Codenames 18

[DaveV]

TAG	PLASTIC	CONDUCTOR	CLIFF	FLUTE
SQUARE	STAFF	COMIC	IVORY	CRANE
PRINCESS	SHAKESPEARE	SKYSCRAPER	DROP	HOLLYWOOD
ALPS	BEAT	GERMANY	CARROT	CHOCOLATE
PLANE	BLOCK	MATCH	COMPOUND	AZTEC

Vertical: 2

[pjabrony]

There are connections to DROP, CLIFF, CRANE, and SKYSCRAPER. I like DROP for sure, and CRANE least.

[sunrise089]

I think this is a clever clue, assuming we get it right

I see options as Alps, Plane, Skyscraper, Cliff, Drop, and Crane.

Only Cliff and Drop though are exclusively associated with going stright up or down (well, both down). To me that's the distinguishing characteristic, though I could see one being grey and Skyscraper being red too.

[Azoth]

There are many possible connections, but I like CLIFF and SKYSCRAPER best.
They're both vertical surfaces, and Vertical seems like the best word to describe them.

The other combinations are probably better clued with other words (knowing that 2-word clues allow you to be very specific.)

So for CLIFF/DROP, I'd expect something like Bungee 2, to make sure we get the sense of "falling down". 
(And, equivalently, for PLANE/DROP, Skydive 2.)
The thing about cliffs and skyscrapers - you can *scale* them. Vertical only gives us the axis, not the direction.

Meanwhile, for SKYSCRAPER/CRANE, I'd expect something simpler. Building 2.
SKYSCRAPER/ALPS, a city in Switzerland. Geneva 2.
And so on down the line.

Besides CLIFF/SKYSCRAPER, are there any pairs that you think would be *best* clued by Vertical?

[pjabrony]

Everyone's in on CLIFF, so let's see if we're still alive on it.

Point to CLIFF

[DaveV]

CLIFF is RED

[pjabrony]

So I still think it's DROP. "Vertical drop" is a phrase in itself, and Cliff-Drop isn't as easy to connect as it seems. Bungee could just as easy be PLANE, and SKYSCRAPER/CLIFF could be clued by "Tall 2" or similar.

[sunrise089]

I slightly lean Drop still. I concur that vertical drop being a phrase is probably what tilts me in that direction. If you feel super strong though Azoth I won't be upset if you guess Skyscraper.

[Azoth]

Nah, I see your point.

Point to DROP

[DaveV]

DROP is GRAY

Blue team is up.