Filling Time
Here's a very special puzzle.
Filling Time was the first cryptic crossword I ever made, way back in 2008. I showed it to a couple friends and then put it in a drawer and didn't think about it for a long time. Then in 2022 I showed it to some new cryptic friends I made online and felt inspired to keep going at it... It's probably not too much of an exaggeration to say that I've spend the last couple years trying to get good at making cryptics specifically so I could do this one justice. And in the last couple months I've tweaked the grid some and rewritten all the clues, did a ton of testing, and now am putting it out. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks a ton to the too-many-to-list test solvers who've improved this puzzle over the years and especially months.
There's an in-browser solving option below, or you can print this pdf, or some people prefer Google Sheets.
Filling Time
By juff
Here's a momentary diversion to help you fill the time.
Nine responses in this cryptic puzzle are too long for their space in the grid, and must have multiple letters placed in one cell.
These cells, as well as three others, have the additional difficulty that the correct entry does not match the letter of the crossing entry, which should be set aside unused.
When read in order starting with the left circled cell, these unused letters will spell out a certain set of tasks.
An additional ten-letter entry of two words which reveals why these tasks might occur begins at the other circled cell and meanders through the grid (orthogonally but not diagonally) ignoring heavy bars.
To finish the puzzle, shade the mismatched cells as well the cells of the meandering path.
(Enter rebuses by holding shift or double clicking the cell. Shade cells by pressing 2, unshade them with 1. There's no pop-up for a correct solution, but I'm very proud of you.)
Nine responses in this cryptic puzzle are too long for their space in the grid, and must have multiple letters placed in one cell.
These cells, as well as three others, have the additional difficulty that the correct entry does not match the letter of the crossing entry, which should be set aside unused.
When read in order starting with the left circled cell, these unused letters will spell out a certain set of tasks.
An additional ten-letter entry of two words which reveals why these tasks might occur begins at the other circled cell and meanders through the grid (orthogonally but not diagonally) ignoring heavy bars.
To finish the puzzle, shade the mismatched cells as well the cells of the meandering path.
(Enter rebuses by holding shift or double clicking the cell. Shade cells by pressing 2, unshade them with 1. There's no pop-up for a correct solution, but I'm very proud of you.)
Across
| 1 | Pretty good Spielberg movie in the science fiction genre whose title is technically longer than the acronym part but you just should enter it abbreviated to those two letters which is how everyone says the name in casual English (and in French) |
| 4 | It's taking a toll, keeping juff occupied on the way to the runway |
| 8 | After Zapdos is almost completely wiped out, Pokémon trainer finds a place to keep badges |
| 11 | Florida to ban catching bass, but willing to compromise |
| 13 | Author's tradition of spoken word |
| 14 | Introduction of spring ushering in pair of ducks (hyph.) |
| 15 | Go back and forth with embedded short-form journalist? |
| 16 | Either of two presidents from Mississippi passing civil rights legislation |
| 18 | State hat was in if left completely unfinished |
| 21 | City bordered Rio's outskirts |
| 22 | Phone company is installing cable, initially for upper rooms |
| 23 | Silver shot into mutant wolf chasing gym teacher |
| 25 | Professor Utonium, Heinz Doofenshmirtz, or Hubert Farnsworth, or also Newton |
| 26 | Pet food containers on the counter |
| 27 | Persian leader wanting a call for peace |
| 28 | Said Cathy's catchphrase ("Aye-Aye-Aye!") to the audience when Hamlet did the "to be or not to be" bit (2 words) |
| 29 | Soho a-go-go? Go! Go! |
| 30 | Tool used in lute's adjustment |
| 31 | Please rewrite my clue for HALL |
| 32 | Bistro under-stocks several drinks |
| 35 | Maybe an iPad is functional from time to time |
| 38 | Note change ultimately involving the Fresh Prince's aunt in reboot |
| 40 | Worried? Try fire alarm |
| 42 | Ways to survive in the cold? Big, loose jackets |
| 43 | In the manner of Strauss and his vile arrangement |
| 44 | Perón expels core of elite to receive boost |
| 45 | Surfer's friend expected to take 9th place in wakeboarding |
| 46 | With the use of a razor, removing a hair from the face |
| 47 | Everything you eat is shakes? That is boring... |
Down
| 1 | Fifth on the left, apartment E (2 words) |
| 2 | Small handle belonging to Hamilton was unearthed in archaeological excavation |
| 3 | Concerning text: "HAVE A STEAK MAYBE" (2 words) |
| 5 | A range of excellent records |
| 6 | No, one of the two answers to one across is a trap! |
| 7 | Wayne Gretzky needs to make up a standardized exam first (2 words) |
| 8 | Slowly prepare to make clothing, including shirt |
| 9 | Get Matt Cain to pitch double header |
| 10 | Doctor Dre shall negotiate aggressively (hyph) |
| 12 | Chest measurement is 22 or more |
| 17 | YouTube full of rough, problematic culture |
| 18 | A small part of what Hamlet has in Hamlet |
| 19 | A twinge of the muscle created with vinegar |
| 20 | Vinery destroyed by pig set free from borders during welcome for co-inventor of Bloody Mary (2 words) |
| 23 | Photos were delightful, but blurry |
| 24 | Morbidly interested in Hugh and Lois's break-up |
| 27 | EXACTLY my style (in part) |
| 28 | Lowlife traveling through underground channel, leaving church prior to identification |
| 29 | Southern California wine is shaken |
| 33 | Want a Big Mac or Whopper with no bun? |
| 34 | Energy crashing? Take five and start over |
| 36 | Brief synopsis for French runner?? |
| 37 | Baker using Kuwaiti lemon rinds |
| 39 | Choice candle leaves drip |
| 41 | Agreement made with gayest hunk |
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