Listener Crossword no. 4193 Taste and Fancy by Radix

[Rogue-Elfe]

I'm doing this now because that makes me the question author for the first ever time! I thought this would be tricky, but looking at the way the across answers are unfurling, I might be on to something already. I haven't finished it, in fact have only got 4 across and 1 down solved, but hey - I'm the author!

[Scorpius]

I found this tough but the PDM at the end was well worth all the hard work. Was anyone else held up by the ambiguity in the definition for 2 down? It delayed me a bit in getting the first of the five words.

[crosswhit99]

Not that I recall Scorpius - which letter did you have originally for the definition misprint ?

[dix-dixie]

Scorpius - yes I had the same problem ! And became fixated on a minor English town with no relevance to the theme ....

[Scorpius]

N was a possibility in addition to the intended misprint.

[crosswhit99]

Well spotted, that would have been confusing ! I guess that with this type of device used on short words it will happen without the setter's knowledge from time to time.

[Staurologist]

Late again this week, having just returned from an excellent meeting in Madrid. I also found this tough, but eventually satisfying. I assume that the title refers, not to the book to which Coalminers alludes, but to the film, and that the number 116 is relevant. Good to see a couple of the answers also making appearances in the clues. And a cousin of midazolam making a show at 24.

[Walterloo]

Only started this yesterday and I'm making slow but steady progress. Think I may run out of time to get this posted but I'm not giving up yet.

[IainGrace]

On holiday so coming to this late. Agree the person is very easy but otherwise making slow progress and not really cracked what it is all about yet. Intrigued, though, by comments to date.

[Philoctetes]

I spent a week looking for the five word statement at odd intervals. I was hindered by the surprising fact that Quinaplus didn't recognise the fourth word (which is common and in BRB). Moral: using your brain is sometimes better than these electronic gizmos. Did like the title!

[perseverer]

Philoctetes - it can sometimes pay, as in this case, to reset the Dictionary to Union in Quinapalus. although you would not have expected it to be necessary in this example.

http://www.quinapalus.com/dicts.html gives some background

[easterfool]

Loved it - startled Mrs EF by a great chortle when the 5 words made their way through my misty brain. The Title still foxes me but that doesn't really matter - anyone willing to help?

Many thanks Radix - more please in the fulness of time

[Postigod]

Having now seen the solution, disappointed not to have managed to get the 5 word phrase! Had all the possible options correctly identified bar one, where I though that there was only one alternative but actually there were two.

Anyway, off to struggle with 4196, which looks a nighmare from the preamble, given every answer is modified before entry!

[jumperjudy]

Radix, if you're out there, then thanks for the note. It made my day, and my other half still doesn't believe it! I'ld reply in person, but my daughter helpfully threw the envelope away:)