47D. Note the spelling of “out line” in this clue. It’s rendered as a two-word phrase here, which means it is not the skeleton or outline of a written document. This clue should be read as “What short phrase would I say if I am out of a game?” The answer is I LOSE.
Constructor Notes
This grid has a lot of attitude, which seems appropriate because so do I. My primary job is as a circus coach and performer. I always try to be kind to my students, but I do like messing with them sometimes. “You call that a straight leg?” “Come on, all I’m asking you to do is hang by your heels. You think that’s too hard? I MEAN REALLY!”
Fridays are my favorite solving day of the week. I absolutely love themeless puzzles. It’s probably taboo for a constructor to say this, but I have never liked themes. Swapping out letters? Circling special words? No. Stop messing with my puzzle. My hatred of themes is unfortunate, because it turns out themeless puzzles are really hard to make. Every one I successfully create feels like a small miracle.
Thank you to Dana Edwards for test solving this one, and thanks always and forever to Will Nediger for his generous mentorship when I started making puzzles.
Don’t Fear the Fridays: About the Easy Mode Newsletter
Once a week, Christina Iverson, a puzzle editor, will send solvers a list of more accessible crossword clues. This newsletter is for those who would like to try the Friday puzzles but have heard all about how hard they are.
If you solve the early-week puzzles but feel as if you don’t have the experience to go any further, think of this as a set of cruciverbal training wheels. Use the easy-mode clues until you don’t need them anymore, and then tell a friend struggling like you were about how you prevailed over Fridays. Maybe they can benefit from this newsletter too.