David Steinberg’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Capital Growth”—Jim P’s assessment

We have a enjoyable play on phrases right now that I haven’t seen earlier than. The revealer is DUBLIN (64a, [Capital that’s a phonetic hint to the first words of 20-, 33-, 40- and 52-Across]). The different theme entries are acquainted phrases whose first phrases are homophones of the numbers 1, 2, 4, and eight, respectively, and every quantity is double the earlier quantity (ergo, “DUBLIN”). Cute!

Wall St Journal crossword resolution · “Capital Growth” · David Steinberg · Wed., 8.24.22

• 20a. [Was clearly victorious] WON HANDS DOWN.
• 33a. [“Sorry not sorry!”] “TOO BAD SO SAD!”
• 40a. [Start of an apathetic remark] “FOR ALL I CARE“
• 52a. [Owned up to a mistake] ATE HUMBLE PIE

What a enjoyable set of entries, although I couldn’t see the theme earlier than I hit the revealer. And even then my mind skipped a beat earlier than the aha second kicked in. Very pleasing in an surprising means.

In the fill I preferred “I’LL BITE,” COAL CAR, PAN-ARAB, “O CANADA,” and beginning the grid off with APACHE (clued [Geronimo, e.g.]). With solely 4 essential theme solutions, it looks as if there must be room for a pair longer, extra sparkly entries, however possibly having that fifth theme reply/revealer (and it being a clumsy six letters in size) stymied David’s efforts. All informed although, the fill is pleasantly clean.

Clues of observe:

• 42d. [One might be behind a steam locomotive]. COAL CAR. Did you strive CABOOSE right here first? I thought of it, however I additionally knew cabooses haven’t been in a lot use because the ’80s.
• 49d. [Prepare to play, as a song]. CUE UP. Ah, tricksy! I used to be pondering of tuning up an instrument the entire time.
• 61d. [Reading lang.]. ENG. I suppose the clue works for each “reading,” the exercise, and “Reading,” town. Cleverly constructed.

Enjoyable grid. Four stars.