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benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? I love the way these meta puzzles come together! From initial idea to possible theme entries to a grid to the clues: you never quite know what's going to come along in the process. This one had some serendipitous moments, let me tell you! The answer to the meta is a three word phrase.

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.

The Difference Between You And Me - Crosshare
The Difference Between You And Me - PUZ
The Difference Between You And Me - PDF

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

Well that was clever. Must have been difficult to work out. Nice job, Ben!

PUZ and PDF links are not working for me. I was able to access through Crosshare.

lbray53 wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 6:36 am PUZ and PDF links are not working for me. I was able to access through Crosshare.

Fixed! Thanks for letting me know.

Well, I can see Step 1, but then come to a screeching halt. Perhaps there will be early nudges (he said hopefully).

MatthewL wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 4:22 pm Well, I can see Step 1, but then come to a screeching halt. Perhaps there will be early nudges (he said hopefully).

There's a good chance of that!

Fun one! Thanks, Ben!

I tried a few answers, not expecting them to be correct. And, no, they were not correct. But at least this has gotten them out of my head. I’ll likely need Ben’s nudges.

Quite a feat of construction!
Good on you, Ben!
And thanks!

Wow, just 7 solvers! Definitely on the tricky side of things.

markhr
Hector
Laura M
Pair O Ducks
JM
Tyrpmom
whimsy

I think early nudges are called for.

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. The central entry is definitely a hint, but there is an additional hint somewhere else in the grid.

2. I've used "Partner of..." clues in the past, and they are relatively common in crossword clues; but there are none in this puzzle!

3. There are 5 partner pairs located in the grid.

4. Once you have the partners you'll need to apply the puzzle title (and that additional hint) to get to the start of the answer.

5. The additional hint is 46 down.

6. "Difference" means "subtraction". Entry clue numbers are involved.

Okay, I had ALL that already, and still didn't see the answer until I did a little thing they always told us to do before (SMH).
STILL, I see exactly why people may not be getting this, even if they have all that. Can’t say it here without spoiling, but I smiled when I figured out what you were after.

Crossed! Stormed!

Oh, man, if I had just [I’ll withhold, so as not to give anything away], I’d have gotten this on my own, without reading Ben’s nudges. But I still don’t quite [withheld]. No worries, though. I’ll PM Ben for an explanation.

Great puzzle, Ben. Thanks!

FINALLY crossed the MOAT! I learned something new today. Actually, I learned something old today.

Moat crossed, castle stormed, but only with help from the nudges. Impressive construction, Ben!

Shoved across the MOAT by Ben's nudges. I had already gotten 1-3 by myself, and I don't have the requisite background knowledge to use 4-5 effectively, but 6 was a big help. Some people may need another nudge after that one.

DeMOATed (without nudges), but with
lots of ruminating and relooking. :twisted: Awesome artistry! Thanks, Ben.

Needed the last few nudges. Doh!

Nudged across the MOAT. Thanks, Ben!

Limped across the MOAT supported by @lbray53. I made SUCH a rookie mistake I cannot believe it. Of course it was not as if I was going to solve it nudgeless, I took them all!!!