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iona - can you write 8 out in a way that it doesn't clash with 10 or 42?

I have made steady progress with this and have solved all the clues I think. Full grid needs further attention etc..

However, one thing bothers me. In the preamble it says that 21 is in the ODE as opposed to the BRB. My solution parses perfectly well and is in the BRB. What have I missed?

Granama1, I’m sure you’re fine. 21N is in the BRB but only as part of a two-word phrase. It’s in the ODE without the second word

Thank Quisling. 👍

21 - I think the fact that it doesn't appear as a single entry is the reason. But there's more than enough of an entry for it in Chambers not to need that ODE ref (in my view, at least) but then again, it helps to confuse the issue somewhat, I spent quite a while looking for something exotic there.

Candledave - writing out 8 so that it didn't clash with 42N would involve leaving a blank cell in one of them. Wouldn't it? We are not told to do that. Nor does the suggestion that all overruns lack clashes feature in the preamble.

I think I'll have a go at the IQ instead.

Goodness, that was a bit of a workout! I was stuck for a couple of hours but then finally had the PDM and managed to sort out all of the mess into something that resolved beautifully. A lovely puzzle from Yorick and I'm in awe of the construction.

Ok last try from me.

The preamble states that “other clues” will not fit in the grid which although not explicit does imply that these are separate to the clashing clues.

That aside, the letter in 42N that you have clashing with 8 does appear in 8 doesn’t it? So could you avoid a clash?

Presently unable to see anything in common with the clashes. I’m not entirely convinced that I have the right places and lengths thanks to the vagaries of both clashes and overruns.

… and the penny has dropped.