Crossword Help Forum
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AQER: I don't think it's a transgression to use homophonic wordplay without the presence of an actual homophone, whereas I believe it's unfair to employ anagrams of words that are only implied.

aristo: OK, I'm here to learn but I've not seen that done before in a crossword so I wondered if it was valid.

Aqer,

1. it doesn't make much difference whether the answer is 4,4 or 8 to this discussion does it.

2.Chambers crossword dictionary gives as an example of a homophone type clue...

It's cold in a S. American country reportedly (6). answer Chilly.

S American country (chile) sounds like chilly, like identical caps ( beret beret) sounds like beriberi.

I can't say it's my all time favourite clue but it seems reasonable enough.

You could say, for example: "Measure elicits expressions of relief in audience" (4) for SIZE, but you couldn't use "including juggled hat band" if the anagram requires the letters of "cap ribbon".

phillip: It was tonyw who queried the 4, 4 or 8 point. I won't argue with Chambers and I'm grateful for the feedback.

Great to see such a 'conversation'. I see what you mean Aqer. In my opinion Ari's full statement in post 41 would be how I see it also.

Tonyw. Funny about beri-beri. In MY Chambers it IS hyphenated, while in my C.O.D it's one word. As Phillip says, it makes little difference.

Hi P@ xx

Thanks again, all.

J

I have Chambers 12th ed. and it's hyphenated there.

AQER, sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you thought the 4,4 /8 thing was relevant.

Jolan serves up an endless supply of bloody good clues and just occasionally one is a teeny weeny bit iffy. It's not the end of the world is it. besides,it's often impossible to categorically say what's right and what's wrong. it all comes down to opinion.

I was only making a comment jolan.I did try searching for beri-beri too but it kept asking for beriberi(no hyphen)
My Chambers is an old copy.
Thanks for the clues,keep it up.

Tony Walker

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriberi