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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Renunciation destroyed pithead from Mendips town (10)
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### Answer: DISOWNMENT
### Explanation: Definition: Renunciation
**Anagram of**(destroyed) "MENDIpS TOWN" **minus** "p"(first letter,head of "pit", split from "pithead")
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Thames town finishes the playwright (7)
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### Answer: MARLOWE
### Explanation: Definition: playwright
MARLOW(town on the river Thames) E(last letter,finishes of "the")
Answer: Christopher, the playwright, amongst other things, of the Elizabethan period, a contemporary of Shakespeare. Also, Philip Marlowe, PI created by American Raymond Chandler
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: In cosmic event, Uranus seen from Californian boulevard (7)
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### Answer: VENTURA
### Explanation: Definition: Californian boulevard
**Hidden in**(in) eVENT, URAnus
Answer: A primary thoroughfare,boulevard running east-west in the San Fernando Valley, California. Also, Ace Ventura, Pet Detective in the film of the same name, and the sequel Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Roundhead hid in tree in northern town (6)
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### Answer: MARPLE
### Explanation: Definition: northern town
R(first letter,head of "round", split from "roundhead") **contained in**(hid in) MAPLE(common name for the genus of trees and shrubs, of which the sugar maple produces the sap that is made into syrup, sugar or toffee)
Answer: A large village,town in Greater Manchester, northern England. Also, Jane Marple, an amateur detective from Agatha Christie
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Man liberates your leaders gradually (6)
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### Answer: GENTLY
### Explanation: Definition: gradually
GENT(gentleman,man) [L + Y](initial letters,leaders of "liberates your")
Answer: Also, Dirk, main character in Douglas (THHGTTG) Adams' Dirk Gently's "Holistic Detective Agency", a "thumping good detective-ghost-horror-who dunnit-time travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic", as described by the author.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: He'll pay for using anger in time (5)
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### Answer: HIRER
### Explanation: Definition: He'll pay for using
IRE(anger) **contained in**(in) HR(short for hour,time period)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Least terrible Russian transporter (7)
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### Answer: MINIVAN
### Explanation: Definition: transporter
MIN(short for minimum,least) IVAN(the Terrible, first Tsar of All Russia)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Desert army having commitment for final day of circumnavigation (9)
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### Answer: EIGHTIETH
### Explanation: Definition: final day of circumnavigation
EIGHTH(reference to the 8th Army of the British Army, best known for their north African desert campaign in WW2, especially the Battles of El Alamein) **containing**(having) TIE(bond,commitment)
Answer: Reference to the final day of Phileas Fogg's and Passepartout's global circumnavigation in Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Wake to sound of arguments (5)
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### Answer: ROUSE
### Explanation: Definition: Wake
**Homophone of**(sound of) "rows"(arguments,quarrels)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Small pet-wash was left a lot of capital (7)
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### Answer: HAMSTER
### Explanation: Definition: Small pet
H{"wash", split from "pet-wash", **minus**(left) "was"} AMSTER(most,a lot of the letters of "Amsterdam", capital of the Netherlands – I was under under the impression that The Hague was the capital, but apparently not, even though the latter is the seat of the government)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: How to make more from a single recording? (9)
|
### Answer: RERELEASE
### Explanation: Definition: How to make more from a single recording?
(Not so?) cryptic defn. Reference to a popular music recording that is released,issued again, to catch another wave of popularity.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Mistake is concealed in race for Bin Laden, maybe (9)
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### Answer: TERRORIST
### Explanation: Definition: Bin Laden, maybe
[ERROR(mistake) IS] **contained in**(concealed in) TT($$T$$ourist $$T$$rophy, the motorcycle races run annually in the Isle of Man)
It's definitely déjà vu, as this is what I blogged 5 days ago – ERROR(mistake) IS] **contained in**(to interrupt) TT($$T$$ourist $$T$$rophy, the motorcycle races run annually in the Isle of Man)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: With 49 650 a 999 12 story (4,5)
|
### Answer: WILD CLAIM
### Explanation: Definition: 12 story
W($$w$$ith) IL(49 in Roman numerals, incorrectly) DCL(ditto for 650, but correctly) A IM(ditto for 999, incorrectly)
Answer: TALL(answer for 12A) story
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Wheels spin before getting away (9)
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### Answer: ELSEWHERE
### Explanation: Definition: away
**Anagram of**(spin) WHEELS **plus** ERE(poetic for before)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Crusading barrister (7)
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### Answer: TEMPLAR
### Explanation: Definition: Crusading barrister
Cryptic defn: A barrister who has chambers in the Inner or Middle Temple, London which were originally established by the crusaders, the Knights Templars. Edit.note: Reminded by comments #1&2 – Also a halo-ed white knight detective, Simon Templar aka The Saint, created by Leslie Charteris. Left out in my hurry 🙂
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Turns timid at demand made by 11? (5,2)
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### Answer: ADMIT IT
### Explanation: Definition: demand made by 11?
**Anagram of**(turns) TIMID AT. Nice surface
Answer: What a PRIVATE EYE(answer to 11A) might demand of a suspect.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Prosper without large pin (5)
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### Answer: DOWEL
### Explanation: Definition: pin
DO WELl(prosper) **minus**(without) "l"($$l$$arge)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Anxious entertainer vying for part (5)
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### Answer: NERVY
### Explanation: Definition: Anxious
**Hidden in**(part) entertaiNER VYing. Nice surface.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: A danger with a TV broadcast that's cutting-edge (5-5)
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### Answer: AVANT-GARDE
### Explanation: Definition: that's cutting-edge
**Anagram of**(broadcast) [A DANGER +(with) A TV]
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: No 1 piece of fiction in part of India (6)
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### Answer: GOALIE
### Explanation: Definition: No 1
GOA(part of India) LIE(piece of fiction) – ie. a "lie" (perhaps found, or originating) in "Goa", the latter being used as an adjective, like "Peking duck" for example
Answer: In association football (at least), the goalkeeper traditionally is referred to as being Number 1, and may even wear the No 1 shirt
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Desires no end of money up front for what one's made (8)
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### Answer: EARNINGS
### Explanation: Definition: what one's made
"yearnings",desires **minus**(no) "y"(last letter,end of "money") from start of word(up front)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Like our superior education, excessively on display? (8)
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### Answer: OVERUSED
### Explanation: Definition: excessively on display
OVER US(descriptive of,like what our superior is) ED($$ed$$ucation)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Piece of verse a peasant composed (8)
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### Answer: ANAPAEST
### Explanation: Definition: Piece of verse
**Anagram of**(composed) A PEASANT
Answer: A foot in poetry of three syllables, two short followed by one long in quantitative meter, and two unstressed followed by one stressed in accentual meter. That's the best explanation I can give, being no prosodist myself.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Business types putting a Conservative in the best of spirits? (8)
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### Answer: AGENCIES
### Explanation: Definition: Business types
C($$C$$onservative) **contained in**(putting…in) A(class/grade,the best) GENIES(spirits who proverbially grant you your wishes)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Metal bands stumped by charges (6)
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### Answer: STRAPS
### Explanation: Definition: Metal bands
ST($$st$$umped, as in cricket nomenclature) RAPS(accusations,charges for an offence/wrongdoing)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Fellow like diminutive Edmund dieted? (6)
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### Answer: FASTED
### Explanation: Definition: dieted?
F($$f$$ellow) AS(like,as in "as in ….") TED(diminutive,short for Edmund)
Answer: The question mark denoting an extreme form of dieting?
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Beef cut teacher, say, with learner round at home (7)
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### Answer: SIRLOIN
### Explanation: Definition: Beef cut
SIR(how one might,say address one's teacher) L($$l$$earner) O(round letter) IN(at home)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Sinatra could be a craftsman of his trade (7)
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### Answer: ARTISAN
### Explanation: Definition: a craftsman of his trade
**Anagram of**(could be) SINATRA
Answer: It's Francis Albert if you consider its obsolete meaning of artist, and if you equate artist to artiste.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Careful reprimand applied to a little food store (10)
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### Answer: DELIBERATE
### Explanation: Definition: Careful
BERATE(scold,reprimand as a verb) **placed after**(applied to) DELI(short for,little "delicatessen",food store)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Drink after time – that's a porky pie! (4)
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### Answer: TALE
### Explanation: Definition: a porky pie
ALE(alcoholic drink) **placed after**(after) T($$t$$ime)
Answer: A lie, or porky pie in rhyming slang
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Cook a soft sweet (5)
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### Answer: FUDGE
### Explanation: Definition: Cook,a soft sweet
Double defn: 1st: As in "cook the books", falsify accounts (of a company, say) almost always with no good or with criminal intent; and 2nd: A soft candy,sweet
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Shorten sailor's passage (8)
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### Answer: ABSTRACT
### Explanation: Definition: Shorten
AB'S(sailor's,$$a$$ble-$$b$$odied seaman$$'s$$) TRACT(a piece of writing,passage, usually on a religious or political topic
Answer: The verb, meaning to shorten.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Support also floundering for union offer? (8)
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### Answer: PROPOSAL
### Explanation: Definition: union offer?
PROP(support) **plus** **anagram of**(floundering) ALSO
Answer: Cryptically,? defined as an offer of union,marriage
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: A sailor's westbound with this world record? (5)
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### Answer: ATLAS
### Explanation: Definition: this world record?
A **plus** **reversal of**(westbound, in an across clue) SALT(sailor)
Answer: Cryptically,? defined as a record,documentation of what's on this world,earth
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Soft song for duet (4)
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### Answer: PAIR
### Explanation: Definition: duet
P($$p$$iano, musical instruction to play softly) AIR(a tune,song – a famous one is played on a G string – on the musical instrument)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Black tree and dead tree rot (10)
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### Answer: BALDERDASH
### Explanation: Definition: rot
B(black) ALDER(any tree of the genus Alnus, related to the birch) D($$d$$ead) ASH(any tree of the genus Fraxinus, related to the olive and the lilac)
Answer: A relatively restrained way of saying "Nonsense!"
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Shout about men shifting offcut (7)
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### Answer: REMNANT
### Explanation: Definition: offcut
RANT(shout,rave at – perhaps not what you do at the party of the same name?) **containing**(about) **anagram of**(shifting) MEN
Defn: What's left after the main pieces of a material to be used, have been cut off
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Stock holder, perhaps, is beyond help with no head for counting (7)
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### Answer: PASTURE
### Explanation: Definition: Stock holder, perhaps
PAST(is beyond,gone) URE{"cure",help for an ailment/problem **minus**(with no) "c",initial letter of,head for "counting"}
Answer: Cryptically,? defined as the place where stock,livestock are put,held for grazing.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Force husband to be part of faith (6)
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### Answer: THRUST
### Explanation: Definition: Force
H($$h$$usband) **contained in**(to be part of) TRUST(faith in someone or something)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Salad veg, in haste it goes off (6)
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### Answer: CELERY
### Explanation: Definition: Salad veg
"Celerity",haste,swiftness **minus**(goes off) "it"
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Son covers fruit tree's ooze (5)
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### Answer: SLIME
### Explanation: Definition: ooze
S($$s$$on) **placed before**(covers, in a down clue) LIME(tree bearing that sour fruit)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Brought together, the Royal Academy and Liberal fibbed (7)
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### Answer: RALLIED
### Explanation: Definition: Brought together
RA($$R$$oyal $$A$$cademy) L($$L$$iberal, a member of the political party) LIED(fibbed,told a porky pie)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Like the royal spinster without a name? Hilarious! (9)
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### Answer: PRICELESS
### Explanation: Definition: Hilarious!
"princeless",without a prince – descriptive of,like the unmarried,spinster royal princess **minus**(without) "n",$$n$$ame
Answer: Highly amusing.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Go along with a part of golf course needing a trim (5)
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### Answer: AGREE
### Explanation: Definition: Go along with
A GREE{"green",a part of golf course, where one putts into the hole, **minus**(needing a trim) the last letter}
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Tons write on the move about time in networker's site (7)
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### Answer: TWITTER
### Explanation: Definition: networker's site
T(abbrev. for $$t$$ons weight) **anagram of**(on the move) WRITE **containing**(about) T($$t$$ime)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Unfortunately docks lead standoffs (9)
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### Answer: DEADLOCKS
### Explanation: Definition: standoffs
**Anagram of**(unfortunately) DOCKS LEAD
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Greatest golfer, Ernie, is below standard in matches (9)
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### Answer: PARALLELS
### Explanation: Definition: matches
{ALL(everything,greatest possible) ELS(Ernie, S. African former World No.1 golfer, a favourite of crossword setters)} **placed after**(is below, in a down clue) PAR(a standard, such as in the number of strokes for a round of golf)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Company's last word on closure for loft space (9)
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### Answer: FIRMAMENT
### Explanation: Definition: space
FIRM(company) AMEN(the last word said in prayer) **placed before**(on, in a down clue) T(last letter of,closure for "loft")
Answer: The sky or heavens, which we now know is just space – lots of it
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Manage set flamboyantly for Lady Gaga, say (5,4)
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### Answer: STAGE NAME
### Explanation: Definition: Lady Gaga, say
**Anagram of**(flamboyantly) MANAGE SET
Defn: A performing alternative for Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, who joins the ranks of Dino Paul Crocetti, Roy Harold Scherer, Jr., Brenda Gail Webb, Michael John Douglas, Eleanor Nancy Gow, Jerome Levitch, Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff, John Eric Bartholomew…who?
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Consort let cuff ride up (7)
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### Answer: PARTNER
### Explanation: Definition: Consort
**Reversal of**(ride up, in a down clue) [RENT(let,lease out) RAP(a blow,cuff)]
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Frothy coffee daughter (European) gulped being a lively girl (7)
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### Answer: LADETTE
### Explanation: Definition: a lively girl
LATTE{outside Italy, the coffee and steamed milk drink, with a layer of foam,froth – in Italy, latte just means milk, and the original, proper term is caffe latte, with the original drink made from heated milk which is not foamed. Rightly or wrongly, latte drinkers seem to be a common target of scorn – to quote Wiki: "In Canada, a latte-drinker is the political representation of a left-wing ballet-watching bleeding-heart urban elitist (as opposed to an ordinary, Mainstream suburban and small-town hockey-watching Tim Hortons coffee drinker)."} **containing**(gulped?) D($$d$$aughter) E($$E$$uropean). Not sure about the containment indicator – from the surface, the coffee is being gulped, which should make LATTE ***contained in*** DE
Answer: The feminine counterpart of "the lads" who engage in "laddishness", ie. young women who behave in a boisterously assertive or crude manner and engage in heavy drinking sessions. So Jason is being generous with "lively"
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Reward bishop on openings for unrecognised Samaritans (5)
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### Answer: BONUS
### Explanation: Definition: Reward
B($$b$$ishop, as in chess notation) ON US(initial letters of,openings for "$$u$$nrecognised" "$$S$$amaritans" respectively)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Drench a posy of flowers (5)
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### Answer: SPRAY
### Explanation: Definition: Drench,a posy of flowers
Double defn.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Some papers cover shareholder's meeting to unearth muck (8)
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### Answer: QUAGMIRE
### Explanation: Definition: muck
QUIRE(some papers) **containing**(cover) AGM($$A$$nnual $$G$$eneral $$M$$eeting for shareholders of a company)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Turn to block some water? (6)
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### Answer: SPIGOT
### Explanation: Definition: Turn to block some water?
GO(turn, as in what players in a game take) **contained in**(block) SPIT(some water,saliva)
Answer: What one turns to stop,block the flow of liquid,eg. water. A nice &lit.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: It really discriminates against a trial involving detectives (4,4)
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### Answer: ACID TEST
### Explanation: Definition: It really discriminates
A TEST(a trial) **containing** CID(detectives from the $$C$$riminal $$I$$nvestigation $$D$$epartment, Scotland Yard)
Answer: A rigorous and conclusive test,really discriminates to establish worth or value, derived from the old method of testing gold with concentrated nitric acid
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Desert island loses border to east after short time (6)
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### Answer: MOJAVE
### Explanation: Definition: Desert
JAVE{"Java",Indonesian island with "a",last letter,border **replaced by**(loses…to) "e",$$e$$ast} **placed after** (after) MO(short for moment,short period of time)
Answer: The desert in south-west USA.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Conscious of needing a wash (5)
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### Answer: AWAKE
### Explanation: Definition: Conscious
A WAKE(the wash, turbulence in a fluid at the back of a body moving through that fluid, most commonly at the stern of a boat in water)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Cheats double-crossing king (3-6)
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### Answer: TWO-TIMERS
### Explanation: Definition: Cheats
TWO TIMES(twice,double) **containing**(crossing) R($$R$$ex,Latin for king)
Defn: Noun for two-timers and double-crossers (the latter being misdirectingly close to the wordplay)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Samples from anorak I monopolise to manufacture robe (6)
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### Answer: KIMONO
### Explanation: Definition: robe
**Hidden in**(samples from) anoraK I MONOpolise
Answer: Japanese robe,garment
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Taste meal – have contents been swallowed? (7)
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### Answer: FLAVOUR
### Explanation: Definition: Taste
AV(inner letters,contents of "have") **contained in**(been swallowed) FLOUR(meal,ground grain)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Vet for lizard (7)
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### Answer: MONITOR
### Explanation: Definition: Vet,lizard
Double defn. 1st: Verb, to watch,keep track of; and 2nd: a type of large lizard
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Most shoes are listed (6)
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### Answer: HEELED
### Explanation: Definition: Most shoes are,listed
Double defn: 1st: Adjective descriptive of most shoes; and 2nd: Listed,leaning to one side
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Weapons crisis at motorway interchange (9)
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### Answer: SCIMITARS
### Explanation: Definition: Weapons
**Anagram of**(interchange) CRISIS AT M($$m$$otorway). Nice surface with "motorway interchange".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Caught light fixture in bracket (5)
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### Answer: CLAMP
### Explanation: Definition: bracket
C($$c$$aught as in cricket nomenclature) LAMP(light fixture)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Who was suitable to announce walk (4,2)
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### Answer: HOOF IT
### Explanation: Definition: walk
**Homophone of**(to announce) "who fit",who was suitable
Answer: Slang for "to walk" as in "let's hoof it to the club"
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Scold overwrought pointless article (8)
|
### Answer: HARRIDAN
### Explanation: Definition: Scold
HARRID{"harried",overwrought,harassed **minus**(less) "e",east,compass point} AN(the indefinite article)
Defn: Noun for a person, usually a woman, who constantly finds fault. Interestingly, in early common law, a common scold was a habitually rude and brawling woman whose conduct was subject to punishment as a public nuisance!
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: One pumps covering at night (6)
|
### Answer: TESTER
### Explanation: Definition: One pumps,covering at night
Double defn: 1st: One who pumps,asks questions of you; and 2nd: The canopy,covering above eg. a four poster bed. Why did these disappear?
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Daughter made unfinished nude sculpture's appendage (8)
|
### Answer: ADDENDUM
### Explanation: Definition: appendage
**Anagram of**(sculpture's) [MADE + NUD{"nude" **minus** last letter(unfinished)}]
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Throw a square cut at source of radiation (6)
|
### Answer: QUASAR
### Explanation: Definition: source of radiation
**Anagram of**(throw) A SQUAR{"square" **minus** last letter(cut)}
Answer: One of the objects believed to be the most distant (and hence oldest) and most luminous in the universe, compact sources of immense energy,radiation in the form of light, infrared, etc. Short for "quasi-stellar radio source".
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: I am enthralled by a country's cartoon (9)
|
### Answer: ANIMATION
### Explanation: Definition: cartoon
I'M(I am) **contained in**(enthralled by) A NATION(country)
Defn: Drawn pictures which put together seem as if the characters are animated. Also stands for non-animated pictures.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Dull time when both sides have winning position (5)
|
### Answer: MATTE
### Explanation: Definition: Dull
T($$t$$ime) **contained in**(when both sides,top and bottom for a down answer, have) MATE(winning position in chess)
Answer: We have seen "mat", "matt" in previous puzzles, today it's "matte"
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Tortoise almost smashed dish (7)
|
### Answer: RISOTTO
### Explanation: Definition: dish
**Anagram of**(smashed) TORTOIS{"tortoise" **minus** last letter(almost)}
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Ape eats cow next (9)
|
### Answer: PROXIMATE
### Explanation: Definition: next
PRIMATE(ape) **containing**(eats) OX(cow)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Good to flatten pasture (5)
|
### Answer: GRAZE
### Explanation: Definition: pasture
G($$g$$ood) **plus**(to) RAZE(flatten to the ground,destroy)
Answer: Verb, to pasture
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Fortune teller first gives comfort with limited success (8)
|
### Answer: TREASURE
### Explanation: Definition: Fortune
T(first letter of "teller") REASURE{"reassure",comfort **minus**(with limited) "s"($$s$$uccess)}. Nice misdirection with "fortune teller".
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: One could be stuck up or sticky after removal of additives (4)
|
### Answer: TOFF
### Explanation: Definition: One could be stuck up
"toffee",one could be sticky, **minus**(after removal of) 2 "e"s(abbrev. for $$e$$xtras,additives, or Vitamin E,as an additive, or $$E$$cstasy,drug as an additive? – I think it's the first one)
Answer: One who is or is a wannabe of the upper class, and therefore could be stuck up, looking down on others. My last one in – the short ones are sometimes the most elusive.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Insecure due to missing first of January, perhaps I visited holiday resort (2,4,3)
|
### Answer: ON THIN ICE
### Explanation: Definition: Insecure
ONTH{"month",of which January is an example,perhaps, **minus**(missing) first letter "m"} I **plus**(visited) NICE(holiday resort town in the French Riviera)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Hook was honed and moulded with energy (3-6)
|
### Answer: ONE-HANDED
### Explanation: Definition: Hook was
**Anagram of**(moulded) [HONED AND + E($$e$$nergy)]
Answer: Descriptive of Captain Hook, Peter Pan's arch-enemy. One of my favourites today.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Two strikes number one (5,3)
|
### Answer: SMASH HIT
### Explanation: Definition: number one
SMASH(one strike) HIT(and another strike)
Answer: Number one in the popularity charts
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Route travelled by sea was up for discussion (4)
|
### Answer: ROAD
### Explanation: Definition: Route travelled by sea
**Homophone of**(for discussion) "rode",was up on a horse
Answer: I'm not sure of the explanation here. "Roads" (in the plural) are partly sheltered areas near shore, where ships can anchor, whereas "road" is a route travelled, but not necessarily by the sea. Any ideas anyone?
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Save sailor outside port (7)
|
### Answer: HUSBAND
### Explanation: Definition: Save
HAND(sailor,one of the crew) **containing**(outside) USB($$U$$niform $$S$$erial $$B$$us,strictly speaking the interface standard for connecting peripheral devices, eg. mouse, printer, to a computer, but commonly associated with the port into which the device cable is plugged. Refreshingly uncommon equivalents for "sailor" and "port"
Answer: Verb, to economise,manage and minimise cost. Another favourite.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Handle compiler's rejection the wrong way (6)
|
### Answer: EPONYM
### Explanation: Definition: Handle
**Reversal of**(the wrong way) of MY NOPE(my,this crossword compiler's rejection,no,nope,no can do)
Defn: Noun for a name, in slang. Answer: A name derived from the name of a real or mythical person, eg. Constantinople from Roman Emperor Constantine. Another favourite.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Smooths cuffs (5)
|
### Answer: IRONS
### Explanation: Definition: Smooths,cuffs
Double defn: 2nd: Manacles,shackles, ancestor of the modern handcuffs used by the police and S&M practitioners
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Some radiation treatment carries electric current (5)
|
### Answer: CURIE
### Explanation: Definition: Some radiation
CURE(treatment) **containing**(carries) I(symbol for electric current in physics, and I=V/R)
Answer: The unit of measure of radioactivity, producing some radiation, named in honour of Marie and Pierre Curie, Nobel Laureates, codiscoverers of radium, amongst other scientific achievements.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Something that prevents quarrel where items are sold (6)
|
### Answer: BARROW
### Explanation: Definition: where items are sold
BAR(something that prevents/stops) ROW(quarrel)
Defn: As used by street vendors selling fruit, vegetables, fish.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Taking lead from Sita, Stoic converted – embracing eastern philosophy (8)
|
### Answer: TAOISTIC
### Explanation: Definition: embracing eastern philosophy
**Anagram of**(converted) ITA{"Sita" **minus**(taking…from) "S",lead,first letter} & STOIC. Nice surface, sort of, with reference to 2 -isms, and a goddess, though I don't think she had anything to do with either.
Defn: Embracing Taoism (or Daoism), the hard-to-define eastern philosophy (with religious intertwinings) mainly practised by the Chinese.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Office item even more out-of-date quietly installed (7)
|
### Answer: STAPLER
### Explanation: Definition: Office item
STALER(even more out-of-date/old hat) **containing**(installed) P(piano,to be quietly played)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Agree lecturer's content to choose incumbent? (7)
|
### Answer: REELECT
### Explanation: Definition: to choose incumbent
**Hidden in**(…'s content) agREE LECTurer
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Only remaining shoemaker's model (4)
|
### Answer: LAST
### Explanation: Definition: Only remaining,shoemaker's model
Double defn.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Fez trainee refashioned – it's useful in winter (10)
|
### Answer: ANTIFREEZE
### Explanation: Definition: it's useful in winter
**Anagram of**(refashioned) FEZ TRAINEE
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Finally changing sides, US president establishing trade body (6)
|
### Answer: CARTEL
### Explanation: Definition: trade body
Carter(Jimmy, the peanut farmer former US president) with last letter(finally) "r",$$r$$ight **replaced by** "$$l$$",left(changing sides)
Defn: A gang,body of commercial/trade organisations who decide on collective action to further their interests and almost always regardless of, or at, additional expense to their clients/customers, eg. OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Worker less productive after cold (7)
|
### Answer: CLEANER
### Explanation: Definition: Worker
C($$c$$old) LEANER(less productive, though sometimes less is more, as in "lean and mean")
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Like Venus de Milo, with no warlike threat? (7)
|
### Answer: UNARMED
### Explanation: Definition: with no warlike threat
Cryptic defn: Descriptive of the famous statue of Venus/Aphrodite de Milo/of Milos, the Greek island where it was uncovered.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Landlord's means of communication (6)
|
### Answer: LETTER
### Explanation: Definition: Landlord,means of communication
Double defn.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: After drink and kiss, joiner recalling song in Mediterranean port (10)
|
### Answer: ALEXANDRIA
### Explanation: Definition: Mediterranean port
X(kiss) **placed after**(after) ALE(alcoholic drink) AND(conjunction in English grammar,joiner) **plus** **reversal of**(recalling) AIR(song)
Defn: The largest port on the Mediterranean coast, in Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great. Once famous for its Pharos Lighthouse, and its library, it is now a tourist attraction and a shipping and inustrial centre.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Gentle sort (4)
|
### Answer: KIND
### Explanation: Definition: Gentle,sort
Double defn.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Motivate at home with religious feature (7)
|
### Answer: INSPIRE
### Explanation: Definition: Motivate
IN(at home and not out) **plus**(with) SPIRE(feature of a religious building/church)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Lacking time, take land out of production creating leisure area (7)
|
### Answer: SEASIDE
### Explanation: Definition: leisure area
"set aside"(take land out of production/productive use, in order to decrease crop production and maintain/increase prices) ***minus***(lacking) "t"($$t$$ime)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Search for fun the don is misrepresenting? Not entirely (8)
|
### Answer: HEDONISM
### Explanation: Definition: Search for fun
**Hidden in**(not entirely) tHE DON IS Misrepresenting
Defn: Another -ism, this one more simply defined as the pursuit,search for and maximisation of net pleasure (pleasure minus pain),fun.
|
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