Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Nothing wrong with the puzzle from a technical standpoint, but considering the subject matter of 7d it seems rather tone-deaf (if not to say clueless) of Lavatch to use it as a gimmick in a crossword puzzle. Has he ever heard the song?

I thought that too, immediately after patting myself on the back for spotting it. Awkward.

I agree that the theme juxtaposed with the title/performer jarred. I suspect, however, that some of the contributors to the magazine nowadays might be rather dismissive of such sensibilities as “wokery”….

jack, perhaps they are correct and we can now look forward to a series of atrocity-themed puzzles. The possibilities are endless.

It's been interesting reading these comments. For me, the theme of the 7 D work wasn't the theme of the puzzle, it was only the title which was needed, to get us to the unclued entries. I didn't even look up the work until after I read the comments here!

Yes it’s all about 7d but the song IS directly referenced by the inclusion of its singer, so that’s unambiguous.

As far as “a recovering Mandarin” in the UK can express an opinion, Buddy, I do not believe that theirs could be a correct view. My best wishes - nay, hopes - for November….

At the very least, it’s an odd choice as a theme for a crossword.

Yes, I can appreciate now - having looked at the song- why some solvers have the opinions that they do. We needed a singer, author,something, to link to the phrase - but I didn't even think of looking at the work. The title was basically just a signpost for me.

Is the final 7D a word in the completed grid, or hidden somewhere? If the former I must have overlooked it.