A cRyptic crossword with an R twist
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Last week's R-themed crossword from R-Ladies DC was popular, so here's another R-related crossword, this time by Barry Rowlingson and published on page 39 of the June 2003 issue of R-news (now known as the R Journal). Unlike the last crossword, this one follows the conventions of a British cryptic crossword: the grid is symmetrical, and eschews 4×4 blocks of white or black squares. Most importantly, the clues are in the cryptic style: rather than being a direct definition, cryptic clues pair wordplay (homonyms, anagrams, etc) with a hidden definition. (Wikipedia has a good introduction to the types of clues you're likely to find.) Cryptic crosswords can be frustrating for the uninitiated, but are fun and rewarding once you get to into it.
In fact, if you're unfamiliar with cryptic crosswords, this one is a great place to start. Not only are many (but not all) of the answers related in some way to R, Barry has helpfully provided the answers along with an explanation of how the cryptic clue was formed. There's no shame in peeking, at least for a few, to help you get your legs with the cryptic style.
Again, if you're stuck you can find the solution here.
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