Using variable in dynamic list queries

Question

How can we use a variable value like metadata value of the parent content in the dynamic list query?
I tried something following ways but the query was not picking up the value of xCountries.
dDocType <matches> `State` <AND> xCountries <matches> xCountries
dDocType <matches> `State` <AND> xCountries <matches> `xCountries`
dDocType <matches> `State` <AND> xCountries <matches> `$xCountries`
dDocType <matches> `State` <AND> xCountries <matches> `<!--$xCountries-->`
None of them worked. But when I printed the <!--$xCountries--> on the secondary page for the selected country the value is getting printed.
Regards,
Pratap

Answer 1

Hi Bex,
You were right. Eval function call was helpful here.
The problem was resolved only to an extent by using the eval function. This is
evaluating the query string given in parameters window for ssQueryText to
correct value. We used the eval() function in the dynamic list fragment. The
format of query we were trying earlier was incorrect. The correct format is like
this
dDocType <matches> `City` <AND> xCountries <matches> `<$xCountries$>` <AND>
xStates <matches> `<$xStates$>`
There is another problem though. We are able to add new states or cities by
going to the specific state page or to the cit page and then edit it. But if we
click edit on a secondary page e.g. on a State page(which contains list of
cities) the correct values for cities are not getting populated in the Cities
dynamic list in state edit window. Possible cause is that the eval function is
not called in the edit window (which shows all applets), instead the eval
function is called only in dynamic list fragment which is evaluated in the
secondary page template for State. How can we make the eval function execute in
the edit window as well?
In fact the query is failing from paramters window itself. If I use Test Query
it is returning 0 results.
Is there a work around to address this problem? Hope I didn't confuse much.
Regards,
Pratap