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OT- I join this wonderful gang every week as I work my way though the weekly Listener. Was wonderfing, is there a thread in the forum where I could ask for a parse of a solution to a puzzle not usually discussed here? I know this site is very crisp about boundaries and I want to put my inquiry in the right place. Thanks!

hi, bathmatters. If you are referring to Magpie I would say almost definitely not. I don't subscribe, but know folk that do. A monthly all-correct is prized and obviously needs to be achieved solo.

Thank you for responding so quickly, Bobby!

I wasn’t clear - forgive me!

No, the puzzle I’m referring to is a daily crossword where the solution is available instantly by clicking “solution”….I just occasionally see an answer where I can’t parse it with the clue they gave. An example:

I see a clue that reads: “Ravens leap (9)”

And the posted answer is “hygienist”

I can’t figure out why the clue matches the answer…
,,,,and I’d love help from the puzzlers here explaining how to break it down so it makes sense.

But I don’t want to start a new thread if 1) getting that kind of help is so off-topic that I shouldn’t post it at all or 2) there is already a thread out there where people get help parsing answers to different puzzles (where the solutions are already openly posted)

I guess what I'm looking for is a sort of "Parsers 911" (or the British equivalent emergency number....)

Me again. bathmatters. Just finished watching the footy England won
2-0

I can't see the moderators objecting to a dedicated question relating to a parsing query when the answer is known. I and others often come here to do exactly that. Most people like to tie up loose ends. All that I would say is quote the clue in full and give what you think is the answer.

I have a full grid, but one clash - the first letter of the 5th row. From the across word, the letter should be N, but from 1D, it must be an L.

Where have I gone wrong?

Your 1d is wrong. See post #45 for an explanation

Hi Deviant,

1d - I think you might have gone a bit wrong - This is the abbr./acronym mentioned in the preamble and it is an N.

Thanks people. I noticed that "word" but didn't see what it had to do with advisers. A Homer moment!

Thanks Bobby! That’s what I was hoping. Do you think it’s kosher to start a new thread with that kind of parsing inquiry?