excellent, and I laughed at a few (eg 1dn, 17dn) when I finally got there.

[AHearer]

I suppose one could quibble about the wording of the prologue (other half/other halves), though what was meant was clear. Finding the thematic phrase let me off the hook in a way, as there is one clue for which I am still not clear about the wordplay. Thanks for an enjoyable puzzle, Dipper.

[silversolver]

An enjoyable work-out and my name can be added to the list of those who have just learned a new phrase - this actually came relatively easily for me as the relevant part of the grid was one of the first to be filled in. Some excellent clueing with a few wordplays that really taxed the old grey cells. Thanks, Dipper.

[midazolam]

I meant clashes not misprints, but you know what I mean. That comment was just a thought regarding unch rate compared to clash rate. I prefer extra challenges, so did not mind this part of the puzzle.

[Zabadak]

I was going to mention that: the longest clue affected by the clashes was a stinker that took me ages to work out, though there could be only one answer. The clue does work, but you have to lift and separate the first two words. Try putting inverted commas round the second word.

[Zabadak]

For clarification, my comment was responding to AHearer's: one of these days I'll learn to type fast enough!

[Ruthrobin]

An afterthought - this one really makes me want to get my highlighter out (for the phrase - obviously) but we are not asked to use one. What happens if we can't resist?

[Zabadak]

Hi RuthRobin - I guess it doesn't matter that much, so long as the letters are right. Some people send their's in (so I'm told) decorated with pretty drawings. On this one, I resisted highlighter, but put the phrase in heavier print - quite a pretty double stroke style, I thought. Instructions don't say you can't!

[Speravi]

Very satisfying, I thought. A more accurate preamble would have deprived me of a PDM. My eye had been caught by the phrase in Bradford's, so the endgame was over quickly, but no complaints, a thoroughly enjoyable concoction.

Regarding the desire to highlight: I felt that urge with a puzzle last year, and entered the phrase in a different coloured ink, and found that no penalty had been applied when I received my personal record. I'm sure that as long as the grid entries were correct, any embellishment would not be penalised.

[contendo]

Most of the clues came very quickly but the thematic phrase proved quite a struggle. I think I'm home and hosed but still can't figure out how the first word of the thematic phrase is compatible with any possible light.

[starwalker]

In full agreement - much harder than previous Dipper offerings and a generous hint on a previously unknown phrase.

[Jogler]

Very frustrating final couple of clues - one of which should have been got far earlier. The phrase is one we had heard on our travels... and had completely forgotten; but it only goes to show that there is no such thing as redundant knowledge!

[bobbycollins]

contendo, I'm with you, been scratching the bald spot for an hour.

[Zabadak]

Contendo: the first word has to go where you have clashes, and if you haven't yet got a word in that light consider that any, or all of the letters may be clashes. I worked backwards for the phrase to the answer, as the answer was even more unknown to me than the phrase, and the clue (see above ) a tricky one.

[perseverer]

..... and it will be interesting to see how easily one particular (well-known) Listener setter found this clue

[cluelessJoe]

For me, this one had to simmer on the back burner - rarely does a Listener lack priority, but this time the European Championships prevailed. Hats off to the BBC for briliant wall-to-wall coverage.
I found it a nice puzzle if not overwhelming (hence par for the course for a Dipper). Identifying the herbs was of course an amusing and enjoyable pursuit. The clashes however were frankly awful, and - for me anyway - took the edge off the puzzle. Yes, a new phrase ultimately revealed, but what an unnecessary mess getting there. Sorry Dipper, but your added dimension spoilt this from my point of view.
grumpyJoe

[AHearer]

Glad to see I'm not the only one with the fingers twitching near the highlighter. One of the things that makes me twitchy is that I tend to start Listeners on the train home on Friday evening, on a printout from the web site, and then transfer a tidy version of my attempt to a rectangle clipped from the printed Times, usually on Sunday evening. I'm ashamed of the number of times I've had to peel my envelope open to check whether I've copied across my highlighting, lining, or whatever.