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benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

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.

Both Sides Now - Crosshare
Both Sides Now - PUZ
Both Sides Now - PDF

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

Crossed and stormed!
(But I really should be asleep!)
Thanks, Ben!

Crossed, stormed, and yes, it was “clowns” in my youth too!

Moat crossed. Cool puzzle, Ben!

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]

Crossed and stormed! Huzzah!

Crossed.

That was tough be a great one when you get it.

Here's my Joni Mitchell Meta. (Much harder grid but a near trivial meta... but much harder grid)

Well done, Ben!

Crossed the MOAT!

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.

Crossed! Stormed!

If you’d like to look at clowns from many sides now, I recommend this movie: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0095444/

deMOATed. Fantastic AHA! moment on this one. Thanks for the fun!

Solved! I agree with @KayW; great aha! moment.

Surprised there aren’t more moat crossers yet! This was fun and very gettable. Love me some Joni MItchell too.

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.

Finally had time for this one. Moat crossed. Nice one Ben!

A solver update, followed by nudges!

SJ
Mr Tex
kurtalert
heidi
Carolyn

That brings us up to 31.

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

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.

Moat crossed, castle stormed (but only because of the nudges). Thanks for the puzzle, Ben!