Thursday, January 30, 2025, Zachary David Levy
Missing the Point Today's constructor (and neurosurgeon) Dr. Zachary David Levy , presents us with 3 three theme clues filled by two word metaphors ... 17A. Complicated and potentially sensitive subjects: THORNY QUESTIONS . 28A. Shrewd one: SHARP COOKIE . 46A. Fruity drink with a kick: SPIKED PUNCH . ... and this reveal ... 60A. Failing to grasp the obvious, maybe, and what 17-, 28-, and 46-Across are?: MISSING THE POINT . The reveal was not at all obvious to me and I consulted 2 other other Cornerites before Malodorous Manatee came up with a plausible and quite subtle interpretation -- the reveal is a meta clue: "All three answers contain an element of sharpness (thorn, sharp, spike - things that can jab/stab someone) but they are idioms that do not, in and of themselves, have anything to do with being jabbed/stabbed (difficult, smart, laced with alcohol). so they are missing the point ." Thank you Joseph ! Here's the grid ... Here's the ...