CCCWC April competition voters’ comments on Clue no. 31

CCCWC April competition voters’ comments

Clue no. 31: King George Street – where our journey ends?

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A clue to GRAVE.
1 comment refers to this clue (from 1 competitor, 0 others)
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Comments on the competition
1.
A clue-word with numerous meanings and offering a wide range of potential approaches. There were fewer instances of unsoundness than usual and a fair number of perfectly acceptable clues. In awarding points, I gave precedence to clues offering originality of approach (especially with respect to the definition), clever wordplay and, as always, a convincing and satisfying surface. 3 points each to: 25 Although, strictly speaking, this clue is flawed by its failure to indicate that, in these senses, “how” is dialect and “sad” archaic, it is so neat that I am prepared to overlook that. 38 A cleverly hidden definition and sound word play contributing to a convincing (and arguably topical) surface. 57 An admirably succinct composite anagram offering a very clever double definition. Whether it is an &lit in the normally accepted sense of the term is arguable, however. 2 points each to: 36 At the time of writing (7 May), it remains to be seen how apposite this clue will turn out to be, but it is tautly constructed and with a convincing topical surface. 40 A well crafted clue with a convincing surface, but there is less sparkle to the definition than in 25, 38 and 57. 1 point to: 31 A good definition appropriate to the surface, but the wordplay in the s.i. is a bit predictable. 0.5 point each to: 13 As economical as 25 and the double definition is entirely sound, but “Death count” is a rather artificial phrase and hardly a recognized alternative to “body count”. 42 Economical with a convincing surface, but grave4 means “in a solemn manner” and “solemn” and “serious”, though associated in meaning, are not quite the same thing

Comments on the competition

A clue-word with numerous meanings and offering a wide range of potential approaches. There were fewer instances of unsoundness than usual and a fair number of perfectly acceptable clues. In awarding points, I gave precedence to clues offering originality of approach (especially with respect to the definition), clever wordplay and, as always, a convincing and satisfying surface.

3 points each to:

25 Although, strictly speaking, this clue is flawed by its failure to indicate that, in these senses, “how” is dialect and “sad” archaic, it is so neat that I am prepared to overlook that.

38 A cleverly hidden definition and sound word play contributing to a convincing (and arguably topical) surface.

57 An admirably succinct composite anagram offering a very clever double definition. Whether it is an &lit in the normally accepted sense of the term is arguable, however.

2 points each to:

36 At the time of writing (7 May), it remains to be seen how apposite this clue will turn out to be, but it is tautly constructed and with a convincing topical surface.

40 A well crafted clue with a convincing surface, but there is less sparkle to the definition than in 25, 38 and 57.

1 point to:

31 A good definition appropriate to the surface, but the wordplay in the s.i. is a bit predictable.

0.5 point each to:

13 As economical as 25 and the double definition is entirely sound, but “Death count” is a rather artificial phrase and hardly a recognized alternative to “body count”.

42 Economical with a convincing surface, but grave4 means “in a solemn manner” and “solemn” and “serious”, though associated in meaning, are not quite the same thing

CCCWC April competition voters’ comments Clue no. 31: King George Street – where our journey ends?

CCCWC April competition voters’ comments

Clue no. 31: King George Street – where our journey ends?