Kathy Bloomer’s New York Times crossword, “Le Puzzle” —Nate’s write-up

Wait, is that this a miracle? Multiple Sunday NYT puzzles in a row written by girls?! I’ll take it! Here’s to hopefully many, many extra.

The title of this week’s puzzle implies that we’re about to get le-d. Let’s have a look:

10.02.22 Sunday New York Times Puzzle

– 22A: TRICKLE QUESTION [“When will the leaky faucet get fixed?,” e.g.?]
– 106A: ALL OVER THE MAPLE [Where you’d find sap for syrup?]
– 3D: SKIPS A BEATLE [Says “John, Paul … and Ringo”?]
– 15D: STARTLE DATE [Show up naked, perhaps?]
– 31D: WORDLE OF MOUTH [M _ U _ H?]
– 34D: LOTTERY PICKLE [Loss of the winning ticket?]
– 60D: PALACE COUPLE [King and queen?]
– 63D: CLASS TRIPLE [The three R’s?]

Each of our themers has gained a further LE for comedic impact, and I actually favored the inventiveness of many of those entries! WORDLE OF MOUTH needs to be my favourite only for how extremely present (and on model!) it feels, and CLASS TRIPLE was a enjoyable transformation to explain an excellent frequent phrase. STARTLE DATE felt a bit stilted (and the clue felt a bit undesirable sexual advance-y) and coups by no means really feel fairly enjoyable to joke about, particularly after January sixth, so I wasn’t as eager on PALACE COUPLE both. That stated, a enjoyable concept explored to largely strong impact in my eyes.

Other random ideas:
– Aside from a number of partials and different bits (AGIN, I LAY, TNOTE), this grid felt fairly clear and led to an excellent fast resolve time for me!  I hope it felt tremendous easy for you, too.
– 1A: ASSHAT [Complete jerk] – Now that’s definitely a option to begin off a puzzle!
– 28A: HORMEL [Spam generator] – Okay, this was cute.
– 116A: KNEELS [Protests, in a way] – And what a unbelievable option to finish the puzzle, too.

What did you assume? Can you provide you with any -LE transformations that might make for enjoyable themers? The very first thing that pops to thoughts is [Story of a woman’s trip to Pamplona?] for LADY AND THE TRAMPLE, however that’s fairly grim! Let me know what you provide you with. For now, be effectively and have a fantastic week.

Nate

Dan Feyer on Jeopardy!

PS – Another enjoyable apart! Last week, I used to be fortunate sufficient to be on Wheel of Fortune. This coming week, crossword legend/icon and editor of cryptics at The Browser, Dan Feyer, might be a contestant on Jeopardy! Tune in on Friday, October seventh to see him in motion. 😀