It was inspired at a party when he heard someone with a new haircut cry [the answer to 47-Across]. To which he thought [the clue to 47-Across] — which became the seed of this puzzle. (Maybe you were tipped off by the title of the puzzle, “Punchlines,” but I just didn’t see it.) For example, the clue for Mr. Grinberg’s seed entry at 47-Across is “Fishing line?” — which brings to mind rods and reels. The entry is TELL ME IM PRETTY — an order given by someone “fishing” for compliments.

Source: Punch February 04, 2024 02:22 UTC