[balder]

I'm trying to rework some fill  in a puzzle with AS AN EEL (clues as [Kind of slippery?]) as the most questionable entry. I thought it might be seen as a clever entry, but it could also be seen as sub-par. Maybe the clue could be better, or maybe I should just scrap it? I'm interested in hearing what others might think about it. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

-Benny

[sonofagun]

SLIPPERY AS AN EEL would be great. However, AS AN EEL is a 7 letter partial and it will never fly.

[jorkel]

ASANEEL has appeared in at least one published puzzle -- but not among the top tier of publishers.  NYT likes partials to be 5 letters or shorter (sometime 6 letters in tough circumstances).  LAT allows partials to be 6 letters or shorter (sometimes 7 letters, but I'm not sure whether this has changed).  I think some other venues may allow an occasional 7-letter partial. 

As a general rule, I would try to rework a region that contains a 7-letter partial.
-Joe Krozel