"Introducing The Middle Class" by benchen71

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
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benchen71
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"Introducing The Middle Class" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Where do meta puzzle ideas come from? Sometimes a phrase occurs to you and you think: that could be a meta mechanic! Then it becomes a puzzle in itself to see if the idea can be squeezed into a grid that can be clued in such a way that someone like yourself can come along and complete without too much googling. Let's see how this one goes! You're looking for a six-letter noun.

The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.

Introducing The Middle Class - Online Form
Introducing The Middle Class - PUZ
Introducing The Middle Class - PDF
Introducing The Middle Class - spreadsheet

Nudges are here and here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Apr 09, 2023 6:48 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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lbray53
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#2

Post by lbray53 »

Crossed the MOAT. Am I first? Fun one.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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ChrisKochmanski
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Location: Saline, Michigan

#3

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!

Very nice!
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boharr
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Location: Westchester, NY

#4

Post by boharr »

Got it.
MatthewL
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Location: Atlanta, GA

#5

Post by MatthewL »

Moat crossed, castle stormed, introduced myself to the residents. Thanks Ben!
Matthew
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Darth
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Joined: Sat May 15, 2021 6:51 pm
Location: Champaign, IL

#6

Post by Darth »

De-MOATED. 8-)
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rjy
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Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2021 12:52 pm
Location: Gaithersburg, MD

#7

Post by rjy »

Chased a few rabbits but finally stormed the classtle... fun one, Ben!
Ray
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woozy
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#8

Post by woozy »

Hmm... I think I see the intended concept and ... it just is. It doesn't lead to any meta and by its very nature can't lead to any meta.... wierd.

Edit: ANd then the second I post that what to do becomes obvious. Not just obvious but but a standard we've done dozens of times.
So I just plain couldn't get my meta based on "Up the Down Staircase" to work.

My challenge it to constructors is to make a meta where the meta, theme or metanism is "Up the Down Staircase".
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jhseeman
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Location: Charleston, SC

#9

Post by jhseeman »

Finally crossed the Moat and was able to storm castle.

Thanks Ben
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ky-mike
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 4:22 pm
Location: Near Louisville Ky

#10

Post by ky-mike »

Castle stormed! Top notch puzzle, Ben.
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whimsy
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Location: Hopkinton MA

#11

Post by whimsy »

Crossed the moat, entered the castle.....
...and was immediately put to work with the peasants.

Untitledz.png

TFTP, Ben!
Berto
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#12

Post by Berto »

I believe I have it… hoping Ben is awake to confirm (middle afternoon??)
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benchen71
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#13

Post by benchen71 »

Berto wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 12:20 am I believe I have it… hoping Ben is awake to confirm (middle afternoon??)
Yes, I was awake. It's nearly 2:30pm and I'm sitting in a year 7 science class (it's an extra, not my regular class) marking year 11 assignments on biblical interpretation. Nice to have the occasional crossword-related distraction! :D

And you did have it! Well done.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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benchen71
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#14

Post by benchen71 »

Near the end of the first 24 hour period here's who made it to the correct answer:

SporcleMirror
lbray53
boharr
I K Snamhcok
MatthewL
Darth
rjy
DIS
woozy
Hector
JHSeeman
Laura M
Carolyn
kymike
Cindy Weatherman
Meg
ChrisCross
Pair O Ducks
imontoo
whimsy
Bbaack
Berto
markhr

That's 23 to get us started. But the lowish number might indicate either:
1) I misjudged the difficulty; or
2) everyone's doing the MMMM!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
Dplass
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Joined: Sat Dec 28, 2019 10:09 am

#15

Post by Dplass »

Got it. Definitely not a "week 1" but that's OK. Thanks for the puzzle.
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edestlin
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#16

Post by edestlin »

Crossed the moat! Woozy's comment gave me the needed inspiration to look at this again another way. Thanks, Ben!
Ergcat
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Location: Seneca SC

#17

Post by Ergcat »

I think I know what the concept is but not seeing a path to the answer…. Hoping for “post-enlightenment “ like Woozy had!
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benchen71
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#18

Post by benchen71 »

Only three more solvers, bringing us to 26:

Alex Sisti
dplass
edestlin

I think it's time for early nudges!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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benchen71
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
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#19

Post by benchen71 »

Nudges, in order of increasing blatancy:

1. Your only clue is the puzzle title.

2. The six entries that are clued as three are suspicious. Why would these be clued together? Also, you're after a six-letter answer and 2x3=6!

3. If you do what the title instructs you will end up with 6 clues that have answers elsewhere in the grid.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
Dow Jones
Posts: 481
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 11:02 pm
Location: Yakima, WA

#20

Post by Dow Jones »

Nudged across the moat. Interesting meta. Thanks, Ben !!
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