POMONA CRYPTIC:
Growth Potential
By Lynne Willems Zold '67
Directions: Print out the puzzle matrix and clues, decode the clues and arrange them in order in the matrix to reveal vertically the puzzle's central theme (Clue #23).
For cryptic puzzle novices, each clue has two parts--a definition and a clue to the answer's literal composition. Here are a few of the traditional types of clues, which may be combined in challenging ways. (Numbers indicate letters in the answer.)
1. Anagrams All the letters in the answer are given, but out of order, and a word such as 'mixing' or 'wild' is used to indicate what to do: Elf upset priest (6) = sprite (priest jumbled).
2. Charades The answer is given in pieces: Tavern had a meal for native (6) = innate (tavern = inn; had a meal = ate).
3. Containers Word inside another, marked by words like 'in' or 'holding': She keeps wrap warm (7) = sheathe (heat inside she).
4. Hidden answers The answer is found within the clue itself: In Sparta the nature goddess = athena (Sparta the nature).
5. Homophones The answer sounds like another word or phrase, indicated by such words as 'heard,' 'reportedly,' 'vocal': Outlawed combo upon hearing (6) = banned (band).
6. Reversals words that become other words when spelled backwards: Placed clock's face back = dial (laid).
7. Deletions, additions, replacements Word changed by altering letters: Increase sound of mad dog with no tail = grow (grow-l).
8. Letters indicated Answer is spelled out in the clue by consecutive first or last letters, every other letter, or other letter pattern: Some types of people die (4) = stop. (Some Types Of People)
Of course there's no way to include all the rules. Part of the fun is being devilish and obtuse. To check your results, here is the solution.
So have fun. And think Pomona.
Clues
1. It's trite but mostly within an ongoing tradition. (7)
2. Our neighbor takes a deep hole and adds almost nothing. (6)
3. Red wine has French name spelled backwards in our town. (9)
4. Streep is so confused, had to sunbathe before the French club.
(5, 7)
5. The first members of prominent or meritorious organizations now arriving for college. (6)
6. This school used to be an absolute mess until the French left. (4)
7. Matrimonial "ex" and errant scholar harbor a VIP. (9)
8. King, for instance, manufactures a lot of beer. (3)
9. Unbridled ardor manifests inside this residence. (4)
10. We will have a place to eat after we stuff cook with 2/3 or a limb. (5)
11. To Spanish meat add gin first, and I add chile last to create this national treasure. (8)
12. I've heard that you can take various pathways and nab award winning student. (6, 7)
13. The phrase "don't hew ash trees" holds sexy meaning for older Pomonans. (3, 4)
14. Tree got mixed up in mess. Period. (8)
15. This season lost first of the month but put a number in place. (6)
16. For the last tests I had to get mixed up in these Spanish desserts. (6)
17. This past president announced he's not telling the truth. (4)
18. And yet another college bigwig sounds like he's a good guy when he's in prison. (7)
19. Very durable tree, cut down, became a venerable abode. (7)
20. Military group lost the South but acquired a pleasant green place. (4)
21. In a methuselah's age hence you will snare a rare Claremont bird. (7)
22. Alumnus and school required 5/6 of the country to provide a rite of passage. (10)
23 (vertical). To give birth contributed to the confusion of S, French sweetie, in trouble at first and then showing a sign of aging--a brief admonition to us all. (4, 5, 6, 2, 5)
Though this puzzle is about Pomona, puzzles are welcome on all topics. If you'd like to submit a math, logic or word puzzle for the Alumni Puzzler, please send your query or submission to: Mark Wood, Pomona College Magazine, 550 North College Ave., Claremont, CA 91711. Selections will be made on the basis of quality and originality.
