Getting Desperate. Today's Guardian Quick Crossword

[Alf Bentley]

5 minutes ago, Webbo said:

I'm sure this'll be obvious when it's solved but I'm stuck on it.

 

Fake confectionery;  _ _ D _ E

 

Fudge?

[Webbo]

1 minute ago, Alf Bentley said:

 

Fudge?

It'd fit, and it's the best we've got so far but I don't get the fake bit?

[Alf Bentley]

5 minutes ago, Webbo said:

It'd fit, and it's the best we've got so far but I don't get the fake bit?

 

This is from Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Admittedly, I'm more familiar with "fudging the issue" - not responding clearly - but I have heard "fudge the figures"...

 

Definition of fudge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a: to devise as a substitute : FAKE

b: FALSIFYfudged the figures

2: to fail to come to grips with : DODGEfudged the issue

[Webbo]

4 minutes ago, Alf Bentley said:

 

This is from Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Admittedly, I'm more familiar with "fudging the issue" - not responding clearly - but I have heard "fudge the figures"...

 

Definition of fudge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a: to devise as a substitute : FAKE

b: FALSIFYfudged the figures

2: to fail to come to grips with : DODGEfudged the issue

You learn something every day.