Enigmatic Variations 801

[cruciverbali]

EV 801 is Four Letter Word by Loda

[midazolam]

thanks c

i was sure it was going to be killer

[midazolam]

i cringed at this crossword until i got the theme

however i have one cryptic question

when using the word reportedly as in 2 down is it parts or partner that is the sounds like bit? i presumed i had to enter the parts bit because of the word "for"

cheeriO

[MatydaLover]

I'm still wondering about this too, I can see nothing(!) to separate the alternatives. Both answers fit perfectly.

Both appear in Chambers, although one is not a main entry and appears only in context.

So no help from me, I'm afraid.

[Tichfield]

On the basis that I have to choose one, or the other, I plumped for L.

My only reasoning is that the definition is usually the part of the clue that has "for" attached to it.

An "unsound" clue - if you will excuse the pun!

[novalis]

I went for L as well because of the position of "for" but such clues are always awkward. The commas round "reportedly" don't help either.
As for the rest, luck would have it that I asked who had said the relevant quotation in a quiz last month.
Perhaps the killer will be brought to book ( or Seven Magazine ) next Sunday.
MatydaLover -- is it going to be a Grand Slam or just the Six Nations title for Wales?

[MatydaLover]

This week is a really good time not to be an English supporter... a couple of woeful and inadequate performances over the weekend (although three cheers for the girl's team in NZ!).

With the FA cup having a chance of leaving England for the second time, and a Grand Slam as long as France don't win by twenty points ... I'm beginning to think of a tenner on Glamorgan this season! No, steady, not too rash.

It would be typical of the French to give their best game of the season on Saturday, but not for a long time have I felt so confident about Wales' chances. They showed the very essence of a sportman's craft in Ireland, playing hard, skillful and solid rugby. A real whole-hearted attitude that even Australia would admire! And the Irish were no push-over - it was a tough, hard-earned win ... a credit to both sides.

Still, who knows, maybe I'll be English again next week!

And I think you're right Novalis (and the rest of you) the "for" swings the balance.

[MatydaLover]

The excitement is too much for me ... I mean the " ... Championship as long as France ...".

But yes, Wales for the Grand Slam!

[cruciverbali]

I too expected Killer this week - those of us who have already passed judgement will have to wait at least another week before we can make a submission.

Regarding 2 Down, I don't see a problem here. Whilst a few may frown on the use of for to separate wordplay and definition, there is no doubt that this is the case here.

[midazolam]

so cruciverbali are you saying that ingeneral the phrase after "for" is the definition?

[cruciverbali]

Yes, in general the formula is wordplay for definition (answer) or definition (answer) from wordplay. Of course in this particular clue the wordplay is a homophone, indicated by reportedly in the first half of the clue.