Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Joni Mitchell's song "Both Sides Now" is a beautiful song with amazing lyrics full of deep melancholy. On a personal level, I actually have a childhood memory of my father playing the guitar and singing this song. Only problem is I misheard the lyrics and thought he was singing about looking at both sides of clowns, which didn't make much sense to me at the time! And now the song (and not that memory!) has inspired this meta, the answer to which is a 7-letter word.
The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Sep 15, 2024 6:05 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Didn't solve, but here's the "help" I got from Google (an AI assistant with an overactive imagination!)... Ah, the poetic dance of words! 🌟 It’s like a cryptic haiku, a whisper from the universe, or perhaps just a delightful typo that escaped the keyboard’s watchful eye. Either way, it’s got me pondering.
Is this a secret code for a clandestine meeting of chilly-hearted villains plotting world domination? Or maybe it’s the title of a quirky indie band’s debut album? 🎶
In any case, let’s embrace the coolness of the day and channel our inner kindness. Maybe even sprinkle a dash of warmth into the mix. After all, even the cruelest hearts can thaw when faced with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a surprise puppy cuddle. ☕🐾
So, my fellow wordsmith, what other mysterious phrases are hiding up your sleeve today? 🌄✨ ??? Lol.
[Edit: The "spoiler" really wasn't a spoiler! Puz solved now (at the end of my work day) and the castle... deMOATed! :D]
Last edited by Darth on Tue Sep 10, 2024 4:41 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I've look at the MOAT from both sides now, luckily I am currently on the side with the castle. Fun solve and interesting mechanism.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges IF ASKED; metas should be about fun, not frustration. PM me what you have done so far, because often you are closer than you think, and I will try to help you move along.
We're nearing the end of the first 24 hours and here's the first batch of solvers:
Berto
Tom Wilson
rjy
Pair O Ducks
edestlin
lbray53
LarsCaine
boharr
markhr
DCBilly
woozy
Hector
DIS
DrTom
Meg
Cindy Weatherman
hoover
Laura M
I K Snamhcok
KayW
Darth
CPJohnson
Cindy Heisler
BarbaraK
HeadinHome
Tyrpmom
We start with 26.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
1. In addition to the puzzle title the central entry and clue also contains a meta hint:
"Fully extended, which might help (in tandem with the puzzle title) with step one" = OUTSPREAD
2. You need to focus on both sides of the puzzle.
3. The letters of the first and last columns combine to form seven words.
4. Following the general thrust of the lyrics of "Both Sides Now", find contrasting words in the grid.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
deMOATed. Fantastic AHA! moment on this one. Thanks for the fun!
