"Talk to the Hand"

[Al Sisti]

Confirmed OTC. Nice job... now it's back to washing windows.

[spotter]

30D, while not a gimme, was a lot easier than it would have been a few weeks ago.

I'm glad you mentioned this clue, because I went to look at it to remind myself what is was, and frustratingly there is a typo in it that I didn't notice because my French is not as good as it used to be. It should say, "La classe de danse," not "La classe de dance." Doh! This is in no way related to the meta though.

And 30A was a nice signature! Should've been clued as "Fox, for example"

[Abide]

Off the couch, although it took longer than a Week 1 for me. Outstanding effort; something tells me this ain't your first rodeo.

I really liked your cluing style (32-D, 39-D, 4-D, 67-A), with timely fresh entries at 34-D, 29-A, 11-D, 56-A.

Also the personal touches at 30-A and 47-D! A lot to like here!

[Cindy]

Solved. Well said Abide! Nicely done.

[Laura M]

Off the couch, I think! Very good.

[Meg]

Great job! I learned a new term, and I relearned to trust my initial instincts.

[oldjudge]

Really enjoyed the grid—thanks Emma. I have to admit that I had never heard this two word expression before. I’m afraid that this meta is NFOF (an initialism we throw around at the old age home).

[BarbaraK]

Thanks, oldjudge. I'm looking at a two word expression I've never heard of but get google hits on. Was wondering if that could really be it. This gave me the confidence to go ahead and submit.

Edit: confirmed!! I learned a new phrase. I feel younger:)

Fun puzzle. Thanks, Emma!

[FrankieHeck]

Just got to this after a long day of kayaking. Took our inflatables out with my son and his girlfriend. Finally had everything set up and ready to go and realized I had a leak. Read the patch kit directions: Deflate kayak, clean thoroughly, put glue on and let dry for 12 hours. Uh....how about slap some glue on the dirty thing and hop right in the water and hope for the best, with the pump attached in case I have to squeeze it the entire trip? It was all fine. Seven or so leisurely miles. Saw a fawn, a zillion geese and ducks, a couple turtles, either a lot of great blue herons or the same on over and over, a green heron, and an osprey! I don't think I've ever seen one around here before. Even saw it fly by holding a fish. Wonderful but tiring day.

Oh, and I got the meta! Very nice! I had heard of the phrase, but I didn't actually know exactly what it meant until now.

[Abide]

Apparently the phrase has been “around” since 2003, and added by Merriam-Webster in January 2019. Weird that I came across it for the first time three weeks ago.

[LaceyK]

I think I am off the couch.
30A, the meta meta! (Spoken like the Little Caesars commercials.)
Excellent grid--learned a little plus some fun clues. Thanks!

[Schmeel]

Off the couch.
I also learned a new phrase.
The grid was very enjoyable!

[MarkL]

Off the couch. Very nicely crafted puzzle!
For the record, pretty sure I prefer CROON to CRUNK!

Cheers!

[Joe Ross]

,

[Richard B.]

OTC as well. Meaning of title and solution new to me. Crosswords are always good for a "TIL" (today I learned) or two.
Nice construction, Emma.

[DrTom]

Love all the "in" jokes, the DAME reference, the DEGAS and since I am an Episcopalian, thanks for the shout out. I also chuckled over relishes. I've never done a Cryptic, they always looked too difficult, but given my love of the pun and wordplay you would think I'd be drawn to them. Perhaps if I get better at Metas and don't spend DAYS on them I'll have time for a cryptic.

Had initially a tough time with the GRID, but once I stopped trying to speed read: "what in the world is someone who is a genius about TREES" and "stand off fish - well I suppose a bonefish - unless you go to the grill?" it became a LOT easier. I also DESPERATELY wanted the answer to 35D to be EWE for a phonic fun fest. All that said, I think I see the catch, I just don't see how to reel the catch in (maybe its a bonefish?). I'll spend a bit more time, but the GRID was almost enough fun for me to be satisfied.

[TMart]

Off the couch! Well-constructed puzzle and very enjoyable. Thanks Emma!

[damefox]

Seems like people are liking the puzzle, so hooray! We've reached Nudge Wednesday; I only have one hint to give those who may be struggling, but if you need another please ask.

The mechanism is not difficult to find. You probably found it. If you still don't have an answer, I suspect you are just not familiar with this particular phrase, which definitely skews millennial. Try Googling your best guess and see if you can convince yourself it's a real phrase. Don't overthink it.

[SusieG]

I really liked the crossword clues! Enjoyable grid. I’m still working on the meta, though. Going through a dense patch.

[AnswerPfinder]

Off the couch! Although, in a much more literal sense, still on the couch.

Nice puzzle! I enjoyed it!

(and thanks for the shout out!)