ev 781

[gco2005]

I have completed the grid, but not sure what to do next. Presumably it involves shifting the columns in some way, but I can't see how.

[MatydaLover]

I guess you've found the phrase (5,7) in the middle line? In such an object, what would you really want to see in the middle line instead - - similar to where you might be in answer to the title of the crossword.

You are on the right lines.

[crofter]

I have also completed the grid, got the (5,7) phrase, spotted the real theme and related name. My problem is where to place the rectangular blocks (which appears not to be unique).

Furthermore, whatever I try by nudging columns, the "K" in 30 down always looks displaced! Is anyone else facing these dilemmas?

[MatydaLover]

After the nudging, I have that K in the fourth row and not part of the real theme or the related name. (There are other K's that you might consider.)

The nudging becomes immediately clear in the right combination.

[crofter]

I have just looked again at the grid in the light of the wise words of MatydaLover and spotted a resource that I had missed hitherto

Ignore my point about a lack of uniqueness, but I still need to sort out my columns 10 & 11.

[gco2005]

tks. all done now.

[Physicsgirl]

crofter, novalis, MatydaLover and gco2005 -
did not see this thread before. Have now completed but was on the right lines anyway once I noticed the common entries in the columns.
You wouldn't believe the other ideas I was having as I started it ... was convinced it would be James Bond with a Vodka Martini, and that some clues would be "shaken, not stirred". Was also thinking of churches, as in oranges and lemons.
Very clever this week. Nice to "see" you all and hope you're all well.
Please explain 32a , 39a and cryptic part of 3a if you would be so kind. They have tormented me.

[crofter]

39a HAM + B(ritish) + URGE (egg on) + R(asher)

39a KO (stick) + LA (city)

3a OES (plural of O) in LS (as in maiLSack)

[Physicsgirl]

thanks Crofter. Think HAMBURGER was 33a, I understood this one (one of the first I got) but it was 32a that really had me stumped.

[MatydaLover]

32a ... T(own's)ALMA. Alma is an Egyptian dancing-girl. Talma is a cape (the cloak sort).

As ever, this was very enjoyable ... solving them (well, most of them) is one thing, but the people who set them - now that takes a real talent, I think. Imagination par exellence.

Here's to them all, may they long continue!

[novalis]

First chance to have a proper look at EV threads this week. Agree about the ingenuity of the compilers. Posted a quick reply earlier ( when I should have been checking emails and working - but crosswords come first ) to Physicsgirl's comment on closing date. Seven magazine gives it as Thursday instead of Friday. That's the case for the General Knowledge and Cryptic as well. Apparently the on-line version gives it as Friday. Any comments anybody please.

[Physicsgirl]

as far as I know, all dates are Friday, but could be wrong.
Thanks for the TALMA explanation. Had a letter wrong, and this didn't affect the nudging or the highlighting, but made me very confused to have what seemed to be a non-word for this particular clue!