0xharib/xword1 · Datasets at Hugging Face

instruction stringclasses 1 value	input stringlengths 16 143	output stringlengths 40 1.17k
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Insect repellent affected some horses (7)	### Answer: CAMPHOR ### Explanation: Definition: Insect repellent CAMP(descriptive of affected behaviour, that which is artificial, vulgar and put-on. Is it PC to say also descriptive of homosexuals, as given in Collins?) HOR(some,the first 3 letters of "horses") Defn: A tough gummy aromatic compound derived from the wood and bark of the camphor tree, can be used as an insect repellent. A camphorwood chest is great for keeping clothes safe from cloth-eating moths and other bugs.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mother's request for fabric (6)	### Answer: DAMASK ### Explanation: Definition: fabric DAM(mother) ASK(request) Defn: A reversible fabric with a pattern woven into it
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Wait for veteran to strike out (4,2)	### Answer: HOLD IT ### Explanation: Definition: Wait HIT(to strike) containing(out) OLD(veteran as an adjective)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Shot a sovereign? That's undisputed! (5)	### Answer: TOTAL ### Explanation: Definition: That's undisputed TOT(a small measure of liquid spirits,eg. a shot of whiskey) [A L](a sovereign,an old coin valued at 1 pound,£,L) Defn: Absolute,that's undisputed
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: These lads may turn out to be immortal (9)	### Answer: DEATHLESS ### Explanation: Definition: immortal Anagram of(may turn out) THESE LADS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Handy aid to warmth (4)	### Answer: MUFF ### Explanation: Definition: Handy aid to warmth Cryptic defn: Tubular case covered with fur or warm material as an aid to keeping hands warm, primarily. Not to be confused with the later eary aids. A secondary purpose was as a handbag, or perhaps to conceal a weapon – I distinctly recall Lara (Julie Christie) pulling out a gun from her muff to shoot Komarovsky (Rod Steiger) in Doctor Zhivago.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dog goes mad for fruit (8)	### Answer: CURRANTS ### Explanation: Definition: fruit CUR(dog) RANTS(goes mad in utterance,raves)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Worn by a woman for a dance (6)	### Answer: BOLERO ### Explanation: Definition: Worn by a woman,dance Double defn: 1st: A kind of short jacket, not reaching the waistline with or without sleeves and open at the front, worn by women elsewhere and by men in Spain, especially those who appear in the bullring; and 2nd: A sensuous Spanish dance to the music of the same name.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Brings back games and increases keenness (6)	### Answer: STROPS ### Explanation: Definition: increases keenness Reversal of(brings back) SPORTS(a general noun for all sorts of games) Defn: To sharpen,increase keenness of a razor by stroking it over a band made of leather or abrasive material. Can still be seen in old-style barber shops.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Doubled over and collapsed (6,2)	### Answer: FOLDED UP ### Explanation: Definition: Doubled over,collapsed Double defn. 2nd: As when a business goes bust,collapses
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Describing Hamlet and his rotten state (6)	### Answer: DANISH ### Explanation: Definition: Describing, Hamlet,his rotten state Double defn. as well as a semi-&lit. Wordplay: Anagram of(rotten state) AND HIS. 1st defn: Describing Hamlet, the great Dane; and 2nd defn: Describing his rotten state of Denmark – it is Marcellus (and not Hamlet) who says: "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark". A cleverly constructed clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chap from Belgium is a loyal subject (8)	### Answer: LIEGEMAN ### Explanation: Definition: a loyal subject A MAN(chap) who comes from LIEGE(a city in Belgium) Defn: A faithful,loyal subject,vassal of his lord,the liege
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: More than one out of two is of higher standard (5,3)	### Answer: ABOVE PAR ### Explanation: Definition: of higher standard Cryptic defn: Above average,of a higher standard. One is the average of (none and) two; so out of two, more than one is above the average. Not to be confused with "under par", which in golf means of a higher, and not lower, standard. Edit.note: Put another way, a score of one upon,out of two is average; anything more than that is above average. But has got a better explanation for which thank you.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fancied to win and made a pile (6)	### Answer: NAPPED ### Explanation: Definition: Fancied to win,made a pile Double defn: 1st: In horse racing, to be named by a tipster as likely,fancied to win a race; and 2nd: Past tense of to raise the fibres on the surface of cloth, and hence make its pile, which is the raised fibres of a cloth such as velvet or corduroy. Liked the racing-related surface, though if everyone else has the same fancy, you wouldn't be making much, let alone a pile.
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 pamphlet's sound – makes a personal appeal (8)	### Answer: ATTRACTS ### Explanation: Definition: makes a personal appeal Homophone of(sound) ["a tract",a pamphlet usually on a religious topic + " 's"] Defn: To appeal to,be liked by another person
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Turned on bad parent (6)	### Answer: ENRAPT ### Explanation: Definition: Turned on Anagram of(bad) PARENT Defn: Excited by,turned on,rapturously consumed by eg love – though some would rather fall in chocolate than in love. 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Flagrant licence (6)	### Answer: PATENT ### Explanation: Definition: Flagrant,licence Double defn: 1st: Obvious,for all to see; and 2nd: A licence that a sovereign state grants the holder,patentee the rights to an invention,original product,process etc. for a limited period.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: All too human story in which evil makes a comeback (8)	### Answer: FALLIBLE ### Explanation: Definition: All too human FABLE(story) containing(in which) reversal of(makes a comeback) ILL(an evil, as in "of ill repute")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Extremely light (4)	### Answer: VERY ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely,light Double defn: 2nd: A flare,light shot from a special pistol, developed by Edward Very
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Keep getting drunk? Now hang on! (4,5)	### Answer: HOLD TIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Now hang on! HOLD(keep,hold on to) plus(getting) TIGHT(slang for drunk) Defn: A warning, usually shouted, to hang on firmly to something fixed, before one is flung off, – or falls off one's barstool – nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Put off writing letter to a relative (5)	### Answer: DAUNT ### Explanation: Definition: Put off D(a letter of the alphabet) plus(to) AUNT(one of your relatives)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It comes from the Latin, as far as one knows (1,6)	### Answer: A PRIORI ### Explanation: Definition: as far as one knows Cryptic defn (I think): Known to be true without requiring experience or examination of the matter. The phrase in Latin literally means "(it comes) from the former". I hope I've got the first part of the clue interpreted correctly – could it perhaps have been better with "It comes from former Latin….."?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: They work around the clock (5)	### Answer: HANDS ### Explanation: Definition: They work around the clock Double defn: 1st: People who work, usually at manual labour, and perhaps around the clock; and 2nd: The minute and hour (and perhaps second) hands of a clock that move,work around
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Flu? See a doctor at home (7)	### Answer: EASEFUL ### Explanation: Definition: at home Anagram of(doctor) FLU SEE A Defn: Relaxed, as if one were at home
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Young army chap is awkward, but learns (9)	### Answer: SUBALTERN ### Explanation: Definition: Young army chap Anagram of(is awkward) BUT LEARNS Defn: A commissioned army officer below the rank of captain, and presumably young as well
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: French writer's story set in the ruins of Rome (7)	### Answer: MOLIERE ### Explanation: Definition: French writer LIE(story,fabrication) contained in(set in) anagram of(the ruins of) ROME
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lucky yet strange turn o' fate (9)	### Answer: FORTUNATE ### Explanation: Definition: Lucky Anagram of(strange) TURN O FATE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bar attire set out for judge (9)	### Answer: ARBITRATE ### Explanation: Definition: judge Anagram of(set out) BAR ATTIRE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Game for a drink after the dance (9)	### Answer: HOPSCOTCH ### Explanation: Definition: Game SCOTCH(drink,whiskey) placed after(after) HOP(a dance party) Defn: A children's game which surprisingly is to be found in many countries, with various local names. We used to call it "aeroplane" here, and it seems that children in Mexico call it a similar name – "little aeroplane (avioncito)".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Music hall medley (7)	### Answer: VARIETY ### Explanation: Definition: Music hall,medley Double defn: 1st: Another name for the entertainment found in music halls; and 2nd: A mixture,medley
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Still in a terrible fluster (7)	### Answer: RESTFUL ### Explanation: Definition: Still Anagram of(terrible) FLUSTER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Splitting hairs in divorce (7)	### Answer: PARTING ### Explanation: Definition: Splitting hairs,divorce Double defn: 1st: Cryptically, splitting, not individual hairs, but different areas of the hair on your head to get a parting. Nice surface, as in a divorce, the parties often split hairs,make unnecessary petty distinctions.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Spectacular effect when powder magazine finally goes up (5)	### Answer: ECLAT ### Explanation: Definition: Spectacular effect Reversal of(goes up, in a down clue) [TALC(powder) + E(last letter,finally, of "magazine")] Defn: Showy,brilliant display
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 guide – or a good many (5)	### Answer: PILOT ### Explanation: Definition: One guide PI(short for pious,good) LOT(many,plentiful)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Setters return, breaking dog's entrance (7)	### Answer: BEWITCH ### Explanation: Definition: entrance Reversal of(return) WE(pronoun to refer to setters of the crossword, in contrast to you, us solvers) contained in(breaking) BITCH(female dog, really) Defn: To put under a spell,entrance, not to be confused with that through which you enter
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 fancies commercial on satellite station – theatrical drama? (7)	### Answer: ADMIRER ### Explanation: Definition: One fancies AD(advertisement,commercial plus(on) MIR(the Soviet Union/Russian satellite space station) ER(title of the TV soap opera revolving round the $$e$$mergency $$r$$oom/operating theatre,theatrical drama, though just being a soap would qualify it as "theatrical drama")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Blocking a good try with right difficulties (5)	### Answer: AGGRO ### Explanation: Definition: difficulties R(right) contained in(blocking …with) [{A G(a good)} + GO(a try,an attempt) Defn: Short for aggravation, things which give you problems,difficulties
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Took back on medical ground (9)	### Answer: RECLAIMED ### Explanation: Definition: Took back Anagram of(ground) [RE(on,about,refering to) MEDICAL]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: National treasure and good man – English writer capturing hearts with fine lines (7,3)	### Answer: STEPHEN FRY ### Explanation: Definition: National treasure ST(abbrev. for saint,good man) E($$E$$nglish) PEN(writer) containing(capturing) H(abbrev. for $$h$$earts, as in bridge notation) F($$f$$ine) RY(abbrev. for railway which runs on lines) Defn: A multi-talented national treasure – actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, and film director.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: First to post off knickers for soldiers (4)	### Answer: ANTS ### Explanation: Definition: soldiers "pants"(knickers,undergarments in the UK) minus(off) "p"(first letter of,to "post") Defn: A caste in a colony of ants who act as soldiers
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Studying 2's epic work without the use of Google, perhaps (11)	### Answer: RESEARCHING ### Explanation: Definition: Studying RING(epic operatic work by Wagner,answer to 2 down) containing(without,outside) E-SEARCH{$$e$$lectronic search on the Internet with the use of a search engine like,perhaps, Google}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Crazy Baldrick idea, without the slightest bit of intelligence, repeatedly, on this? (10)	### Answer: BLACKADDER ### Explanation: Definition: this Anagram of(crazy) BALDRCKDEA{"baldrick idea" minus(without) the "i"s(first letter,slightest bit of "intelligence", twice,repeatedly} Defn: The TV series in which you know what to expect whenever Baldrick, Blackadder's dim dogsbody, says "I have an idea". I think this is a terrific &lit. Three of the seasons also have Stephen Fry (cf 11A) acting in them.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nostalgically upset, having lost coal production in a way that's permanent (9)	### Answer: LASTINGLY ### Explanation: Definition: in a way that's permanent Anagram of(upset) NSTLGIALY{"nostalgically" minus(having lost) the individual letters(production) in "coal"}
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 from Middle East terrorist group joining 11 programme (5)	### Answer: IRAQI ### Explanation: Definition: One from Middle East IRA(Irish terrorist group) plus(joining) QI(standing for Quite Interesting, TV quiz panel show,programme hosted by 11 across,Stephen Fry. The reference that led me to the answer to 11 across.)
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 Elvis's shock – America cried around centre of Memphis (7)	### Answer: UPSWEPT ### Explanation: Definition: Like Elvis's shock [US(United States of America) WEPT(cried)] containing(around) P(middle letter,centre of "Memphis"). Defn: How Elvis Presley combed his shock of hair. Nice surface perhaps refering to Elvis's shocking death.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It would make Angus flip to take in recipe by first-class cook (6)	### Answer: BRAISE ### Explanation: Definition: cook BSE($$b$$ovine $$s$$pongiform $$e$$ncephalopathy,mad cow disease, that would make eg. Aberdeen Angus, a breed of cattle, go mad,flip) containing(to take in) R(abbrev. for recipe, as used in medical prescriptions) plus(by) AI(looks like A1,first class)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Genius that scored in National having placed outside bet (6)	### Answer: WAGNER ### Explanation: Definition: Genius that scored N(abbrev. of national) contained in(having placed outside) WAGER(bet) Defn: Richard, genius that scored music
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 gear to groom canines? (10)	### Answer: TOOTHBRUSH ### Explanation: Definition: Piece of gear to groom canines TOOTH(piece of gearwheel which meshes with other gearwheels) BRUSH(to groom the coat of dogs,canines) Defn: Whimisically, a piece of equipment,gear to brush,groom teeth,canines. Another &lit I think.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Star with northern bird (5)	### Answer: HERON ### Explanation: Definition: bird HERO(star) plus(with) N($$n$$orthern)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Confirm when sure (9)	### Answer: ASCERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Confirm AS(as in "as and when") CERTAIN(sure)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: 11's book "Second one breaking open six-pack, perhaps how Sinatra did it, endlessly drunk consuming sauce" (4,2,2,7)	### Answer: MOAB IS MY WASHPOT ### Explanation: Definition: 11's book MO(second,from moment) + [I(Roman numeral one) contained in(breaking open) ABS(short for abdominal muscles,called a six-pack when firm and strong)] MY WA{"My Way", title of one of,perhaps Frank Sinatra's songs, with the line "I did it my way", minus the last letter(endlessly)} + SOT(a drunk) containing(consuming) HP(popular brand of brown sauce) Defn: Autobiography of 11 across,Stephen Fry's early years. Apparently, he never explained the significance of the title.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unrealistic Abramovich starts to tear into Chelsea? (8)	### Answer: ROMANTIC ### Explanation: Definition: Unrealistic ROMAN(Abramovich, Russian owner of Chelsea football club, among other things) TIC(initial letters,starts to "$$t$$ear $$i$$nto $$C$$helses"). Nice surface, might even be an &lit?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Change layout removing first "navy" from flag (8)	### Answer: REDESIGN ### Explanation: Definition: Change layout "red ensign",a flag flown by various (merchant) navies minus(removing) "n"(first letter of "navy")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Plans redraft of catechisms (10)	### Answer: SCHEMATICS ### Explanation: Definition: Plans Anagram of(redraft of) CATECHISMS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Incidental information in window by door (9)	### Answer: SIDELIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: window by door SIDE(incidental,not central or main – unless it's "a bit on the side"?) LIGHT(information, as in "to shed light on the matter") Edit.note: gives the correct parsing.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: About one Birmingham side with rules for residents (5,3)	### Answer: CIVIL LAW ### Explanation: Definition: rules for residents C(about,$$c$$irca) I(Roman numeral one) VILLA(short for "Aston Villa", a Birmingham side,football team) W($$w$$ith)
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 building bad press around record label (8)	### Answer: PREMISES ### Explanation: Definition: Business building Anagram of(bad) PRESS containing(around) EMI(record label)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Imagine Tramp would consume tablet (6)	### Answer: IDEATE ### Explanation: Definition: Imagine I'D(shortened form of I,pronoun for Tramp, would) Edit.note: EAT ~~containing~~(consume) E(the drug, $$E$$cstasy, usually in the form of a tablet)
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 nerdier scientist rearranged drawer in house? (6,2,9)	### Answer: ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ### Explanation: Definition: drawer in house Anagram of(rearranged) A NERDIER SCIENTIST
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Turning up to support shy creature (5)	### Answer: COYPU ### Explanation: Definition: creature Reversal of(turning) UP placed after(to support, in a down clue) COY(shy,reserved) Defn: A large, South American aquatic rodent, looking like a cross between a beaver and a big rat
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Power to rogue solicitor (4)	### Answer: PIMP ### Explanation: Definition: solicitor P(abbrev. for power, especially in physics) plus(to) IMP(rogue,cheeky chap) Defn: Not a solicitor with a silk wig and gown, but flashy clothes, bling and a stable
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cryptic clue brains need time to unravel (11)	### Answer: INSCRUTABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Cryptic Anagram of(to unravel) [CLUE BRAINS plus(need) T($$t$$ime)]. Nice WIWD (wordplay intertwining with definition) clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pull heads off tulips or wallflowers (3)	### Answer: TOW ### Explanation: Definition: Pull Initial letters of(heads off) "$$T$$ulips $$O$$r $$W$$allflowers"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Drunk, withholding name, may be punished (5)	### Answer: CANED ### Explanation: Definition: punished "canned"(drunk,plastered) minus(withholding) "n"($$n$$ame) Defn: A now obsolete form of punishment, that used to strike fear into the hearts of errant children, including yours truly
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Room the Queen gives the field marshal (9)	### Answer: KITCHENER ### Explanation: Definition: the field marshal KITCHEN(room) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina, the Queen) Defn: Field Marshal Herbert Horatio Kitchener who later became an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria, which Queen gave him a room, I presume, as the clue says.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It's eccentric of Crux to keep frogs, primarily (3-6)	### Answer: OFF-CENTRE ### Explanation: Definition: It's eccentric OF + CENTRE(core,as in "the crux of the matter") containing(to keep) F(initial letter,primarily of "frogs"). A WIWD clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Female duck not recorded (5)	### Answer: OLIVE ### Explanation: Definition: Female O(looks like 0,zero,duck, a non-score eg. in cricket) LIVE(actually happening in realtime as you are watching, say a game or a performance and not recorded at an earlier time – well, not always everything) Defn: Name for a female, eg. Olive Oyl. Nice surface not applicable to the music industry nowadays?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chapter of endless saga does, in translation (7)	### Answer: EPISODE ### Explanation: Definition: Chapter EPI["epic"(saga) minus its last letter(endless)] + anagram of(in translation) DOES. Is "does" used in the sense of "suffices" for the surface reading?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Brad, say, last in cabin to go sick (4)	### Answer: NAIL ### Explanation: Definition: Brad N[last letter of(last in) "cabin"] + AIL(to go,get sick) Defn: A type(say) of nail, not to be confused with Brad, the last of the landlubbers to throw up in the ship's cabin.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Part of speech dropped nowadays, for another (4)	### Answer: VERB ### Explanation: Definition: another "adverb"(a part of speech that is any word, group of words, clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, in fact, anything other than a noun – as in "They could probably easily envy the very happily married couple", a sentence that has 4 adverbs) minus(dropped) AD($$a$$nno $$D$$omini,nowadays since the birth of Christ) Defn: Another part of speech
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Run with the pack, like Tory at his best (7)	### Answer: CONFORM ### Explanation: Definition: Run with the pack C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party,Tory) ON FORM(performing at his/one's best, said of a performer or sportsman) Defn: Figuratively, of a member of a group,pack,herd following what the rest of the pack does, eg. relating to dress, speech and thought
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Faint circle in fresh snow (5)	### Answer: SWOON ### Explanation: Definition: Faint O(shaped like a circle) containing(in) anagram of(fresh) SNOW Defn: To faint – what Victorian and Mills & Boon heroines did on seeing, say, a naked male chest, or less – perhaps with the Victorians, a naked piano leg.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hold up progress, partly thanks to new alliance (9)	### Answer: STONEWALL ### Explanation: Definition: Hold up progress *Hidden in*(partly) thankS TO NEW ALLiance. Very cleverly hidden. Defn: To obstruct,block,hinder progress of business, be it passing of a bill in parliament, or play in the cricket field. The former by excessive or prolonged debate, and the latter by the batsmen's defensive play, which I hazard is what has given cricket a bad name as a spectator sport. A WIWD clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Quality credit (9)	### Answer: ATTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: Quality,credit Double defn: 1st: A trait,characteristic; and 2nd: To give credit where credit is due,to identify the originator of,source of,reason for something or other
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Tasteless play ends after short 15 (5)	### Answer: TACKY ### Explanation: Definition: Tasteless Y(last letter with which "play" ends) placed after(after) TACK(a short nail,answer to 15 across)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Press for payment to be completed, we hear (3)	### Answer: DUN ### Explanation: Definition: Press for payment Homophone of(we hear) "done"(completed) Defn: A demand, pressing for payment, especially a written one, possibly ending with the ultimatum "…or else you will be hearing from our solicitors."
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Could be Jonathan's original sin (6,5)	### Answer: EATING APPLE ### Explanation: Definition: Could be Jonathan,'s ,original sin Cryptic defn(?): Reference to Jonathan Hasbrouck who "discovered" the apple named after him. He must have been eating not a few of those apples in his time. Original sin is the Christian theological doctrine of humanity's state of sin, resulting from the Fall of Man, an event symbolised by Adam and Eve eating of the fruit, symbolised by an apple, of the Tree of Knowledge. Or if you like it's a double defn: 1st: An example(could be) of an edible(eating) apple is the Jonathan; and 2nd: Original sin symbolised by apple eating.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Having a ball, including one's sweetheart (2,6)	### Answer: IN CLOVER ### Explanation: Definition: Having a ball INC(abbrev. for "$$inc$$luding") LOVER(one's sweetheart) Defn: Having an enjoyable time,living in luxury, comfort and ease. Apparently derived from the use of clover to fatten cattle – picture fat happy cows grazing in clover (if only they knew how to dance :-).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Swingeing fines involving the pub party (4,4)	### Answer: SINN FEIN ### Explanation: Definition: party Anagram of(swingeing,punishing) [FINES plus(involving) INN(pub)] Defn: Irish political party present in both North and Republican Ireland
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Remove part of bird's crest (5)	### Answer: RIDGE ### Explanation: Definition: crest "Partridge"(bird) minus(remove) "part"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Have a chocolaty snack, perhaps, to beat everything (4,3,7)	### Answer: TAKE THE BISCUIT ### Explanation: Definition: to beat everything Cryptic defn: To take the cake,to surpass,beat everything, especially in terms of stupidity, folly or just being extreme, eg. "His last statement takes the biscuit!"
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 little bird, a bigger bird (7)	### Answer: BITTERN ### Explanation: Definition: a bigger bird BIT(a little) TERN(a sea bird, related to the gull) Defn: A bigger bird related to the heron
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: African piano, the one that's playing (9)	### Answer: ETHIOPIAN ### Explanation: Definition: African Anagram of(that's playing) [PIANO THE + I(Roman numeral for one)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Game of numbers, including 15, oddly (6)	### Answer: TENNIS ### Explanation: Definition: Game TENS(numbers) containing(including) NI["n" and "i", first and third letters(oddly) of "nail"(answer to 15 across)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Drawback taking exercise? It gets you out of shape! (6)	### Answer: WARPED ### Explanation: Definition: out of shape Reversal of(back) DRAW – splitting "drawback" – containing(taking) PE(abbrev. of "$$p$$hysical $$e$$ducation", taken to represent "exercise"). A WIWD clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: 20% like Pinky, for instance (3,2,4)	### Answer: ONE IN FIVE ### Explanation: Definition: 20%,Pinky, for instance Double defn: 1st: One item,eg. a point score, out of,in five,20%; and 2nd: The pinky, littlest finger – one of the five fingers in each hand. The finger which must be pointed straight out when you're holding your cup of tea.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cold weather headgear, apparently, much reduced (5,3)	### Answer: POLAR CAP ### Explanation: Definition: much reduced Whimsically(apparently), CAP(headgear) you might wear in the POLAR regions(in cold weather) Defn: That which is much reduced,melted as a result of global warming
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Use drugs? He'd have a job! (8)	### Answer: EMPLOYEE ### Explanation: Definition: He'd have a job EMPLOY(use) EE(the abbrev. for the drugs Ecstasy and Ecstasy)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nearly finish working (5,2)	### Answer: CLOSE ON ### Explanation: Definition: Nearly CLOSE(finish,end) ON(working,as in "on duty or on shift") Defn: As in "It must have taken you close on thirty minutes to finish the crossword" ("Of course, it didn't!…..it took me longer!" 🙂 )
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Yet Man, pace Donne, really is one! (6)	### Answer: ISLAND ### Explanation: Definition: one Cryptic defn: With due respect to,pace (Latin) English poet John Donne who wrote "No man is an island…", the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, is in fact one (an island)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: US city leader, short and overweight (6)	### Answer: BOSTON ### Explanation: Definition: US city BOS["boss"(leader) minus its last letter(short)] *placed above*(over, in a down clue) TON(a unit of weight)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: More like one of the crowd (5)	### Answer: EXTRA ### Explanation: Definition: More,one of the crowd Double defn: 2nd: In a movie set, he/she plays the role of one of the crowd
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: The academic world quietly skewers French philosopher (6)	### Answer: CAMPUS ### Explanation: Definition: The academic world P(abbrev. for piano, musical instruction to play quietly) contained in(skewers) CAMUS(Albert, 1913-1960, French philosopher-writer and Nobel laureate for literature) Defn: Literally, the physical space on which an institution of education,academy stands, and figuratively, the world of higher of higher education.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Find out about alternative careers and then start to hesitate (8)	### Answer: RESEARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Find out about Anagram of(alternative) CAREERS plus(and then) H(initial letter of,start to "hesitate"). Defn: As a verb
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Quiet time with a partner starts to nark us more each year (3,5)	### Answer: PER ANNUM ### Explanation: Definition: each year P(piano,quiet) ERA(a long time period) plus(with a) N($$N$$orth, the partner to the player South in bridge notation) N,U,M(initial letters of,starts to "nark", "us", "more" respectively)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It causes sudden pain as woman embraces Joe (6)	### Answer: ANGINA ### Explanation: Definition: It causes sudden pain ANNA(a woman's name) containing(embraces) GI(Joe, the American male soldier. GI itself comes from $$g$$alvanized $$i$$ron to indicate in accounts items made from it, then was extended to mean all $$g$$overnment $$i$$ssue, then extended to refer to the men, whilst Joe is the personification of a fellow,the common man). Not sure who or what is causing the pain to whom in the surface reading! Defn: In addition to the wellknown chest pains due to momentary lack of adequate supply of blood/oxygen to the heart, it can also refer to any disease of the throat that causes spasmodic,sudden and painful choking.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Drastically restyle her at address in W1 (6,6)	### Answer: HARLEY STREET ### Explanation: Definition: address in W1 Anagram of(drastically) RESTYLE HER AT Defn: Address in Westminster, London W1, noted for the large number of private (read expensive) specialists in medicine and surgery practising there.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lighthouse protecting you in the old days (4)	### Answer: THOU ### Explanation: Definition: you in the old days Hidden in(protecting) lighTHOUse Defn: The word for "you" in the English of the old days
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Almost understand case for drug (8)	### Answer: SEDATIVE ### Explanation: Definition: drug SE(understand,see without its last letter,almost) DATIVE(in the grammar of certain languages such as Greek, German or Latin to denote the case of nouns, and adjectives used to express the indirect object, to identify the recipients, and for other purposes – regardless, it's all Greek to me 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Burning novel? Irate men of letters! (8)	### Answer: LITERATI ### Explanation: Definition: men of letters LIT(burning,alight) + anagram of(novel) IRATE Defn: The learned class as a whole. Lovely surface

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### Clue: Insect repellent affected some horses (7)

### Answer: CAMPHOR ### Explanation: Definition: Insect repellent CAMP(descriptive of affected behaviour, that which is artificial, vulgar and put-on. Is it PC to say also descriptive of homosexuals, as given in Collins?) HOR(some,the first 3 letters of "horses") Defn: A tough gummy aromatic compound derived from the wood and bark of the camphor tree, can be used as an insect repellent. A camphorwood chest is great for keeping clothes safe from cloth-eating moths and other bugs.

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### Clue: Mother's request for fabric (6)

### Answer: DAMASK ### Explanation: Definition: fabric DAM(mother) ASK(request) Defn: A reversible fabric with a pattern woven into it

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### Clue: Wait for veteran to strike out (4,2)

### Answer: HOLD IT ### Explanation: Definition: Wait HIT(to strike) **containing**(out) OLD(veteran as an adjective)

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### Clue: Shot a sovereign? That's undisputed! (5)

### Answer: TOTAL ### Explanation: Definition: That's undisputed TOT(a small measure of liquid spirits,eg. a shot of whiskey) [A L](a sovereign,an old coin valued at 1 pound,£,L) Defn: Absolute,that's undisputed

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### Clue: These lads may turn out to be immortal (9)

### Answer: DEATHLESS ### Explanation: Definition: immortal **Anagram of**(may turn out) THESE LADS

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### Clue: Handy aid to warmth (4)

### Answer: MUFF ### Explanation: Definition: Handy aid to warmth Cryptic defn: Tubular case covered with fur or warm material as an aid to keeping hands warm, primarily. Not to be confused with the later eary aids. A secondary purpose was as a handbag, or perhaps to conceal a weapon – I distinctly recall Lara (Julie Christie) pulling out a gun from her muff to shoot Komarovsky (Rod Steiger) in Doctor Zhivago.

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### Clue: Dog goes mad for fruit (8)

### Answer: CURRANTS ### Explanation: Definition: fruit CUR(dog) RANTS(goes mad in utterance,raves)

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### Clue: Worn by a woman for a dance (6)

### Answer: BOLERO ### Explanation: Definition: Worn by a woman,dance Double defn: 1st: A kind of short jacket, not reaching the waistline with or without sleeves and open at the front, worn by women elsewhere and by men in Spain, especially those who appear in the bullring; and 2nd: A sensuous Spanish dance to the music of the same name.

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### Clue: Brings back games and increases keenness (6)

### Answer: STROPS ### Explanation: Definition: increases keenness **Reversal of**(brings back) SPORTS(a general noun for all sorts of games) Defn: To sharpen,increase keenness of a razor by stroking it over a band made of leather or abrasive material. Can still be seen in old-style barber shops.

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### Clue: Doubled over and collapsed (6,2)

### Answer: FOLDED UP ### Explanation: Definition: Doubled over,collapsed Double defn. 2nd: As when a business goes bust,collapses

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### Clue: Describing Hamlet and his rotten state (6)

### Answer: DANISH ### Explanation: Definition: Describing, Hamlet,his rotten state Double defn. as well as a semi-&lit. Wordplay: **Anagram of**(rotten state) AND HIS. 1st defn: Describing Hamlet, the great Dane; and 2nd defn: Describing his rotten state of Denmark – it is Marcellus (and not Hamlet) who says: "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark". A cleverly constructed clue.

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### Clue: Chap from Belgium is a loyal subject (8)

### Answer: LIEGEMAN ### Explanation: Definition: a loyal subject A MAN(chap) who comes from LIEGE(a city in Belgium) Defn: A faithful,loyal subject,vassal of his lord,the liege

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### Clue: More than one out of two is of higher standard (5,3)

### Answer: ABOVE PAR ### Explanation: Definition: of higher standard Cryptic defn: Above average,of a higher standard. One is the average of (none and) two; so out of two, more than one is above the average. Not to be confused with "under par", which in golf means of a higher, and not lower, standard. Edit.note: Put another way, a score of one upon,out of two is average; anything more than that is above average. But has got a better explanation for which thank you.

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### Clue: Fancied to win and made a pile (6)

### Answer: NAPPED ### Explanation: Definition: Fancied to win,made a pile Double defn: 1st: In horse racing, to be named by a tipster as likely,fancied to win a race; and 2nd: Past tense of to raise the fibres on the surface of cloth, and hence make its pile, which is the raised fibres of a cloth such as velvet or corduroy. Liked the racing-related surface, though if everyone else has the same fancy, you wouldn't be making much, let alone a pile.

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### Clue: A pamphlet's sound – makes a personal appeal (8)

### Answer: ATTRACTS ### Explanation: Definition: makes a personal appeal **Homophone of**(sound) ["a tract",a pamphlet usually on a religious topic + " 's"] Defn: To appeal to,be liked by another person

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### Clue: Turned on bad parent (6)

### Answer: ENRAPT ### Explanation: Definition: Turned on **Anagram of**(bad) PARENT Defn: Excited by,turned on,rapturously consumed by eg love – though some would rather fall in chocolate than in love. 🙂

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### Clue: Flagrant licence (6)

### Answer: PATENT ### Explanation: Definition: Flagrant,licence Double defn: 1st: Obvious,for all to see; and 2nd: A licence that a sovereign state grants the holder,patentee the rights to an invention,original product,process etc. for a limited period.

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### Clue: All too human story in which evil makes a comeback (8)

### Answer: FALLIBLE ### Explanation: Definition: All too human FABLE(story) **containing**(in which) **reversal of**(makes a comeback) ILL(an evil, as in "of ill repute")

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### Clue: Extremely light (4)

### Answer: VERY ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely,light Double defn: 2nd: A flare,light shot from a special pistol, developed by Edward Very

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### Clue: Keep getting drunk? Now hang on! (4,5)

### Answer: HOLD TIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Now hang on! HOLD(keep,hold on to) **plus**(getting) TIGHT(slang for drunk) Defn: A warning, usually shouted, to hang on firmly to something fixed, before one is flung off, – or falls off one's barstool – nice surface.

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### Clue: Put off writing letter to a relative (5)

### Answer: DAUNT ### Explanation: Definition: Put off D(a letter of the alphabet) **plus**(to) AUNT(one of your relatives)

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### Clue: It comes from the Latin, as far as one knows (1,6)

### Answer: A PRIORI ### Explanation: Definition: as far as one knows Cryptic defn (I think): Known to be true without requiring experience or examination of the matter. The phrase in Latin literally means "(it comes) from the former". I hope I've got the first part of the clue interpreted correctly – could it perhaps have been better with "It comes from former Latin….."?

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### Clue: They work around the clock (5)

### Answer: HANDS ### Explanation: Definition: They work around the clock Double defn: 1st: People who work, usually at manual labour, and perhaps around the clock; and 2nd: The minute and hour (and perhaps second) hands of a clock that move,work around

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### Clue: Flu? See a doctor at home (7)

### Answer: EASEFUL ### Explanation: Definition: at home **Anagram of**(doctor) FLU SEE A Defn: Relaxed, as if one were at home

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### Clue: Young army chap is awkward, but learns (9)

### Answer: SUBALTERN ### Explanation: Definition: Young army chap **Anagram of**(is awkward) BUT LEARNS Defn: A commissioned army officer below the rank of captain, and presumably young as well

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### Clue: French writer's story set in the ruins of Rome (7)

### Answer: MOLIERE ### Explanation: Definition: French writer LIE(story,fabrication) **contained in**(set in) **anagram of**(the ruins of) ROME

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### Clue: Lucky yet strange turn o' fate (9)

### Answer: FORTUNATE ### Explanation: Definition: Lucky **Anagram of**(strange) TURN O FATE

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### Clue: Bar attire set out for judge (9)

### Answer: ARBITRATE ### Explanation: Definition: judge **Anagram of**(set out) BAR ATTIRE

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### Clue: Game for a drink after the dance (9)

### Answer: HOPSCOTCH ### Explanation: Definition: Game SCOTCH(drink,whiskey) **placed after**(after) HOP(a dance party) Defn: A children's game which surprisingly is to be found in many countries, with various local names. We used to call it "aeroplane" here, and it seems that children in Mexico call it a similar name – "little aeroplane (avioncito)".

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### Clue: Music hall medley (7)

### Answer: VARIETY ### Explanation: Definition: Music hall,medley Double defn: 1st: Another name for the entertainment found in music halls; and 2nd: A mixture,medley

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### Clue: Still in a terrible fluster (7)

### Answer: RESTFUL ### Explanation: Definition: Still **Anagram of**(terrible) FLUSTER

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### Clue: Splitting hairs in divorce (7)

### Answer: PARTING ### Explanation: Definition: Splitting hairs,divorce Double defn: 1st: Cryptically, splitting, not individual hairs, but different areas of the hair on your head to get a parting. Nice surface, as in a divorce, the parties often split hairs,make unnecessary petty distinctions.

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### Clue: Spectacular effect when powder magazine finally goes up (5)

### Answer: ECLAT ### Explanation: Definition: Spectacular effect **Reversal of**(goes up, in a down clue) [TALC(powder) + E(last letter,finally, of "magazine")] Defn: Showy,brilliant display

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### Clue: One guide – or a good many (5)

### Answer: PILOT ### Explanation: Definition: One guide PI(short for pious,good) LOT(many,plentiful)

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### Clue: Setters return, breaking dog's entrance (7)

### Answer: BEWITCH ### Explanation: Definition: entrance **Reversal of**(return) WE(pronoun to refer to setters of the crossword, in contrast to you, us solvers) **contained in**(breaking) BITCH(female dog, really) Defn: To put under a spell,entrance, not to be confused with that through which you enter

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### Clue: One fancies commercial on satellite station – theatrical drama? (7)

### Answer: ADMIRER ### Explanation: Definition: One fancies AD(advertisement,commercial **plus**(on) MIR(the Soviet Union/Russian satellite space station) ER(title of the TV soap opera revolving round the $$e$$mergency $$r$$oom/operating theatre,theatrical drama, though just being a soap would qualify it as "theatrical drama")

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### Clue: Blocking a good try with right difficulties (5)

### Answer: AGGRO ### Explanation: Definition: difficulties R(right) **contained in**(blocking …with) [{A G(a good)} + GO(a try,an attempt) Defn: Short for aggravation, things which give you problems,difficulties

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### Clue: Took back on medical ground (9)

### Answer: RECLAIMED ### Explanation: Definition: Took back **Anagram of**(ground) [RE(on,about,refering to) MEDICAL]

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### Clue: National treasure and good man – English writer capturing hearts with fine lines (7,3)

### Answer: STEPHEN FRY ### Explanation: Definition: National treasure ST(abbrev. for saint,good man) E($$E$$nglish) PEN(writer) **containing**(capturing) H(abbrev. for $$h$$earts, as in bridge notation) F($$f$$ine) RY(abbrev. for railway which runs on lines) Defn: A multi-talented national treasure – actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, and film director.

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### Clue: First to post off knickers for soldiers (4)

### Answer: ANTS ### Explanation: Definition: soldiers "pants"(knickers,undergarments in the UK) **minus**(off) "p"(first letter of,to "post") Defn: A caste in a colony of ants who act as soldiers

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### Clue: Studying 2's epic work without the use of Google, perhaps (11)

### Answer: RESEARCHING ### Explanation: Definition: Studying RING(epic operatic work by Wagner,answer to 2 down) **containing**(without,outside) E-SEARCH{$$e$$lectronic search on the Internet with the use of a search engine like,perhaps, Google}

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### Clue: Crazy Baldrick idea, without the slightest bit of intelligence, repeatedly, on this? (10)

### Answer: BLACKADDER ### Explanation: Definition: this **Anagram of**(crazy) BALDRCKDEA{"baldrick idea" **minus**(without) the "i"s(first letter,slightest bit of "intelligence", twice,repeatedly} Defn: The TV series in which you know what to expect whenever Baldrick, Blackadder's dim dogsbody, says "I have an idea". I think this is a terrific &lit. Three of the seasons also have Stephen Fry (cf 11A) acting in them.

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### Clue: Nostalgically upset, having lost coal production in a way that's permanent (9)

### Answer: LASTINGLY ### Explanation: Definition: in a way that's permanent **Anagram of**(upset) NSTLGIALY{"nostalgically" **minus**(having lost) the individual letters(production) in "coal"}

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### Clue: One from Middle East terrorist group joining 11 programme (5)

### Answer: IRAQI ### Explanation: Definition: One from Middle East IRA(Irish terrorist group) **plus**(joining) QI(standing for Quite Interesting, TV quiz panel show,programme hosted by 11 across,Stephen Fry. The reference that led me to the answer to 11 across.)

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### Clue: Like Elvis's shock – America cried around centre of Memphis (7)

### Answer: UPSWEPT ### Explanation: Definition: Like Elvis's shock [US(United States of America) WEPT(cried)] **containing**(around) P(middle letter,centre of "Memphis"). Defn: How Elvis Presley combed his shock of hair. Nice surface perhaps refering to Elvis's shocking death.

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### Clue: It would make Angus flip to take in recipe by first-class cook (6)

### Answer: BRAISE ### Explanation: Definition: cook BSE($$b$$ovine $$s$$pongiform $$e$$ncephalopathy,mad cow disease, that would make eg. Aberdeen Angus, a breed of cattle, go mad,flip) **containing**(to take in) R(abbrev. for recipe, as used in medical prescriptions) **plus**(by) AI(looks like A1,first class)

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### Clue: Genius that scored in National having placed outside bet (6)

### Answer: WAGNER ### Explanation: Definition: Genius that scored N(abbrev. of national) **contained in**(having placed outside) WAGER(bet) Defn: Richard, genius that scored music

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### Clue: Piece of gear to groom canines? (10)

### Answer: TOOTHBRUSH ### Explanation: Definition: Piece of gear to groom canines TOOTH(piece of gearwheel which meshes with other gearwheels) BRUSH(to groom the coat of dogs,canines) Defn: Whimisically, a piece of equipment,gear to brush,groom teeth,canines. Another &lit I think.

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### Clue: Star with northern bird (5)

### Answer: HERON ### Explanation: Definition: bird HERO(star) **plus**(with) N($$n$$orthern)

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### Clue: Confirm when sure (9)

### Answer: ASCERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Confirm AS(as in "as and when") CERTAIN(sure)

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### Clue: 11's book "Second one breaking open six-pack, perhaps how Sinatra did it, endlessly drunk consuming sauce" (4,2,2,7)

### Answer: MOAB IS MY WASHPOT ### Explanation: Definition: 11's book MO(second,from moment) + [I(Roman numeral one) **contained in**(breaking open) ABS(short for abdominal muscles,called a six-pack when firm and strong)] MY WA{"My Way", title of one of,perhaps Frank Sinatra's songs, with the line "I did it my way", **minus** the last letter(endlessly)} + SOT(a drunk) **containing**(consuming) HP(popular brand of brown sauce) Defn: Autobiography of 11 across,Stephen Fry's early years. Apparently, he never explained the significance of the title.

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### Clue: Unrealistic Abramovich starts to tear into Chelsea? (8)

### Answer: ROMANTIC ### Explanation: Definition: Unrealistic ROMAN(Abramovich, Russian owner of Chelsea football club, among other things) TIC(initial letters,starts to "$$t$$ear $$i$$nto $$C$$helses"). Nice surface, might even be an &lit?

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### Clue: Change layout removing first "navy" from flag (8)

### Answer: REDESIGN ### Explanation: Definition: Change layout "red ensign",a flag flown by various (merchant) navies **minus**(removing) "n"(first letter of "navy")

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### Clue: Plans redraft of catechisms (10)

### Answer: SCHEMATICS ### Explanation: Definition: Plans **Anagram of**(redraft of) CATECHISMS

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### Clue: Incidental information in window by door (9)

### Answer: SIDELIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: window by door SIDE(incidental,not central or main – unless it's "a bit on the side"?) LIGHT(information, as in "to shed light on the matter") Edit.note: gives the correct parsing.

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### Clue: About one Birmingham side with rules for residents (5,3)

### Answer: CIVIL LAW ### Explanation: Definition: rules for residents C(about,$$c$$irca) I(Roman numeral one) VILLA(short for "Aston Villa", a Birmingham side,football team) W($$w$$ith)

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### Clue: Business building bad press around record label (8)

### Answer: PREMISES ### Explanation: Definition: Business building **Anagram of**(bad) PRESS **containing**(around) EMI(record label)

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### Clue: Imagine Tramp would consume tablet (6)

### Answer: IDEATE ### Explanation: Definition: Imagine I'D(shortened form of I,pronoun for Tramp, would) Edit.note: EAT ~~**containing**~~(consume) E(the drug, $$E$$cstasy, usually in the form of a tablet)

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### Clue: A nerdier scientist rearranged drawer in house? (6,2,9)

### Answer: ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ### Explanation: Definition: drawer in house **Anagram of**(rearranged) A NERDIER SCIENTIST

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### Clue: Turning up to support shy creature (5)

### Answer: COYPU ### Explanation: Definition: creature **Reversal of**(turning) UP **placed after**(to support, in a down clue) COY(shy,reserved) Defn: A large, South American aquatic rodent, looking like a cross between a beaver and a big rat

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### Clue: Power to rogue solicitor (4)

### Answer: PIMP ### Explanation: Definition: solicitor P(abbrev. for power, especially in physics) **plus**(to) IMP(rogue,cheeky chap) Defn: Not a solicitor with a silk wig and gown, but flashy clothes, bling and a stable

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### Clue: Cryptic clue brains need time to unravel (11)

### Answer: INSCRUTABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Cryptic **Anagram of**(to unravel) [CLUE BRAINS **plus**(need) T($$t$$ime)]. Nice WIWD (wordplay intertwining with definition) clue.

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### Clue: Pull heads off tulips or wallflowers (3)

### Answer: TOW ### Explanation: Definition: Pull Initial letters of(heads off) "$$T$$ulips $$O$$r $$W$$allflowers"

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### Clue: Drunk, withholding name, may be punished (5)

### Answer: CANED ### Explanation: Definition: punished "canned"(drunk,plastered) **minus**(withholding) "n"($$n$$ame) Defn: A now obsolete form of punishment, that used to strike fear into the hearts of errant children, including yours truly

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### Clue: Room the Queen gives the field marshal (9)

### Answer: KITCHENER ### Explanation: Definition: the field marshal KITCHEN(room) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina, the Queen) Defn: Field Marshal Herbert Horatio Kitchener who later became an aide-de-camp to Queen Victoria, which Queen gave him a room, I presume, as the clue says.

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### Clue: It's eccentric of Crux to keep frogs, primarily (3-6)

### Answer: OFF-CENTRE ### Explanation: Definition: It's eccentric OF + CENTRE(core,as in "the crux of the matter") **containing**(to keep) F(initial letter,primarily of "frogs"). A WIWD clue.

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### Clue: Female duck not recorded (5)

### Answer: OLIVE ### Explanation: Definition: Female O(looks like 0,zero,duck, a non-score eg. in cricket) LIVE(actually happening in realtime as you are watching, say a game or a performance and not recorded at an earlier time – well, not always everything) Defn: Name for a female, eg. Olive Oyl. Nice surface not applicable to the music industry nowadays?

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### Clue: Chapter of endless saga does, in translation (7)

### Answer: EPISODE ### Explanation: Definition: Chapter EPI["epic"(saga) **minus** its last letter(endless)] + **anagram of**(in translation) DOES. Is "does" used in the sense of "suffices" for the surface reading?

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### Clue: Brad, say, last in cabin to go sick (4)

### Answer: NAIL ### Explanation: Definition: Brad N[last letter of(last in) "cabin"] + AIL(to go,get sick) Defn: A type(say) of nail, not to be confused with Brad, the last of the landlubbers to throw up in the ship's cabin.

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### Clue: Part of speech dropped nowadays, for another (4)

### Answer: VERB ### Explanation: Definition: another "adverb"(a part of speech that is any word, group of words, clause that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, in fact, anything other than a noun – as in "They could probably easily envy the very happily married couple", a sentence that has 4 adverbs) **minus**(dropped) AD($$a$$nno $$D$$omini,nowadays since the birth of Christ) Defn: Another part of speech

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### Clue: Run with the pack, like Tory at his best (7)

### Answer: CONFORM ### Explanation: Definition: Run with the pack C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party,Tory) ON FORM(performing at his/one's best, said of a performer or sportsman) Defn: Figuratively, of a member of a group,pack,herd following what the rest of the pack does, eg. relating to dress, speech and thought

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### Clue: Faint circle in fresh snow (5)

### Answer: SWOON ### Explanation: Definition: Faint O(shaped like a circle) **containing**(in) **anagram of**(fresh) SNOW Defn: To faint – what Victorian and Mills & Boon heroines did on seeing, say, a naked male chest, or less – perhaps with the Victorians, a naked piano leg.

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### Clue: Hold up progress, partly thanks to new alliance (9)

### Answer: STONEWALL ### Explanation: Definition: Hold up progress ***Hidden in***(partly) thankS TO NEW ALLiance. Very cleverly hidden. Defn: To obstruct,block,hinder progress of business, be it passing of a bill in parliament, or play in the cricket field. The former by excessive or prolonged debate, and the latter by the batsmen's defensive play, which I hazard is what has given cricket a bad name as a spectator sport. A WIWD clue.

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### Clue: Quality credit (9)

### Answer: ATTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: Quality,credit Double defn: 1st: A trait,characteristic; and 2nd: To give credit where credit is due,to identify the originator of,source of,reason for something or other

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### Clue: Tasteless play ends after short 15 (5)

### Answer: TACKY ### Explanation: Definition: Tasteless Y(last letter with which "play" ends) **placed after**(after) TACK(a short nail,answer to 15 across)

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### Clue: Press for payment to be completed, we hear (3)

### Answer: DUN ### Explanation: Definition: Press for payment **Homophone of**(we hear) "done"(completed) Defn: A demand, pressing for payment, especially a written one, possibly ending with the ultimatum "…or else you will be hearing from our solicitors."

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### Clue: Could be Jonathan's original sin (6,5)

### Answer: EATING APPLE ### Explanation: Definition: Could be Jonathan,'s ,original sin Cryptic defn(?): Reference to Jonathan Hasbrouck who "discovered" the apple named after him. He must have been eating not a few of those apples in his time. Original sin is the Christian theological doctrine of humanity's state of sin, resulting from the Fall of Man, an event symbolised by Adam and Eve eating of the fruit, symbolised by an apple, of the Tree of Knowledge. Or if you like it's a double defn: 1st: An example(could be) of an edible(eating) apple is the Jonathan; and 2nd: Original sin symbolised by apple eating.

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### Clue: Having a ball, including one's sweetheart (2,6)

### Answer: IN CLOVER ### Explanation: Definition: Having a ball INC(abbrev. for "$$inc$$luding") LOVER(one's sweetheart) Defn: Having an enjoyable time,living in luxury, comfort and ease. Apparently derived from the use of clover to fatten cattle – picture fat happy cows grazing in clover (if only they knew how to dance :-).

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### Clue: Swingeing fines involving the pub party (4,4)

### Answer: SINN FEIN ### Explanation: Definition: party **Anagram of**(swingeing,punishing) [FINES **plus**(involving) INN(pub)] Defn: Irish political party present in both North and Republican Ireland

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### Clue: Remove part of bird's crest (5)

### Answer: RIDGE ### Explanation: Definition: crest "Partridge"(bird) **minus**(remove) "part"

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### Clue: Have a chocolaty snack, perhaps, to beat everything (4,3,7)

### Answer: TAKE THE BISCUIT ### Explanation: Definition: to beat everything Cryptic defn: To take the cake,to surpass,beat everything, especially in terms of stupidity, folly or just being extreme, eg. "His last statement takes the biscuit!"

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### Clue: A little bird, a bigger bird (7)

### Answer: BITTERN ### Explanation: Definition: a bigger bird BIT(a little) TERN(a sea bird, related to the gull) Defn: A bigger bird related to the heron

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### Clue: African piano, the one that's playing (9)

### Answer: ETHIOPIAN ### Explanation: Definition: African **Anagram of**(that's playing) [PIANO THE + I(Roman numeral for one)

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### Clue: Game of numbers, including 15, oddly (6)

### Answer: TENNIS ### Explanation: Definition: Game TENS(numbers) **containing**(including) NI["n" and "i", first and third letters(oddly) of "nail"(answer to 15 across)]

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### Clue: Drawback taking exercise? It gets you out of shape! (6)

### Answer: WARPED ### Explanation: Definition: out of shape **Reversal of**(back) DRAW – splitting "drawback" – **containing**(taking) PE(abbrev. of "$$p$$hysical $$e$$ducation", taken to represent "exercise"). A WIWD clue.

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### Clue: 20% like Pinky, for instance (3,2,4)

### Answer: ONE IN FIVE ### Explanation: Definition: 20%,Pinky, for instance Double defn: 1st: One item,eg. a point score, out of,in five,20%; and 2nd: The pinky, littlest finger – one of the five fingers in each hand. The finger which must be pointed straight out when you're holding your cup of tea.

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### Clue: Cold weather headgear, apparently, much reduced (5,3)

### Answer: POLAR CAP ### Explanation: Definition: much reduced Whimsically(apparently), CAP(headgear) you might wear in the POLAR regions(in cold weather) Defn: That which is much reduced,melted as a result of global warming

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### Clue: Use drugs? He'd have a job! (8)

### Answer: EMPLOYEE ### Explanation: Definition: He'd have a job EMPLOY(use) EE(the abbrev. for the drugs Ecstasy and Ecstasy)

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### Clue: Nearly finish working (5,2)

### Answer: CLOSE ON ### Explanation: Definition: Nearly CLOSE(finish,end) ON(working,as in "on duty or on shift") Defn: As in "It must have taken you close on thirty minutes to finish the crossword" ("Of course, it didn't!…..it took me longer!" 🙂 )

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### Clue: Yet Man, pace Donne, really is one! (6)

### Answer: ISLAND ### Explanation: Definition: one Cryptic defn: With due respect to,pace (Latin) English poet John Donne who wrote "No man is an island…", the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, is in fact one (an island)

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### Clue: US city leader, short and overweight (6)

### Answer: BOSTON ### Explanation: Definition: US city BOS["boss"(leader) **minus** its last letter(short)] ***placed above***(over, in a down clue) TON(a unit of weight)

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### Clue: More like one of the crowd (5)

### Answer: EXTRA ### Explanation: Definition: More,one of the crowd Double defn: 2nd: In a movie set, he/she plays the role of one of the crowd

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### Clue: The academic world quietly skewers French philosopher (6)

### Answer: CAMPUS ### Explanation: Definition: The academic world P(abbrev. for piano, musical instruction to play quietly) **contained in**(skewers) CAMUS(Albert, 1913-1960, French philosopher-writer and Nobel laureate for literature) Defn: Literally, the physical space on which an institution of education,academy stands, and figuratively, the world of higher of higher education.

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### Clue: Find out about alternative careers and then start to hesitate (8)

### Answer: RESEARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Find out about **Anagram of**(alternative) CAREERS **plus**(and then) H(initial letter of,start to "hesitate"). Defn: As a verb

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### Clue: Quiet time with a partner starts to nark us more each year (3,5)

### Answer: PER ANNUM ### Explanation: Definition: each year P(piano,quiet) ERA(a long time period) **plus**(with a) N($$N$$orth, the partner to the player South in bridge notation) N,U,M(initial letters of,starts to "nark", "us", "more" respectively)

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### Clue: It causes sudden pain as woman embraces Joe (6)

### Answer: ANGINA ### Explanation: Definition: It causes sudden pain ANNA(a woman's name) **containing**(embraces) GI(Joe, the American male soldier. GI itself comes from $$g$$alvanized $$i$$ron to indicate in accounts items made from it, then was extended to mean all $$g$$overnment $$i$$ssue, then extended to refer to the men, whilst Joe is the personification of a fellow,the common man). Not sure who or what is causing the pain to whom in the surface reading! Defn: In addition to the wellknown chest pains due to momentary lack of adequate supply of blood/oxygen to the heart, it can also refer to any disease of the throat that causes spasmodic,sudden and painful choking.

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### Clue: Drastically restyle her at address in W1 (6,6)

### Answer: HARLEY STREET ### Explanation: Definition: address in W1 **Anagram of**(drastically) RESTYLE HER AT Defn: Address in Westminster, London W1, noted for the large number of private (read expensive) specialists in medicine and surgery practising there.

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### Clue: Lighthouse protecting you in the old days (4)

### Answer: THOU ### Explanation: Definition: you in the old days **Hidden in**(protecting) lighTHOUse Defn: The word for "you" in the English of the old days

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### Clue: Almost understand case for drug (8)

### Answer: SEDATIVE ### Explanation: Definition: drug SE(understand,see without its last letter,almost) DATIVE(in the grammar of certain languages such as Greek, German or Latin to denote the case of nouns, and adjectives used to express the indirect object, to identify the recipients, and for other purposes – regardless, it's all Greek to me 🙂

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### Clue: Burning novel? Irate men of letters! (8)

### Answer: LITERATI ### Explanation: Definition: men of letters LIT(burning,alight) + **anagram of**(novel) IRATE Defn: The learned class as a whole. Lovely surface