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benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Where do meta puzzle ideas come from? Sometimes a phrase occurs to you and you think: that could be a meta mechanic! Then it becomes a puzzle in itself to see if the idea can be squeezed into a grid that can be clued in such a way that someone like yourself can come along and complete without too much googling. Let's see how this one goes! You're looking for a six-letter noun.

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.

Introducing The Middle Class - Online Form
Introducing The Middle Class - PUZ
Introducing The Middle Class - PDF
Introducing The Middle Class - spreadsheet

Nudges are here and here.
The solution is here.

Crossed the MOAT. Am I first? Fun one.

Crossed! Stormed!

Very nice!

Got it.

Moat crossed, castle stormed, introduced myself to the residents. Thanks Ben!

De-MOATED. 8-)

Chased a few rabbits but finally stormed the classtle... fun one, Ben!

Hmm... I think I see the intended concept and ... it just is. It doesn't lead to any meta and by its very nature can't lead to any meta.... wierd.

Edit: ANd then the second I post that what to do becomes obvious. Not just obvious but but a standard we've done dozens of times.

Finally crossed the Moat and was able to storm castle.

Thanks Ben

Castle stormed! Top notch puzzle, Ben.

Crossed the moat, entered the castle.....
...and was immediately put to work with the peasants.


TFTP, Ben!

I believe I have it… hoping Ben is awake to confirm (middle afternoon??)

Berto wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 12:20 am I believe I have it… hoping Ben is awake to confirm (middle afternoon??)

Yes, I was awake. It's nearly 2:30pm and I'm sitting in a year 7 science class (it's an extra, not my regular class) marking year 11 assignments on biblical interpretation. Nice to have the occasional crossword-related distraction!

And you did have it! Well done.

Near the end of the first 24 hour period here's who made it to the correct answer:

SporcleMirror
lbray53
boharr
I K Snamhcok
MatthewL
Darth
rjy
DIS
woozy
Hector
JHSeeman
Laura M
Carolyn
kymike
Cindy Weatherman
Meg
ChrisCross
Pair O Ducks
imontoo
whimsy
Bbaack
Berto
markhr

That's 23 to get us started. But the lowish number might indicate either:
1) I misjudged the difficulty; or
2) everyone's doing the MMMM!

Got it. Definitely not a "week 1" but that's OK. Thanks for the puzzle.

Crossed the moat! Woozy's comment gave me the needed inspiration to look at this again another way. Thanks, Ben!

I think I know what the concept is but not seeing a path to the answer…. Hoping for “post-enlightenment “ like Woozy had!

Only three more solvers, bringing us to 26:

Alex Sisti
dplass
edestlin

I think it's time for early nudges!

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. Your only clue is the puzzle title.

2. The six entries that are clued as three are suspicious. Why would these be clued together? Also, you're after a six-letter answer and 2x3=6!

3. If you do what the title instructs you will end up with 6 clues that have answers elsewhere in the grid.

Nudged across the moat. Interesting meta. Thanks, Ben !!