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Puzzle #46– March 2005   "And now for something completely different"

Instructions: Guess the words defined by the cryptic clues (words vary in length from four to ten letters and include one two-word phrase and one archaic word), then enter them in the grid one after another in the same order as their clues, starting in the upper left corner. Across words that don't end at the right margin continue on the next line below, and down words that don't end at the bottom margin continue in the next column to the right. Twenty words won't fit in the grid unless one or more of their letters is removed. So what's different? The grid is. This puzzle does not use a standard 11-by-11-cell grid. Thus, part of the challenge is figuring out the grid it does use. Hint: the grid has 116 cells and, though not square, is symmetrical along the vertical axis. As always, I am grateful to Kevin Wald for help with the clues. (If you are having trouble printing these puzzles, you can download an Adobe Acrobat version of the puzzle). [Want to see some hints?]

The grid for this puzzle is not supplied. You must come up with it on your own, but click here for a large grid that you can use as a working tool.

Across

  1. Shuffling of feet in drive
  2. Brusque finish of wading bird
  3. Davenport placed in recess of atrium
  4. Vow an end to dress clothing
  5. Sensible American goods
  6. "Farewell" wins university prize
  7. Last of beefsteak, brew, and borecole
  8. Love in Mexico takes rubber protection
  9. State gets ready for a blow
  10. Melodious piece for two includes lute's opening note
  11. This French mount provides color
  12. End of bad weather leading to dry
  13. Pat and Emma--at heart a team
  14. Weights keep uncle in physical condition
  15. Declare time as usual
  16. Stretch from beginning to finish
  17. Isn't upset by a new transit flash
  18. There's not as much in Hubble's sights
  19. Earl encounters returned prize
  20. Appeared with ring and engraved gem
  21. Doctor holds trendy opinion
  22. Channel put in without right
  23. Composer incorporates radical spoof
  24. Current profit backed by gold

Down

  1. Eastern staff takes English wear
  2. A litter of pigs loses its leader in a shaft
  3. African wears Indian dress for an expedition
  4. Edging of iron around circle
  5. Newly arrived Peruvian, in confusion, loses one
  6. Add a mark for antelope
  7. Sow exploded mine in east
  8. Loud instrument, a woodwind
  9. Superior fellows, with lead of genius, reconstituted element absorbing nitrogen
  10. Wicked Linus running to catch foul
  11. Period held in women's esteem
  12. Fish start to eat the rule book
  13. Diamond cut came up
  14. Formerly went around bed with editor
  15. On the bounding main in America's east
  16. Title for someone who sprays
  17. Sign ten with approval
  18. Based on real data existing after the first of February
  19. Hardy heroine has time for a mosaic piece
  20. Be irresolute in speech or writing relinquishing a claim
  21. Guide eating a male clam

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