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Puzzle - WSJ 20201205

https://www.wsj.com/articles/crank-letter-saturday-cryptic-puzzle-december-5-11606575354

Please click Download PDF

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Solution for previous – WSJ 20201107

https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/PuzAnswer11142020.pdf

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As always, for best results download & save the file, then open & print.
(In Preview mode check if the Fit button provides a larger grid)

The solution is usually available a week later at the same puzzle link.

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Previous puzzles & threads can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/pyvfuwg

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They have daily regular crosswords, now with an interactive one.
Also Variety & Math puzzles on Friday & Saturday.

There are now buttons for Variety puzzles:
https://blogs.wsj.com/puzzle/category/variety-puzzle/
and cryptics:
https://blogs.wsj.com/puzzle/category/cryptic/
Please note that Cryptics are often tagged as Variety.

Many thanks again syzygy, I do like well written narrative puzzles of which this is a fine example . For confirmation I had to Google what becomes 1a as the term, or any of its variant spellings, was new to me. When I think about it I just didn't know what they're called though I have seen them.

Great puzzle! Thanks, syz.

Sadly got two from the letter and gave up. I'm blaming all the preparation this time of year brings!
I admire the idea, though, even if I can't solve it

I think you'd enjoy this one, rosalind. It's rather like deciphering a letter from a crazy aunt.

Thanks, Syzygy. I didn't find this easy, but engrossing.
I'm left with the word which would be 2a. I think I only have 'and watch' left over from the first paragraph, unless 'and watch' is part of the previous phrase.

Do you mean the seven-letter answer in the upper right, starting at 1?

Yes, Aristo. It can only be one word from the crossers, but I can't see the clue.

I have "and watch" as part of the preceding.

It's the entire P.S.