Clear
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Puzzle by Barry C. Silk, edited by Will Shortz
CLEAR (63A. With 64-Across, words that can precede the starts of 18-, 31-, 38- and 55-Across), THE (64A. See 63-Across), DECK OFFICER (18A. Bridge authority), THROAT LOZENGE (31A. Medicated candy), AIR MAIL LETTER (38A. Comparatively quick communication) and AREA CODE MAP (55A. Verizon reference) are the interrelated entries of this Thursday crossword.
Pairs abound -- AHEAP and FEW (19D. Small number) -- BATCAVE and GOTHAM -- CASA and DACHA -- COMETO and IMBACK -- DUTCH and IRISH -- ELBE and VOLGA -- REMORSE and SADDEST -- SALUT and SIEG -- LICENSE and USERID -- UPS and ADDL -- PHONE and OPER -- SBARRO and TAKEOUT.
AMATEUR (38D. Dabbler) leads off the solo mid-size entries including CRUSH; DEEPLY; DIMAG; EPITAPH; ILOSE; KOREA; MEDIC; MISSHAPE; NETZERO; PELOSI; SCALLION; SIFTS; SQUELCH; THROBS; VIEWS; WINEBAR; ZELIG.
Fragments -- ACK and AQI, AKIM and ARIZ, CASE, DUN, ELL, ENLS, ENYO, HUEY, IMA, INO and IVO, ISM and ITEM, LAIR, MBA, MOE, NIB, NYES, OAR, SDS, SSW, and ETC (6D. Series finale?: Abbr.).
Clear!
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