MEOW #122: Pas de Deux

A weekly meta crossword on the forum started by member Josh (aka madhatter5). These puzzles are often very creative with solving mechanisms out of the norm and skewing towards the more challenging. Puzzles are posted every Wednesday, and the solution appears the following Tuesday.
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whimsy
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MEOW #122: Pas de Deux

#1

Post by whimsy »

Untitledcatpawprints.png

Or should we call it Paw de Deux?

Hello Solvers!
The answer to today's meta is: Two words (4 letters; 5 letters) long, that are engaged in some word play.
It probably checks in at about a Persian.

Kitten - :P Easiest
Calico - Slightly more challenging
Persian - Somewhat tricky
Puma - Harder
Lion - I'd turn back if I were you

There will probably be things that pop out at you quickly, and other bits that are hiding better.

Thank you to the testers, suggesters, and techers.

Nudges when it seems like a good idea, or on demand.
Now go play!


Pas de Deux Crosshare

Pas de Deux PUZ

Pas de Deux PDF

Pas de Deux spreadsheet

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whimsy
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#2

Post by whimsy »

It's just been pointed out to me, the former childcare teacher (!) that the clue for 54A is wrong, wrong, wrong! How embarrassing! :lol:
It should be "Most of that 'Old MacDonald' refrain."
It does not touch upon the meta, and is such a sad excuse for a clue anyway. :P
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Ergcat
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#3

Post by Ergcat »

The cat is free!
Fun and clever meta!
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Darth
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#4

Post by Darth »

The cat is out...hitting the dance floor!
images (29).jpg
Fun puz! Thanks, whimsy! :D
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boharr
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#5

Post by boharr »

The cat is doing the boogie-woogie. Thanks for a clever one!
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woozy
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#6

Post by woozy »

First look: Oh boy! A Whimsy puzzle!

Half-hour later: Oh ####. A Whimsy puzzle....

Okay, so far.... I think it has something to do with letters... and maybe words.
I guess I should change my signature, and start promoting this meta: Hungry Little Creature. I was going to sent it to people for testing but I dropped the ball on it.
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ChrisKochmanski
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#7

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Scat, cat!

Terrific puzzle! I’ve especially enjoyed the MMM, MOAT, and MEOW metas this week. Who needs WSJCC and MGWCC? Well, I don’t really mean that (love you, Mike and Matt!), but, seriously, our so-called amateur meta constructors are getting so GOOD at this — and we, the mere meta solvers, are the beneficiaries.

Thanks, whimsy!
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hcbirker
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#8

Post by hcbirker »

Wow that was fun! Thanks @whimsy !
Heidi
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DrTom
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#9

Post by DrTom »

I had the distinct advantage of having seen this in its early stages. It was much better now and a lot of fun. Additionally it was decidedly in my wheelhouse with the mechanism. Sometimes it pays to be a boomer!

Thanks Claudia
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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MatthewL
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#10

Post by MatthewL »

Cat is on the prowl. Saw something, but couldn't make it work. But just kept staring at it until it finally revealed itself. Nice one, whimsy!
Matthew
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woozy
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#11

Post by woozy »

Whoa! When you get it, it hits you like a ton of bricks.

You know that nagging doubt in the back of you mind that says "that's odd"? Listen to it.
I guess I should change my signature, and start promoting this meta: Hungry Little Creature. I was going to sent it to people for testing but I dropped the ball on it.
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Bird Lives
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#12

Post by Bird Lives »

What fun letting this cat out of the bag. I loved the way the mechanism, title, and answer come together.
Jay
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Dow Jones
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#13

Post by Dow Jones »

Very enjoyable grid and meta, whimsy !! Excellent idea and implementation.
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benchen71
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#14

Post by benchen71 »

Cat's out, I think!
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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whimsy
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#15

Post by whimsy »

Sneaking in a leaderboard while everyone's busy over at that other place -- :P

KayW (TS)
Cap'n Rick (TS)
DrTom (TS)
Al Sisti
Ergcat
Hector
Dannyvee
Darth
boharr
ChrisKochmanski
Laura M
heidi
Tyrpmom
MatthewL
woozy
Bbaack
Bird Lives
Carolyn
Dow Jones
benchen71
DIS
JM
Meg

Thanks everybody for playing!
Last edited by whimsy on Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Meg
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#16

Post by Meg »

I’m a little late to the party, but I enjoyed the AHAs. Nice one!
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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Wendy Walker
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#17

Post by Wendy Walker »

Well OF COURSE I loved this puzzle, given 1A!
Attachments
tina2.jpg
Good luck, fellow Muggles!
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CPJohnson
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#18

Post by CPJohnson »

I hope nudges are coming soon.......
Cynthia
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whimsy
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#19

Post by whimsy »

Sure, we can fudge the "Saturday" nudges!

Here's a pointer or two from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio --

The line above is a bit of a hint in itself.

"Dance for two" might make you think of partners.

Kitchen needs me so more after din-din --
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whimsy
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#20

Post by whimsy »

The partners, sadly, have been separated and are not in the same place.

I bet you can tell where (one) component of each duo is.

If you count the ( )'s you'll find there must be nine pairs in total.


A couple more later as a bedtime snack --
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