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This is annoying. I got so close to finishing my latest puzzle but with one clue left, a clue I couldn't understand even once I gave up and checked the solution.

This is from the Sunday Times Quick Cryptic Book #4, ISBN 978-0-00-828539-5, puzzle # 47.

I won't include the answer here because you bods no doubt like a challenge, but I've included the letters I had from intersecting answers in a spoiler block if needed (right at the bottom).

I'd really appreciate the answer along with the reasoning behind it, since that's what I'm sorely missing.

The clue is:

Saw Zurich banker? (5).

Spoiler section with the intersecting letters:

G _ O _ E

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  • $\begingroup$ What’s the crossword please? $\endgroup$
    – Laska
    Commented yesterday
  • $\begingroup$ Apologies fior that, have added the attribution. $\endgroup$
    – paxdiablo
    Commented yesterday
  • $\begingroup$ I think this a fair clue. Part of the satisfaction of the Times is that it stretches the solver. But there is a “click” of rightness when the answer appears $\endgroup$
    – Laska
    Commented 23 hours ago

1 Answer 1

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I feel your frustration. This is a particularly obscure clue, the answer to which is:

GNOME

The clue can be split into two parts...

"Saw" is a synonym for "gnome" in the sense of an adage, aphorism, maxim or saying (see the second sense here, for example). It's arguably not commonly well known or widely used these days.

Meanwhile, Swiss bankers are disparagingly known as "Gnomes of Zurich" as a result of their renown for secrecy, drawing a comparison with a hoarding gnome counting its riches underground.

So this clue contains a (rather obscure) definition and a cryptic definition of sorts. It's a meanie!

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