"I Can't Even!" by benchen71

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!)
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benchen71
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"I Can't Even!" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Sometimes you just don't have the energy to finish your exclamations of dismay. If you can relate, then this puzzle is for you. The answer to the meta is a ten-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.

Things will be slightly different this week, however. I've posted this as I head out on a school camp. For the next four days I will be canoeing down the Murray River with a bunch of year 10 students avoiding sunburn during the day, and sleeping in a tent while avoiding mosquitos at night. Not my idea of fun at all! So there won't be any PM responses or solver updates (and the nudges will be delayed) until I get back Friday evening, Aussie time.

I Can't Even! - Online Form
I Can't Even! - PUZ
I Can't Even! - PDF
I Can't Even! - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Mar 26, 2023 5:12 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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BarbaraK
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#2

Post by BarbaraK »

I’ve crossed the moat.

Excellent puzzle! Clean grid with just one letter I didn’t know, and very clever and well executed mechanism.
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.

(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
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boharr
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#3

Post by boharr »

Got it.
Ergcat
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#4

Post by Ergcat »

Moat crossed and Castle stormed!
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lbray53
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#5

Post by lbray53 »

Crossed the MOAT!


Very impressive construction.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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edestlin
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#6

Post by edestlin »

Crossed the MOAT. Super fun puzzle, Ben! Have fun camping!
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Meg
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#7

Post by Meg »

Great title! I’ve made it over the moat.
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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rjy
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#8

Post by rjy »

Crossed and stormed! Really nice construction, Ben - I nearly gave in to soliciting a nudge, but glad I stuck with it to the end. Nice AHA there!

Hope your trip is better than you're anticipating :lol:
Ray
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Darth
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#9

Post by Darth »

DeMOATed! Nice one, Ben! 8-)
cannon for MOAT.jpg
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jhseeman
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#10

Post by jhseeman »

Moat Crossed, castle stormed.

Nice mechanism, thanks for the puzzle.
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ChrisKochmanski
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#11

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!

All snapped together elegantly. Ben, you’re getting really good at this. Thanks!
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hcbirker
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#12

Post by hcbirker »

Fun puzzle Ben! Nice construction!
Heidi
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MikeyG
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#13

Post by MikeyG »

ChrisKochmanski wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 1:21 pm Crossed! Stormed!

All snapped together elegantly. Ben, you’re getting really good at this. Thanks!
Agreed - that was brilliant!! Across the MOAT!
Less cross words, more crosswords.

Solve my latest "Pun of a Kind" Meta!: 89. That's Not Right!
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ajk
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#14

Post by ajk »

Didn't see it right away this morning, but upon return it popped right out. Brief delay due to spelling ineptitude on my part. :lol:
Fun one, thanks.
Check out this very cool project by many of your favorite muggles to raise money to fight cancer. You get a fun puzzle bundle and good causes get $. Win-win: Crosswords for Cancer
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#15

Post by Qmark »

Great construction...loved it. Thanks Ben!
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KayW
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#16

Post by KayW »

:crossed_swords: :rabbit: :european_castle: Fantastic meta, Ben! I hope your trip ends up better than expected.
Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC) is a bundle of 16 metapuzzles created to help raise money for cancer-related charities. It is available at CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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whimsy
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#17

Post by whimsy »

Crossed the moat finally, and into the castle in search of employment...
But I was feeling something of a fool for a bit...
Untitledjester.png
Puzzle was terrific -- Thanks, Ben!
MatthewL
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#18

Post by MatthewL »

Crossed the moat, with a slight little push. Had the right idea, but needed a bit of confirmation. Wonderful puzzle, Ben!
Matthew
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ReB
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#19

Post by ReB »

Crossed the moat in near record time for me. No rabbit holes this week. Nice construction.
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DrTom
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#20

Post by DrTom »

Gosh this looks like something I ought to be able to solve. Maybe it is time to put it aside and have a drink.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
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