Sum of their parts – Grid 5

For Women’s Day 2024, 1ACross is happy to present “Sum of their parts”, a special series of puzzles put together by several talented cruciverbalists from across the globe.

This is the last in the series of Mini grids that have been published each day at 11:00AM IST (8:30AM Bahrain), culminating today, 8th March. Two lights from each of the previous four grids when combined form a clue phrase with eight words. The solution to the clue put together from these is in this grid and has to be identified by the solver.

All those who wish to participate must submit each of the 5 Mini grids as well as the bonus form accompanying this grid, on or before EOD 15th Mar. 2024. All those who submit entries have a chance to enter our new leader board for 2024. Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, Mar. 16th, 2024.

The title of this special series is also symbolic of the synergetic impact of each woman on her family – As you solve the grid, please take the opportunity to appreciate the women in your family and the countless things they do for you.

The Team (Grid 5)

Amrita: I am Amrita, I currently live in Bangkok Thailand. I am a big cryptic crossword fanatic. I am so happy to have contributed to this marvelous series of puzzles!

Debbie: Debbie Manber Kupfer grew up in London, but somehow ended up in St. Louis, Missouri, where she lives with her family including two very opinionated felines. She works as a writer, editor, and puzzle constructor and is the author of the young adult fantasy series, P.A.W.S. Her puzzles have appeared in Penny Press and Dell magazines. She believes that with enough tea and dark chocolate you can achieve anything! Visit Debbie Manber Kupfer on her website Paws 4 Puzzles or on Facebook.

Lakshmi: (Admin. of 1Across) Recently started setting as “Saral” for THE HINDU. Have been setting crosswords for Col’s blog THCC & 1Across. Have won IITM Crossword competition twice.

Phoenix: Phoenix is an LGBTQIA+ cryptic enthusiast from California who loves cats

Supriya: I’m Supriya, I live in Delhi NCR. Happy to be part of the wonderful cryptic crossword community. Happy Women’s Day and more power to us all.

Viraj:So happy to be here today. I love Crosswords, punning, music and mountains. I used to work as a textile designer and ran art workshops for kids. I live in Bangalore, and my dream is to settle down somewhere in the Himalayas one day..🙂

Qrypt On Y X: (Co-ordinated with the setters and helped to edit the clues): Woman on Wonderlust

Sowmya: (Founder of 1Across.org. Conceptualized / created this puzzle series). Sowmya is the puzzle editor at Amuselabs, compiler Hypatia for “The Hindu” and has independently published Cryptic Crossroads 1, 2 and 3. She has compiled more than 1,200 crossword puzzles published over the last 10 years.  She is also the recipient of two Guinness Awards for Crochet.