Listener Crossword 4142: Noye by Samuel

[Zabadak]

Is 12 across blessed with the correct clue? I've seen the same clue (31 across in this case) leading to a different answer on occasions, but I can only work out one single word answer which doesn't relate to the clue given in the online version.
Otherwise, plenty of time left for doing other things this weekend, and probably my quickest finish for a long time. An enjoyable romp, so thanks to Samuel.

[dr b]

Tut, tut, stop it! Admiration, respect to the setter? Indubitably. But this incessant imitation grates.

[Clamzy]

Trux - Be careful when addressing your envelope:-)
Last Friday I agreed with every word of Ahearer's post but abruptly found myself in the same position as Aldana.
Tilbee mentioned the magic 50 years and is correct in assuming many Listener solvers are somewhat older. As one of them I find my solving skills have improved with the years but the opposite is the case when lateral thinking is required for the end game. In this case it was an obsession with vertical thinking which held me up for a couple of days. Not surprising as I am a founder member of the "Stare at the Grid" group.

[cluelessJoe]

... and I'm current Treasurer of aforementioned group.
A reminder to all members that subscription renewals are now due for 2011/2012. Kindly forward same to me at ...

[AndrewG-S]

Welcome back CJ. R-E you had an issue aside from one you picked up on as far as I can see, even so very impressive. Cheers Samuel an enjoyable solve.

[Philoctetes]

Clues solved and "explaining" word found very early. Took a day and a half to find the phrase using the Paddington Bear Hard Stare technique. Only as I put it in the envelope did I realise that the word "explained" by way of a well-known saying. Satisfied now.

[aldanna]

I obviously can't stare hard enough.

[Ruthrobin]

Rogue-elfe if you are still following the thread, I'd love to get in touch. Perhaps email [email protected]

[contendo]

Like others I have a filled grid (though the wordplay of 42A escapes me) and have the single explaining word but can't see the pair of words. The obvious words that spring to mind would only fill 9 cells if unmodified. I'll keep staring.

[BlackHugh]

I am in the same boat as you contendo - I have spotted something frustratingly close to a germane 9 letter phrase - but is spelt wrongly and is only 7 after the "suffering" so it may be a red herring

[tilbee]

Well pointed out Philocetes - now understand the true relevance of the single word in the context of a phrase not required by the solution, so my previous comment was not appropriate. Yet another clever element to the puzzle.

[aldanna]

Clamzy/cJ: I took yur advice and stared at the grid. I now have the expaining word, but still no idea as to the warning phrase. And I thought I was almost there on Friday!

[silversolver]

I found that on this occasion staring at the grid was not the best approach (although I am also a fully paid-up member of the aforementioned club) - a bit of lateral thinking about possible relevant phrases led to a relatively quick conclusion. I am not sure I would have found it in the grid without knowing what I was looking for...

[Mysterons]

contendo, 'developed' = (m)ature

[aldanna]

Crawled eventually over the line last night after a bit of help from Himself on the grid-staring. A most entertaining puzzle, many thanks to Samuel. So clever.

[Clamzy]

Grid Starers please note that, because of overwhelming numbers of applicants for membership, we have to suspend recruitment until cJ has had time to count the money.

[magichour]

I have completed the grid and the single explaining word, but am finding the two word phrase extremely frustrating. Have considered all sorts of things relating to the title and explaining word, but it remains elusive. May have to reluctantly give up on this one.

[heathrunner]

MagicHour..it might seem all greek to you, but nil desperandum!

[logophile]

Yes, at least you still have time on your side with this one magichour.

[BlackHugh]

Phew - got there after a days staring. Although that didn't get me anywhere - so I took silversolvers advice and tried to think up some phrases which eventually worked.

[contendo]

I have a two-word phrase of 9 letters after modification, highly relevant to the theme but I'm damned if I can see it anywhere in the grid. Perhaps it's done what the second word suggests.