DT Sat 25679

[Narbadingi]

Can someone explain why 6 down is 'Eliza'? I understand Beth is Liz, but where does the EA come from? It's not 'one', or Lady, so how do they come into it? Or if 'Liza', why is an E before it 'one'?

By the way, I can't stand this setter. Every now and again there's a supercilious toad who excels at dredging up all kinds of obscure words I've never heard of, and makes it all very dull. An exercise in reference books rather than brainpower. For instance, until yesterday I'd never heard of treen, lour, pledget, or anisette. I'd never heard of a man being referred to as 'inner', either, or Urania. Anyway, rant over and help understanding 6dn welcome. Ta muchly.

[octogenarian]

Eliza joined up to beth makes name elizabeth

[merlinius]

Elisa and Eliza are both girls' names preceding Beth which is also a girl's name.

[weekendwanda]

6d Eliza is a lady and if she goes before Beth she is another lady (Elizabeth. I agree with you octogenarian. I had heard some of the words but not all and I was still waiting to get Urania. I was looking for a place in the Ukraine! I assume UA is Ukraine and Rani is a princess. Not a good xword unfortunately, but then those of the last two weeks were too quick to solve!

[Catron]

Why do you do this crossword if you can't stand the setter? Do you really think the setter should always use words you have heard of? Dull? - it is increasing your word power surely? - is that such a bad thing?

UA is in Chambers, as is inner man, as is Urania. You may not have heard of treen, lour, pledget and anisette but they are not obscure and have been used in Telegraph cryptic crosswords for many years.

[Narbadingi]

Doh! Of course! Couldn't see the woods for the treen. Many thanks, all. And I agree with you actually about the last two weeks being too easy.

I sort of agree with you, too, Catron. I do enjoy finding new words and relishing an expanse of vocabulary (which unfortunately I also tend to quickly forget), but I'd much prefer it if they didn't make up half the crossword, and you could use your brain more than a dictionary to derive the solution. I put some of my rant down to a very hot and sticky Sunday as well.

Thanks again folks.