Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Thanks xwordfan. I shall try that and see if I get anywhere!

Xwordfan - I'm trying to follow your strategy for solving the code. I think I've identified the yummies in 20ac and in the row above it but am now stuck. I make it that the 5th letter of the grid entry for 20ac should encode for the same letter as the 1st letter of the row above it - but it isn't.
Help please! I know I'm thick lol.

gazzar - If you've got the solution in the 6th row (20 across) correctly encoded, then it's the 7th letter in the sixth row which is the same as the 1st letter in the 5th row.

Thank you Will. Now I am really confused! Think I'll put this one on the 'life's too short' pile!

Looks like I may be on the verge of finishing my first ever Sabre, and nearly inside a week as well.

Have 3 clues left that I can't see but think my letters are right.

Could someone confirm (just yes or no please):

The checked letters for 7d are ssitnnp
15a is ?eade
19d is grat?

If correct I will slog on hopefully to the finish

Ta

Yes, SH, those are the checked letters in those three clues.

I've actually finished. Phew. (Didn't help when I spelled the decoded answer to 20ac wrongly). Now i think I'll have a lie down!

Thanks will. Onward it is then

In my climbing days there were many routes with excellent rock, exciting positions, wide views, challenging moves requiring and rewarding elegance and balance, leaving one exhilarated and satisfied when topping out. And then there were grim slogs up damp chimneys where brutal perseverance forced progress to a conclusion whose only reward at the top was the opportunity to walk away. This week’s EV and IQ were metaphorically in the first class. This one was very much in the second, I fear.

Oh how I agree with you! I can't stand any more of this puzzle: despite Rad's support earlier, for me there is too little to go on, too many choices and way not enough lifebuoys. Apologies if I've mixed my metaphors...!