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Actually, there is a different problem with the clue. 'Cloudy' doesn't officially mean 'like a cloud'. Most regular crossword solvers would get the gist though.

"Cloudy" would mean "like a cloud" in Uxbridge!

Jono @30. While the editor my restrict the selection of words from those sources they remain the sources from the solvers perspective.

What solutions are acceptable in a blocked puzzle may be subject to the editor's whim, but in a barred puzzle anything that appears in Chambers (or the puzzle's primary reference, if different) will be allowed as long as it isn't potentially offensive.

The Inquisitor doesn't specify a particular dictionary as the source for its puzzles, and I don't think it should be assumed that solvers are going to use any particular reference work. Other publications may take a different approach.

I've no objection to setters using Chambers or any other dictionary, but as I said earlier, for obscure vocabulary they should really corroborate the information against at least one independent source. It simply isn't fair on solvers otherwise.

If in doubt, leave it out!

In the words of the IQ Editor:

"Not counting 'Where’s my prosecco?' (sigh), my most FAQ
concerns the IQ’s recommended references. It’s worth
iterating, then, that our compilers’ preambles must stipulate
which obscurer clue answers Chambers (2011) or ODE
are unable to verify."

As was written earlier, one rule of the barred puzzle game (and it is a game, don't forget) is "If it's in Chambers, it's ok". I like that rule because it keeps things simple. Another rule says "A verbal indicator in the future tense is acceptable in wordplays". I don't like that rule, but there we are.

[quote]In the words of the IQ Editor:

"Not counting 'Where’s my prosecco?' (sigh), my most FAQ
concerns the IQ’s recommended references. It’s worth
iterating, then, that our compilers’ preambles must stipulate
which obscurer clue answers Chambers (2011) or ODE
are unable to verify."[/quote]

Could you give a source for this please? It seems a reasonable requirement, but I wouldn't mind seeing the rules of the Inquisitor written down somewhere.

[quote]As was written earlier, one rule of the barred puzzle game (and it is a game, don't forget) is "If it's in Chambers, it's ok".[/quote]

Is it really? Even if Chambers is wrong or ambiguous? Again, I'd like to see a source for this if possible. Too much of this crossword business seems to rely on unwritten conventions of this type.

[quote]I like that rule because it keeps things simple.[/quote]

Not if you don't own a copy of Chambers. When I started attempting the Inquisitor recently I didn't realize that it would involve having to buy a whole new dictionary (or at least an app). Other dictionaries have served me well for the best part of half a century.

The Chambers dictionary app is a tenner on a smartphone and well worth the investment if you enjoy barred crosswords as I reckon it’s going to stay the bible of those types of crosswords for the foreseeable whether we like it or not!

i've said this before; the trouble with dictionaries is that they are obsessed with being descriptive rather than prescriptive, so if an incorrect usage is common enough, they will include it - viz. epicentre. i prefer the approach of the academie francaise!

Guybarry@37. There is an easy answer. If you don't like the rules, don't play the game.

The Listener, IQ, and Azed assume solvers have a copy of Chambers. If you haven't got one or won't buy one why should they change?

It's rather like entering a Scrabble tournament and complaining that you can't afford a Scrabble dictionary so they should change the rules.