Today's S.T. Clue-Writing Contest.

[Roger Kettle]

Peeps, have you checked the Sunday Times clue-writing contest today? They want entries for "syllables".
I came up with "Two of them are in prison and another four are in court tomorrow". Trouble is, I think a lot of attempts will be along these lines. Any ideas?

[The Peepmaster]

I haven't got my paper yet, Roger. I usually walk into Rothesay to pick it up. Last night I was out singing karaoke . I think I murdered about 6 songs.

You clues are brilliant, but I think you need to add "Word has it" to the beginning.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Took me ages to work out your clue, Roger, and that's with knowing the answer, but the stunning dawn of realisation that manifested as soon as the penny dropped forced me to marvel at your ingenuity. So I'd say it's a winner - but I'm more of a Daily Sport man meself, like.

I do think Peepsie's suggestion is a good one though. Boy, that hurt!

[Roger Kettle]

I see what you're saying, Peepsie, but "word has it" doesn't technically work as the target word (syllables) is plural.
By the way, well done on singing half a dozen songs last night without being hooked.

[The Peepmaster]

I was thinking that, yes, syllables is plural, but it's a singular word, in that it's only one word. Maybe I'm wrong. Vulch and Mince will know. 

[Vulture]

I was thinking that, yes, syllables is plural, but it's a singular word, in that it's only one word. Maybe I'm wrong. Vulch and Mince will know. 

Word has it that "Two of them are in prison and another four are in court tomorrow"........
Words have it that "Two of them are in prison and another four are in court tomorrow".....


I think the red is correct.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Why the quotation marks? I think it's unnecessarily complicating a simple but devious clue. I've now changed my mind, and I think Roger's original version is the best.

[Mince]

I assume no one wants my "silly bulls" version.

[The Peepmaster]

Yes - I think Roger's original is best now.

[The Peepmaster]

The word "ball" is in there, in reverse, so I've got "having ball back" playing on my mind. That leaves "less" and "y" to play with...

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

How about "Words are made up of them - I think."?

Perfect for the Daily Sport.

Or maybe "Rhymes with 'willy balls' - almost"?

[Max]

New to this, actually haven't even heard of the competition.

However, how about "Greek sea monster's testes?" Scylla balls?

Or for the prudish, "Greek sea monster's spherical playthings?"

Feel free to crucify my grammar..... or even my grampa.   

[Roger Kettle]

Or "annoying Liverpudlian chanteuse's spherical playthings". Neat.

[Diane CBPFC]

Who is in prison and who is in court? 

[Roger Kettle]

The syllables, Diane. There are two in "prison" and four in "court tomorrow".