Clue feedback

[zinaphile]

What do you all think of cluing HOLDUPS as [Bandits' fortes]? Unacceptable? Weak? Reasonable? Solid?

I can't rely on an editor for this as changing it would break other puzzle elements.

[mmcbs]

Seems OK to me.

[zinaphile]

Cool. One more question: how does [Bandits' deeds] compare with [Bandits' fortes] for HOLDUPS? Better? Worse? Similar?

[cmcetta]

You could always use something like "Traffic jams" if you are worried about the context.

[cranberry44]

A thought on this, for what it's worth: "bandit" has the connotation of someone breaking and entering, whereas "robber" has the connotation of someone doing a one-on-one grab (holdup). Maybe change to "robbers' fortes"?

[zinaphile]

Good suggestions, but [Bandits' fortes] or [Bandits' deeds] are what I'm looking at for thematic reasons. I just want to make sure I'm being fair to the solver (I should've made that clearer). So the question is, as a solver what would your reaction be to each of those clues? Would one or both leave you grumbling? Would they lead you to HOLDUPS (perhaps needing a couple of crosses)?

[axlrosen]

I would be fine with either one, no grumbling here. I'm sure I'd need a couple of crosses but that's fine.

[Wheels12]

I like "deeds" (or "acts" or other synonyms) better than "fortes." I'm nitpicking here but I think a holdup is not necessarily what a bandit is good at. It's just how he makes a living.

I don't think of a bandit as someone who breaks and enters. That, to me, is a burglar. When I hear "bandit" I think of someone sticking up a train or covered wagon. Again, just my two cents.

[zinaphile]

Yeah, you're right, "deeds" is more on point. But "fortes" works a bit better thematically. One of those trade offs that always vex me - not experienced enough to be confident in my judgement.

[cranberry44]

Whoops! My mistake. In my mind, I was thinking "burglar" instead of "bandit." So I agree "bandit" should be OK.

[zinaphile]

A belated thanks to all for your input. It's been very helpful.