Cryptic caves

[Tritim230]

In addition to the information given by andys, there are several conventions used by crossword-setters that would be very hard to guess. For example, they sometimes use the word 'swan' to indicate the letters PEN (because a female swan is a pen, apparently); then there's 'sailor' which could indicate the letters AB (for able-bodied [seaman]) or TAR (for [jolly-jack] tar). I expect there are several others.

And lots of one letter abbreviations: g using good, f - fine, n - name, b - born, d - died, etc, or Roman numerals - M - 1,000, X - ten, etc. Also, where words are hidden within the clue, e.g. "cheese made in reverse" = edam ("made" backwards). My last clue, used two synonyms and a homonym and a play on sentence structure - that's my clue....

 

[Fulk]

Miss Graces Lane?

 

[Tritim230]

Miss Graces Lane?

Well done. A piece of Forest engineering masterpiece. Well worth a visit. Over to you Fulk

 

[Graigwen]

In addition to the information given by andys, there are several conventions used by crossword-setters that would be very hard to guess. For example, they sometimes use the word 'swan' to indicate the letters PEN (because a female swan is a pen, apparently); then there's 'sailor' which could indicate the letters AB (for able-bodied [seaman]) or TAR (for [jolly-jack] tar). I expect there are several others.

My goodness! Even more complicated than I thought.
Thanks.

 

[Graigwen]

In addition to the information given by andys, there are several conventions used by crossword-setters that would be very hard to guess. For example, they sometimes use the word 'swan' to indicate the letters PEN (because a female swan is a pen, apparently); then there's 'sailor' which could indicate the letters AB (for able-bodied [seaman]) or TAR (for [jolly-jack] tar). I expect there are several others.

If you can bear with me....could you please explain simply how you got to "Miss Graces Lane" (Even knowing the answer I can't see how it worked!)

 

[RobinGriffiths]

I think Graces Lane sounds like Grace is Slain

 

[Tritim230]

If you can bear with me....could you please explain simply how you got to "Miss Graces Lane" (Even knowing the answer I can't see how it worked!)

No worries. The first two words or word parts are synonyms:
Lack = Miss
Compassion = Grace
Now the homonym of a synonym:
Murder = Slain which sounds like "slane"
Putting Graceslane into separate words we get Miss Grace's Lane.
Sounds convoluted but that type of clue should flow to become a bit more obvious - I hope. Feedback always appreciated. The missus says my mind works in a strange way but that's the beauty of these puzzles.

 

[Graigwen]

I think Graces Lane sounds like Grace is Slain

Thank you. I had got as far as wondering if "sleigh" featured from a seasonal angle; but could have spent years not getting to the right answer.

 

[Graigwen]

No worries. The first two words or word parts are synonyms:
Lack = Miss
Compassion = Grace
Now the homonym of a synonym:
Murder = Slain which sounds like "slane"
Putting Graceslane into separate words we get Miss Grace's Lane.
Sounds convoluted but that type of clue should flow to become a bit more obvious - I hope. Feedback always appreciated. The missus says my mind works in a strange way but that's the beauty of these puzzles.

Many thanks. Now I see it! How complicated. I see I have solved several in the past by luck not judgement.

I am off now to a pub quiz where I will not be able to answer questions on pop music or reality TV programmes.
.

 

[Tritim230]

Thank you. I had got as far as wondering if "sleigh" featured from a seasonal angle; but could have spent years not getting to the right answer.

You'll get there. The times I've had a chuckle when I've solved a good clue. Sometimes you have to be in the zone. I can look at a puzzle on day and have a blank, and the next morning finish off in one go. It does help to get into the mind of the setter and some setter puzzles I just don't get.

 

[Fulk]

So try this:
Monsieur Henri Dolan worked out in laid-back place (7,4)

 

[Fulk]

Maybe that's a bit too obscure, so try:

M H Dolan worked out in laid-back place (7,4)

 

[JasonC]

Daimler Hole is close, but I suspect not close enough...

 

[Fulk]

Sorry Jason, not close enough – but it's a location in a cave, not a cave as such.

 

[ChrisB]

Diamond Hall?

['laid' backwards is 'dial' and then work the letters of MHDolan into it]

 

[Fulk]

That's the one, Chris

 

[ChrisB]

I haven't forgotten that I need to post a clue...hopefully on Monday

 

[ChrisB]

A seasonal clue:

What's this on my dining table?

(3,1,7) there's an apostrophe which is not included in the count

 

[Graigwen]

A seasonal clue:

What's this on my dining table?

(3,1,7) there's an apostrophe which is not included in the count

It's a cracker

.

 

[ChrisB]

It is indeed, over to you Graigwen.