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: Information and energy combine to form hereditary unit (4)	### Answer: GENE ### Explanation: Definition: hereditary unit GEN(information, derived from $$gen$$eral information) plus(and) E($$e$$nergy, famously in E=mc2 )
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Doctor using typist's chair (12)	### Answer: PSYCHIATRIST ### Explanation: Definition: Doctor Anagram of(using) TYPIST'S CHAIR Defn: Doctor who diagnoses and treats or "cures" you of your mental disorders, through listening to, and encouraging you to talk about your inner self, aka a headshrink
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Shy, evenly mottled prairie wolf (6)	### Answer: COYOTE ### Explanation: Definition: prairie wolf COY(shy) + O,T, E(second, fourth and sixth letters,evenly of "mottled") Defn: As exemplified by the sworn enemy of the Road Runner
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 expression of fear about partner (4,4)	### Answer: KEEL OVER ### Explanation: Definition: Faint Reversal of(about) EEK!(a shriek,expression of fear) LOVER(partner, euphemistically)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: To throw something from ship or plane is not unusual (8)	### Answer: JETTISON ### Explanation: Definition: To throw something from ship JET(plane powered by generated thrust) + anagram of(unusual) IS NOT
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Slippery eel's head found in Serpentine (6)	### Answer: SNEAKY ### Explanation: Definition: Slippery E(initial letter,head of "eel") contained in(found in) SNAKY(serpentine,coiled like a snake)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Country originally banned alcoholic drinks (4)	### Answer: ALES ### Explanation: Definition: alcoholic drinks Wales(country) minus its first letter,originally banned
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Theatre providing entertainment for children? (9)	### Answer: PLAYHOUSE ### Explanation: Definition: Theatre,entertainment for children Double defn: 2nd: a small house for children to play in. Can also be called a Wendy house.
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 guards small gate, perhaps (6)	### Answer: SENTRY ### Explanation: Definition: He guards S($$s$$mall) ENTRY(an example of which,perhaps is a gate). A wordplay intertwined with the definition (WIWD).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bully kills strumpet, popular and impish creature (15)	### Answer: RUMPELSTILTSKIN ### Explanation: Definition: impish creature Anagram of(bully) [KILLS STRUMPET] + IN(popular, as in "the in-thing, in-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: Flattery finally gets you — and us — in a lather (8)	### Answer: SOAPSUDS ### Explanation: Definition: lather SOAP(slang for flattery, especially if it's soft) + S, U, D, S(last letters,finally of "gets", "you", "and", and "us" respectively). Another nice surface – agitation caused by obvious flattery.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Soothsayer and a swami putting foot over head (5)	### Answer: AUGUR ### Explanation: Definition: Soothsayer A + UGUR{"guru"(swami,Hindu intellectual or spiritual teacher) with its last letter,foot placed above(putting … over, in a down clue) its top,head}. Defn: Fortune tellers and swamis are likely to practice yoga, as well, at least in India, and be capable of putting their feet over their heads. Another 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: Imagining making a baby (10)	### Answer: CONCEIVING ### Explanation: Definition: Imagining,making a baby Double defn: The surface is so smooth, that it took me some time to separate the 2 meanings.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Each monk is embarrassed to have a dirty habit (5-5)	### Answer: CHAIN-SMOKE ### Explanation: Definition: dirty habit Anagram of(embarrassed) EACH MONK IS. A nice surface – of monks with unwashed robes.
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 hard to negotiate with drunk guy, perhaps (9)	### Answer: TIGHTROPE ### Explanation: Definition: It's hard to negotiate TIGHT(drunk,plastered) ROPE(what could,perhaps be used as a guy,stay,something to secure with)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Woman taking part in battles showing caution (8)	### Answer: WARINESS ### Explanation: Definition: caution INES(a woman's name) contained in(taking part in) WARS(battles)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mammals with just over 100 people who look after them (6)	### Answer: CIVETS ### Explanation: Definition: Mammals CI(Roman numerals for 101,just over 100) + VETS(short for veterinarians, doctors who look after animals including mammals,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: Whack 150, get dismissed (5)	### Answer: CLOUT ### Explanation: Definition: Whack CL(Roman numerals for 150) OUT(get dismissed, eg. in cricket)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: type of vegetable (4)	### Answer: LEEK ### Explanation: Definition: type of vegetable Reversal of("over",second part of answer to 24 across) KEEL(first part of answer to 24 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: Whose mobile includes mostly moulded display? (8)	### Answer: SHOWCASE ### Explanation: Definition: display Anagram of(mobile) WHOSE containing(includes) CAS{"cast"(moulded) minus its last letter(mostly)}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Far from lavish king enters resorts with wife finally (6)	### Answer: SPARSE ### Explanation: Definition: Far from lavish R(Latin $$R$$ex,king) contained in(enters) SPAS(resorts with springs and baths) plus(with) E(last letter,finally of "wife")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dash after old paper over and over again (5)	### Answer: OFTEN ### Explanation: Definition: over and over again EN(the endash – half the width of an emdash — which in turn is 1/6 of an inch wide – so there you have it) placed after(after) O($$o$$ld) FT(the newspaper the $$F$$inancial $$T$$imes)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Adequate fare enhanced by new role (9)	### Answer: TOLERABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Adequate TABLE(figuratively, the food and drinks served at meals,fare) contained in(enhanced by) anagram of(new) of ROLE. Defn: To an adequate,acceptable level
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 speech, conclude Madonna provides a hospital (9)	### Answer: INFIRMARY ### Explanation: Definition: hospital INFIR{homophone of(in speech) of "infer"(conclude)} + MARY(Madonna,the Virgin Mary, definitely not the Material Girl)
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 leave happy – like times gone by (5)	### Answer: OLDEN ### Explanation: Definition: like times gone by "Golden"(happy, as in "the golden days") minus(to leave) G($$g$$ood)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Colour's return bound to keep street on board (6)	### Answer: PASTEL ### Explanation: Definition: Colour Reversal of(return) LEAP(bound,jump) containing(to keep … on board) ST($$st$$reet)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: What causes change concerning a refined sort? (7)	### Answer: REAGENT ### Explanation: Definition: What causes change RE(concerning,about) + A + GENT(short for gentleman,a presumed refined sort of chap)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: This is bound to happen, therefore lads alter wicket (4,3)	### Answer: SOD’S LAW ### Explanation: Definition: This is bound to happen SO(therefore,hence,thus) + anagram of(alter) LADS + W(abbrev. for $$w$$icket in cricket notation). Defn: Aka Murphy's Law, whose central premise is "If anything can go wrong, it WILL go wrong", and its corollaries.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dig in small and untidy dump (6)	### Answer: SHOVEL ### Explanation: Definition: Dig S($$s$$mall) plus(and) HOVEL(untidy dump,disorganized, cramped and messy dwelling place)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Maiden entering opening is let in (5)	### Answer: ADMIT ### Explanation: Definition: let in M(abbrev. for "maiden" in cricket notation) contained in(entering) ADIT(an opening into a mine)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Maiden with no ugly day for a change? (5,4)	### Answer: YOUNG LADY ### Explanation: Definition: Maiden Anagram of(for a change) NO UGLY DAY
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Safe haven in large northern city (9)	### Answer: ANCHORAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Safe haven,large northern city Double defn: 2nd: Largest city in the northern state of Alaska
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 best team's comment to the audience (5)	### Answer: ASIDE ### Explanation: Definition: comment to the audience A-SIDE(the best,first class,Class A team,side)
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 Madrid the church's recess is to slip away (6)	### Answer: ELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: slip away EL(the definite article "the" in the local language in Madrid) APSE(a church's recess)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Roughly prune an alyssum's trailer yearly (3,5)	### Answer: PER ANNUM ### Explanation: Definition: yearly Anagram of(roughly) [PRUNE AN] + M(last letter,trailer of "alyssum")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Phlegmatic son near top (6)	### Answer: STOLID ### Explanation: Definition: Phlegmatic S($$s$$on) [TO LID](near,in the direction of – didn't we previously discuss whether near=to was kosher? – top,lid of a vessel and such) Defn: Of an unemotional, sluggish and dull temperament – supposedly the character of one having an overabundance of phlegm.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Uncontrolled at once, like a green juggler's ball? (3,2,4)	### Answer: OUT OF HAND ### Explanation: Definition: Uncontrolled,at once,like a green juggler's ball Triple defn: 1st: Like a classroom without a teacher present; and 2nd: Like an answer from the top of one's head, without hesitation or thought; and 3rd: Like a ball (of any colour) of an inexperienced,green juggler (of any colour) which is missed being caught
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Well done! Saluting cartoon Goofy (15)	### Answer: CONGRATULATIONS ### Explanation: Definition: Well done Anagram of(Goofy) SALUTING CARTOON
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Leave groups to worry (3,4)	### Answer: SET SAIL ### Explanation: Definition: Leave SETS(groups) + AIL(to worry,sicken)
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's blackballed Roman chap, soon good grass gets answer (7,3,5)	### Answer: PERSONA NON GRATA ### Explanation: Definition: He's blackballed Roman PERSON(chap) ANON(soon) G($$g$$ood) RAT(to tell on,betray,grass, especially to the law) *plus*(gets) A($$a$$nswer, as in "Q and A"). Defn: In Latin, the old Roman language, for someone who is not welcome,explicitly excluded. "Blackball" is derived from the traditional anonymous voting process by placing a white ball (accepting) or a black ball(rejecting) into the ballot box to decide the fate of would-be members.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sally goes about book burning (5)	### Answer: RABID ### Explanation: Definition: burning RAID(a sally,raid especially into enemy-held territory) containing(goes about) B($$b$$ook) Defn: Extremely keen about
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 ring with timelessness (8)	### Answer: ETERNITY ### Explanation: Definition: A ring with timelessness Cryptic defn(?): A type of ring as a token of lasting affection. In case you're not aware, and in case your dear wife says she'd like one, the picture shows what you're in for (hopefully not lasting debt 🙂 ). The continuous, never-ending band of stones is meant to symbolise timelessness – not hard to see who's promoting that! Or it could be a 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: Soft chicken, perhaps, is a competitor (6)	### Answer: PLAYER ### Explanation: Definition: competitor P($$p$$iano, musical notation to play softly) LAYER(an example,perhaps of a chicken,hen kept for laying eggs)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Leave it rolling around on high ground (9)	### Answer: ELEVATION ### Explanation: Definition: high ground Anagram of(rolling around) [LEAVE IT] + ON
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Magnify computer key area and left upset (8)	### Answer: ESCALATE ### Explanation: Definition: Magnify ESC( the Escape key on the left top corner of your computer keyboard) A($$a$$rea) plus(and) L($$l$$eft) ATE(worried,upset, as in "His financial problems ate at him") Defn: To increase in intensity or magnitude,swell,magnify
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Wide? By a yard – length, yes – catch! (6)	### Answer: WAYLAY ### Explanation: Definition: catch W(a ball bowled $$w$$ide of the batter, in cricket notation) + A + Y($$y$$ard) + L($$l$$ength) AY(another form of "aye",yes) Defn: To catch,pounce on from an ambush
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 boxer enjoys this rest (4-3)	### Answer: SHUT-EYE ### Explanation: Definition: rest Cryptic defn: An eye can be so heavily and repeatedly punched in a boxing match that it cannot be opened,will remain shut, usually leading to the referee stopping the fight and awarding the match to the inflictor – something obviously that the loser won't enjoy – perhaps more so the losing than the pain.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Me and Lucy travel for school (6)	### Answer: LYCEUM ### Explanation: Definition: school Anagram of(travel) [ME & LUCY] Defn: A French school for students between elementary school and university
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Coffee gizmo chairman conceals (5)	### Answer: MOCHA ### Explanation: Definition: Coffee Hidden in(conceals) gizMO CHAirman
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Say it, for example, before church (9)	### Answer: PRONOUNCE ### Explanation: Definition: Say PRONOUN(an example of which,for example is "it") placed before(before) CE(abbrev. for $$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Where one may put the chalk before break, at the right moment (2,3)	### Answer: ON CUE ### Explanation: Definition: Where one may put the chalk before break,at the right moment Double defn: 1st: Cryptic defn: A billiards/snooker/pool player may put chalk on his/her cue just before his/her turn,break
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Keen for action? (6,3)	### Answer: BATTLE CRY ### Explanation: Definition: Keen for action Cryptic defn: BATTLE(action,fighting) + CRY(keen,mourn, usually for the dead) making something to rally the troops keen,eager for action,fight. A nice wordplay intertwined with the definition (WIWD)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Boat with half the crew in the stern (5)	### Answer: CRAFT ### Explanation: Definition: Boat CR(half the letters of "crew") plus(in the – I thought "at the" would have been more apropos to avoid confusion with a container indication) AFT(sea-going parlance for stern,the back of the boat). The salutary nautical reference with Rufus. A 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: Keep quiet about silver and nitrogen in the bottle (6)	### Answer: MAGNUM ### Explanation: Definition: bottle MUM(keep quiet) containing(about) AG(symbol for the element silver in chemistry) plus(and) N(similarly for the element nitrogen) Defn: A large bottle (for wine) whose capacity is that of 2 ordinary bottles, or 1.5 litres
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Service is nevertheless no good (8)	### Answer: EVENSONG ### Explanation: Definition: Service EVEN SO(nevertheless,notwithstanding) NG(abbrevs. for "$$n$$o" and "$$g$$ood" respectively) Defn: Church service held in the evening
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Problem for retired cover girl (7)	### Answer: DILEMMA ### Explanation: Definition: Problem Reversal of(retired) LID(cover for a container) + EMMA(name for a girl) Defn: A problem that comes with a pair of horns on which you find yourself
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Makes slow progress by streetcar (7)	### Answer: STROLLS ### Explanation: Definition: Makes slow progress ST(abbrev. for $$st$$reet) + ROLLS(Royce, the iconic British car marque, though also well known for jet engines)
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 quiet river location, well chosen (8)	### Answer: APPOSITE ### Explanation: Definition: well chosen A + P($$p$$iano, musical direction to play quietly) + PO(river in Italy) + SITE(location)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Boil – the spot comes first (6)	### Answer: SEETHE ### Explanation: Definition: Boil SEE(to spot,notice) placed before(comes first) THE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Conservative-Labour rift? (5)	### Answer: CLEFT ### Explanation: Definition: rift C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party) + LEFT(the traditional position of the Labour Party in the political spectrum, but traditions fade away)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Famous trumpet piece? Not impressed (9)	### Answer: VOLUNTARY ### Explanation: Definition: Famous trumpet piece,Not impressed Double defn: 1st: An English keyboard piece from the Baroque era, usually played on the organ using the trumpet stop – the most famous is perhaps Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary, mistakenly attributed to Henry Purcell; and 2nd: The opposite of,not being impressed/pressed/forced into, say, maritime service. Another nautical reference.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Shuffle the cards dishonestly and make a pile (5)	### Answer: STACK ### Explanation: Definition: Shuffle the cards dishonestly,make a pile Double defn: 1st: From "to stack the deck/cards",to arrange,shuffle cards in the deck in order to deal an advantageous hand, in other words to cheat
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Removed fat, including wrinkle (6,3)	### Answer: STRUCK OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Removed STOUT(fat,weight-challenged in PC terms) containing(including) RUCK(a wrinkle,crease eg. in fabric) Lovely surface – think plastic surgery
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mistakes in Latin translation (6)	### Answer: ERRATA ### Explanation: Definition: Mistakes Cryptic defn (weakly?): Latin for wanderings,errors,strayings, translated as " mistakes"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Example set by the Ancients (8)	### Answer: INSTANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Example Anagram of(set by) ANCIENTS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Place of interest it's the custom to be silent going round (6)	### Answer: MUSEUM ### Explanation: Definition: Place of interest MUM(be silent) containing(going round) USE(it's the custom,customary practice or employment of as in "to follow the current use of such methods"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Colour of Sherlock's study? (7)	### Answer: SCARLET ### Explanation: Definition: Colour Cryptic defn: Colour from the title of the Sherlock Holmes story "A Study in Scarlet".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Entraps by gin? (6)	### Answer: SNARES ### Explanation: Definition: Entraps Cryptic defn (slightly?): A gin is a trap for game The crypticness is from the surface of someone being snared,seduced by gin the drink?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chelsea's opener precedes painful play in big match (3,5)	### Answer: CUP FINAL ### Explanation: Definition: big match C(initial letter,opener of "Chelsea") placed before(precedes) anagram of(play) PAINFUL
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 before the final passion (4)	### Answer: HEAT ### Explanation: Definition: It comes before the final,passion Double defn: 1st: The event that comes before, and to decide who is in, the final race.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Naughty child to lie when in trouble, being insolent (8)	### Answer: IMPOLITE ### Explanation: Definition: insolent IMP(naughty child) + anagram of(when in trouble) TO LIE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Leading sea power (4)	### Answer: MAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Leading,sea,power Triple defn: 1st: The foremost,leading,significant, as in "the main event"; and 2nd: The high sea,the bounding main; and 3rd: Physical strength,force,power as in "might and main"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Go by car, perhaps (8)	### Answer: OVERTAKE ### Explanation: Definition: Go by car, perhaps Cryptic defn: To pass,go by (another) car, perhaps in your own,by car
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Paces (sic) visited on holiday, or between holidays (7)	### Answer: RESORTS ### Explanation: Definition: Paces,visited on holiday OR contained in(between) RESTS(holidays) Defn: Places you go to to spend your holidays perhaps
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Firm base? (6)	### Answer: OFFICE ### Explanation: Definition: Firm base Cryptic defn: Place from which,base for a company's,firm's operations Situated perhaps in Slough?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Reduce to silence when imprisoned (4,2)	### Answer: SHUT UP ### Explanation: Definition: Reduce to silence,when imprisoned 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: Poor firm later making a profit (4,2)	### Answer: HARD UP ### Explanation: Definition: Poor HARD(firm, not company this time, but tough or solid) + UP(making a profit,in the black)
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 short time back (6)	### Answer: SECOND ### Explanation: Definition: A short time,back Double defn: 1st: A short time period, 60 to a minute; and 2nd: As in "I second the motion"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: An even chance drunkard turns to drink (4-2)	### Answer: TOSS-UP ### Explanation: Definition: An even chance Reversal of(turns) SOT(the drunkard) plus(to) SUP(to drink)
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 watch (7)	### Answer: OBSERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Keep,watch Double defn: 1st: To adhere to,comply with, eg. "keep to the law", "keep the tradition"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Penguin noted by Beethoven (7)	### Answer: EMPEROR ### Explanation: Definition: Penguin,noted by Beethoven Double defn: 1st: The largest of the flightless Antarctic birds; and 2nd: Piano concerto No.5 composed,noted by Beethoven simply known as the "Emperor"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sheer – ought to be changed (3,7)	### Answer: SEE THROUGH ### Explanation: Definition: Sheer Anagram of(ought to be changed) SHEER OUGHT. Defn: Descriptive of fabrics for (day) curtains, and (feminine, usually) clothing. A wonderful WIWD (wordplay intertwined 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: Club for evening out (4)	### Answer: IRON ### Explanation: Definition: Club,for evening out Double defn: 1st: A golf club nowadays made of steel, not iron; and 2nd: Cryptic defn: Implement for evening,de-creasing,smoothening out fabric
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Clever people making gin that is fantastic (5)	### Answer: GENII ### Explanation: Definition: Clever people Anagram of(making … fantastic) [GIN + IE(that is,from the Latin $$i$$d $$e$$st)] Defn: The plural for "genius", to mean an exceptionally clever person is "geniuses", whereas "genii" is the plural for when it means a guiding or guardian spirit, or an Arabic demon/jinn. Is Dante is being whimsical?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sling net around young bird (8)	### Answer: NESTLING ### Explanation: Definition: young bird Anagram of(around) SLING NET
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Clear and complicated dates listed (8)	### Answer: CALENDAR ### Explanation: Definition: dates listed Anagram of(complicated) CLEAR AND Defn: On which one finds dates listed
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 reason why some people fight (5)	### Answer: CAUSE ### Explanation: Definition: A reason,why some people fight Double defn: 1st: As in "cause and effect"; and 2nd: Something,a reason for which,why some people fight
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 town producing optical equipment (4)	### Answer: LENS ### Explanation: Definition: French town,optical equipment 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: Delayed action with stand-in starting film scene (6,4)	### Answer: DOUBLE TAKE ### Explanation: Definition: Delayed action DOUBLE(a stand-in, usually for an actor, to do the dangerous stunts) placed before(starting) TAKE(recording of a film scene without any interruption or break; several takes of the same scene often required before the director is satisfied with the result) Defn: A delayed reaction by a person to a remark or a situation, often used by double-acts in comedy, perfectly timed by the likes of Morecambe and Wise, and the Smothers Brothers. An apt surface to the 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: In such agreement cash, too, is involved (7)	### Answer: CAHOOTS ### Explanation: Definition: In such agreement Anagram of(is involved) CASH TOO Defn: In conspiracy,in collusion
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bank note held, all right for capital? (7)	### Answer: BANGKOK ### Explanation: Definition: capital BANK containing(held) G(a note in a musical scale) + OK(okay,all right) Defn: The capital city of Thailand. If you're playing charades, the most obvious action for this 2-syllable word is probably best given a miss if playing in prim and proper company 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Maintain a strong company (6)	### Answer: AFFIRM ### Explanation: Definition: Maintain A + F(abbrev. for forte, a musical direction to play with force,strongly) + FIRM(a commercial company)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Docks, where sailors sleep (6)	### Answer: BERTHS ### Explanation: Definition: Docks,where sailors sleep Double defn. The salutary nautical reference
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Brush a fur coat (5)	### Answer: SABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Brush,a fur coat Double defn: 1st: An artist's brush made with bristles from the sable (alternatively from a type of weasel); and 2nd: A coat made with the fur of the sable
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 can't love, fake or betray (5,2)	### Answer: CHEAT ON ### Explanation: Definition: betray Anagram of(fake) of [HE CAN'T + O(looks like zero,love score in tennis)] Defn: Be disloyal,unfaithful
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Men driven mad? Don't become concerned (5,4)	### Answer: NEVER MIND ### Explanation: Definition: Don't become concerned Anagram of(mad) MEN DRIVEN
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Go round twice at speed (5)	### Answer: OOMPH ### Explanation: Definition: Go OO(round,circle twice) plus(at) MPH(miles per hour, speed in pre-metric units) Defn: Energy,vitality
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Though particular, the place is in a mess (7)	### Answer: SPECIAL ### Explanation: Definition: Though particular Anagram of(in a mess) PLACE IS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Say it, for example, before church (9)	### Answer: PRONOUNCE ### Explanation: Definition: Say PRONOUN(an example of which,for example is "it") placed before(before) CE(abbrev. for $$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Blues, perhaps, at university who never get a first (7-2)	### Answer: RUNNERS-UP ### Explanation: Definition: who never get a first RUNNERS(examples of,perhaps blues,sportspersons who represent or have represented their university, derived from the colours of Oxford and Cambridge Universities) + UP(attending,at university, as opposed to being sent down)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Information and energy combine to form hereditary unit (4)

### Answer: GENE ### Explanation: Definition: hereditary unit GEN(information, derived from $$gen$$eral information) **plus**(and) E($$e$$nergy, famously in E=mc2 )

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Doctor using typist's chair (12)

### Answer: PSYCHIATRIST ### Explanation: Definition: Doctor **Anagram of**(using) TYPIST'S CHAIR Defn: Doctor who diagnoses and treats or "cures" you of your mental disorders, through listening to, and encouraging you to talk about your inner self, aka a headshrink

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Shy, evenly mottled prairie wolf (6)

### Answer: COYOTE ### Explanation: Definition: prairie wolf COY(shy) + O,T, E(second, fourth and sixth letters,evenly of "mottled") Defn: As exemplified by the sworn enemy of the Road Runner

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 expression of fear about partner (4,4)

### Answer: KEEL OVER ### Explanation: Definition: Faint **Reversal of**(about) EEK!(a shriek,expression of fear) LOVER(partner, euphemistically)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: To throw something from ship or plane is not unusual (8)

### Answer: JETTISON ### Explanation: Definition: To throw something from ship JET(plane powered by generated thrust) + **anagram of**(unusual) IS NOT

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Slippery eel's head found in Serpentine (6)

### Answer: SNEAKY ### Explanation: Definition: Slippery E(initial letter,head of "eel") **contained in**(found in) SNAKY(serpentine,coiled like a snake)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Country originally banned alcoholic drinks (4)

### Answer: ALES ### Explanation: Definition: alcoholic drinks Wales(country) **minus** its first letter,originally banned

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Theatre providing entertainment for children? (9)

### Answer: PLAYHOUSE ### Explanation: Definition: Theatre,entertainment for children Double defn: 2nd: a small house for children to play in. Can also be called a Wendy house.

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 guards small gate, perhaps (6)

### Answer: SENTRY ### Explanation: Definition: He guards S($$s$$mall) ENTRY(an example of which,perhaps is a gate). A wordplay intertwined with the definition (WIWD).

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Bully kills strumpet, popular and impish creature (15)

### Answer: RUMPELSTILTSKIN ### Explanation: Definition: impish creature **Anagram of**(bully) [KILLS STRUMPET] + IN(popular, as in "the in-thing, in-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: Flattery finally gets you — and us — in a lather (8)

### Answer: SOAPSUDS ### Explanation: Definition: lather SOAP(slang for flattery, especially if it's soft) + S, U, D, S(last letters,finally of "gets", "you", "and", and "us" respectively). Another nice surface – agitation caused by obvious flattery.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Soothsayer and a swami putting foot over head (5)

### Answer: AUGUR ### Explanation: Definition: Soothsayer A + UGUR{"guru"(swami,Hindu intellectual or spiritual teacher) with its last letter,foot **placed above**(putting … over, in a down clue) its top,head}. Defn: Fortune tellers and swamis are likely to practice yoga, as well, at least in India, and be capable of putting their feet over their heads. Another 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: Imagining making a baby (10)

### Answer: CONCEIVING ### Explanation: Definition: Imagining,making a baby Double defn: The surface is so smooth, that it took me some time to separate the 2 meanings.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Each monk is embarrassed to have a dirty habit (5-5)

### Answer: CHAIN-SMOKE ### Explanation: Definition: dirty habit **Anagram of**(embarrassed) EACH MONK IS. A nice surface – of monks with unwashed robes.

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 hard to negotiate with drunk guy, perhaps (9)

### Answer: TIGHTROPE ### Explanation: Definition: It's hard to negotiate TIGHT(drunk,plastered) ROPE(what could,perhaps be used as a guy,stay,something to secure with)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Woman taking part in battles showing caution (8)

### Answer: WARINESS ### Explanation: Definition: caution INES(a woman's name) **contained in**(taking part in) WARS(battles)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Mammals with just over 100 people who look after them (6)

### Answer: CIVETS ### Explanation: Definition: Mammals CI(Roman numerals for 101,just over 100) + VETS(short for veterinarians, doctors who look after animals including mammals,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: Whack 150, get dismissed (5)

### Answer: CLOUT ### Explanation: Definition: Whack CL(Roman numerals for 150) OUT(get dismissed, eg. in cricket)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: type of vegetable (4)

### Answer: LEEK ### Explanation: Definition: type of vegetable **Reversal of**("over",second part of answer to 24 across) KEEL(first part of answer to 24 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: Whose mobile includes mostly moulded display? (8)

### Answer: SHOWCASE ### Explanation: Definition: display **Anagram of**(mobile) WHOSE **containing**(includes) CAS{"cast"(moulded) **minus** its last letter(mostly)}

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Far from lavish king enters resorts with wife finally (6)

### Answer: SPARSE ### Explanation: Definition: Far from lavish R(Latin $$R$$ex,king) **contained in**(enters) SPAS(resorts with springs and baths) **plus**(with) E(last letter,finally of "wife")

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Dash after old paper over and over again (5)

### Answer: OFTEN ### Explanation: Definition: over and over again EN(the endash – half the width of an emdash — which in turn is 1/6 of an inch wide – so there you have it) **placed after**(after) O($$o$$ld) FT(the newspaper the $$F$$inancial $$T$$imes)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Adequate fare enhanced by new role (9)

### Answer: TOLERABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Adequate TABLE(figuratively, the food and drinks served at meals,fare) **contained in**(enhanced by) **anagram of**(new) of ROLE. Defn: To an adequate,acceptable level

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 speech, conclude Madonna provides a hospital (9)

### Answer: INFIRMARY ### Explanation: Definition: hospital INFIR{**homophone of**(in speech) of "infer"(conclude)} + MARY(Madonna,the Virgin Mary, definitely not the Material Girl)

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 leave happy – like times gone by (5)

### Answer: OLDEN ### Explanation: Definition: like times gone by "Golden"(happy, as in "the golden days") **minus**(to leave) G($$g$$ood)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Colour's return bound to keep street on board (6)

### Answer: PASTEL ### Explanation: Definition: Colour **Reversal of**(return) LEAP(bound,jump) **containing**(to keep … on board) ST($$st$$reet)

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### Clue: What causes change concerning a refined sort? (7)

### Answer: REAGENT ### Explanation: Definition: What causes change RE(concerning,about) + A + GENT(short for gentleman,a presumed refined sort of chap)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: This is bound to happen, therefore lads alter wicket (4,3)

### Answer: SOD’S LAW ### Explanation: Definition: This is bound to happen SO(therefore,hence,thus) + **anagram of**(alter) LADS + W(abbrev. for $$w$$icket in cricket notation). Defn: Aka Murphy's Law, whose central premise is "If anything can go wrong, it WILL go wrong", and its corollaries.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Dig in small and untidy dump (6)

### Answer: SHOVEL ### Explanation: Definition: Dig S($$s$$mall) **plus**(and) HOVEL(untidy dump,disorganized, cramped and messy dwelling place)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Maiden entering opening is let in (5)

### Answer: ADMIT ### Explanation: Definition: let in M(abbrev. for "maiden" in cricket notation) **contained in**(entering) ADIT(an opening into a mine)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Maiden with no ugly day for a change? (5,4)

### Answer: YOUNG LADY ### Explanation: Definition: Maiden **Anagram of**(for a change) NO UGLY DAY

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### Clue: Safe haven in large northern city (9)

### Answer: ANCHORAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Safe haven,large northern city Double defn: 2nd: Largest city in the northern state of Alaska

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### Clue: The best team's comment to the audience (5)

### Answer: ASIDE ### Explanation: Definition: comment to the audience A-SIDE(the best,first class,Class A team,side)

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### Clue: In Madrid the church's recess is to slip away (6)

### Answer: ELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: slip away EL(the definite article "the" in the local language in Madrid) APSE(a church's recess)

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### Clue: Roughly prune an alyssum's trailer yearly (3,5)

### Answer: PER ANNUM ### Explanation: Definition: yearly **Anagram of**(roughly) [PRUNE AN] + M(last letter,trailer of "alyssum")

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### Clue: Phlegmatic son near top (6)

### Answer: STOLID ### Explanation: Definition: Phlegmatic S($$s$$on) [TO LID](near,in the direction of – didn't we previously discuss whether near=to was kosher? – top,lid of a vessel and such) Defn: Of an unemotional, sluggish and dull temperament – supposedly the character of one having an overabundance of phlegm.

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### Clue: Uncontrolled at once, like a green juggler's ball? (3,2,4)

### Answer: OUT OF HAND ### Explanation: Definition: Uncontrolled,at once,like a green juggler's ball Triple defn: 1st: Like a classroom without a teacher present; and 2nd: Like an answer from the top of one's head, without hesitation or thought; and 3rd: Like a ball (of any colour) of an inexperienced,green juggler (of any colour) which is missed being caught

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### Clue: Well done! Saluting cartoon Goofy (15)

### Answer: CONGRATULATIONS ### Explanation: Definition: Well done **Anagram of**(Goofy) SALUTING CARTOON

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### Clue: Leave groups to worry (3,4)

### Answer: SET SAIL ### Explanation: Definition: Leave SETS(groups) + AIL(to worry,sicken)

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### Clue: He's blackballed Roman chap, soon good grass gets answer (7,3,5)

### Answer: PERSONA NON GRATA ### Explanation: Definition: He's blackballed Roman PERSON(chap) ANON(soon) G($$g$$ood) RAT(to tell on,betray,grass, especially to the law) ***plus***(gets) A($$a$$nswer, as in "Q and A"). Defn: In Latin, the old Roman language, for someone who is not welcome,explicitly excluded. "Blackball" is derived from the traditional anonymous voting process by placing a white ball (accepting) or a black ball(rejecting) into the ballot box to decide the fate of would-be members.

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### Clue: Sally goes about book burning (5)

### Answer: RABID ### Explanation: Definition: burning RAID(a sally,raid especially into enemy-held territory) **containing**(goes about) B($$b$$ook) Defn: Extremely keen about

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### Clue: A ring with timelessness (8)

### Answer: ETERNITY ### Explanation: Definition: A ring with timelessness Cryptic defn(?): A type of ring as a token of lasting affection. In case you're not aware, and in case your dear wife says she'd like one, the picture shows what you're in for (hopefully not lasting debt 🙂 ). The continuous, never-ending band of stones is meant to symbolise timelessness – not hard to see who's promoting that! Or it could be a double defn.(?)

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### Clue: Soft chicken, perhaps, is a competitor (6)

### Answer: PLAYER ### Explanation: Definition: competitor P($$p$$iano, musical notation to play softly) LAYER(an example,perhaps of a chicken,hen kept for laying eggs)

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### Clue: Leave it rolling around on high ground (9)

### Answer: ELEVATION ### Explanation: Definition: high ground **Anagram of**(rolling around) [LEAVE IT] + ON

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### Clue: Magnify computer key area and left upset (8)

### Answer: ESCALATE ### Explanation: Definition: Magnify ESC( the Escape key on the left top corner of your computer keyboard) A($$a$$rea) **plus**(and) L($$l$$eft) ATE(worried,upset, as in "His financial problems ate at him") Defn: To increase in intensity or magnitude,swell,magnify

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### Clue: Wide? By a yard – length, yes – catch! (6)

### Answer: WAYLAY ### Explanation: Definition: catch W(a ball bowled $$w$$ide of the batter, in cricket notation) + A + Y($$y$$ard) + L($$l$$ength) AY(another form of "aye",yes) Defn: To catch,pounce on from an ambush

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### Clue: No boxer enjoys this rest (4-3)

### Answer: SHUT-EYE ### Explanation: Definition: rest Cryptic defn: An eye can be so heavily and repeatedly punched in a boxing match that it cannot be opened,will remain shut, usually leading to the referee stopping the fight and awarding the match to the inflictor – something obviously that the loser won't enjoy – perhaps more so the losing than the pain.

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### Clue: Me and Lucy travel for school (6)

### Answer: LYCEUM ### Explanation: Definition: school **Anagram of**(travel) [ME & LUCY] Defn: A French school for students between elementary school and university

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### Clue: Coffee gizmo chairman conceals (5)

### Answer: MOCHA ### Explanation: Definition: Coffee **Hidden in**(conceals) gizMO CHAirman

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### Clue: Say it, for example, before church (9)

### Answer: PRONOUNCE ### Explanation: Definition: Say PRONOUN(an example of which,for example is "it") **placed before**(before) CE(abbrev. for $$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)

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### Clue: Where one may put the chalk before break, at the right moment (2,3)

### Answer: ON CUE ### Explanation: Definition: Where one may put the chalk before break,at the right moment Double defn: 1st: Cryptic defn: A billiards/snooker/pool player may put chalk on his/her cue just before his/her turn,break

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### Clue: Keen for action? (6,3)

### Answer: BATTLE CRY ### Explanation: Definition: Keen for action Cryptic defn: BATTLE(action,fighting) + CRY(keen,mourn, usually for the dead) making something to rally the troops keen,eager for action,fight. A nice wordplay intertwined with the definition (WIWD)

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### Clue: Boat with half the crew in the stern (5)

### Answer: CRAFT ### Explanation: Definition: Boat CR(half the letters of "crew") **plus**(in the – I thought "at the" would have been more apropos to avoid confusion with a container indication) AFT(sea-going parlance for stern,the back of the boat). The salutary nautical reference with Rufus. A nice surface.

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### Clue: Keep quiet about silver and nitrogen in the bottle (6)

### Answer: MAGNUM ### Explanation: Definition: bottle MUM(keep quiet) **containing**(about) AG(symbol for the element silver in chemistry) **plus**(and) N(similarly for the element nitrogen) Defn: A large bottle (for wine) whose capacity is that of 2 ordinary bottles, or 1.5 litres

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### Clue: Service is nevertheless no good (8)

### Answer: EVENSONG ### Explanation: Definition: Service EVEN SO(nevertheless,notwithstanding) NG(abbrevs. for "$$n$$o" and "$$g$$ood" respectively) Defn: Church service held in the evening

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### Clue: Problem for retired cover girl (7)

### Answer: DILEMMA ### Explanation: Definition: Problem **Reversal of**(retired) LID(cover for a container) + EMMA(name for a girl) Defn: A problem that comes with a pair of horns on which you find yourself

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### Clue: Makes slow progress by streetcar (7)

### Answer: STROLLS ### Explanation: Definition: Makes slow progress ST(abbrev. for $$st$$reet) + ROLLS(Royce, the iconic British car marque, though also well known for jet engines)

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### Clue: A quiet river location, well chosen (8)

### Answer: APPOSITE ### Explanation: Definition: well chosen A + P($$p$$iano, musical direction to play quietly) + PO(river in Italy) + SITE(location)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Boil – the spot comes first (6)

### Answer: SEETHE ### Explanation: Definition: Boil SEE(to spot,notice) **placed before**(comes first) THE

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Conservative-Labour rift? (5)

### Answer: CLEFT ### Explanation: Definition: rift C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party) + LEFT(the traditional position of the Labour Party in the political spectrum, but traditions fade away)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Famous trumpet piece? Not impressed (9)

### Answer: VOLUNTARY ### Explanation: Definition: Famous trumpet piece,Not impressed Double defn: 1st: An English keyboard piece from the Baroque era, usually played on the organ using the trumpet stop – the most famous is perhaps Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary, mistakenly attributed to Henry Purcell; and 2nd: The opposite of,not being impressed/pressed/forced into, say, maritime service. Another nautical reference.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Shuffle the cards dishonestly and make a pile (5)

### Answer: STACK ### Explanation: Definition: Shuffle the cards dishonestly,make a pile Double defn: 1st: From "to stack the deck/cards",to arrange,shuffle cards in the deck in order to deal an advantageous hand, in other words to cheat

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Removed fat, including wrinkle (6,3)

### Answer: STRUCK OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Removed STOUT(fat,weight-challenged in PC terms) **containing**(including) RUCK(a wrinkle,crease eg. in fabric) Lovely surface – think plastic surgery

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Mistakes in Latin translation (6)

### Answer: ERRATA ### Explanation: Definition: Mistakes Cryptic defn (weakly?): Latin for wanderings,errors,strayings, translated as " mistakes"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Example set by the Ancients (8)

### Answer: INSTANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Example **Anagram of**(set by) ANCIENTS

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Place of interest it's the custom to be silent going round (6)

### Answer: MUSEUM ### Explanation: Definition: Place of interest MUM(be silent) **containing**(going round) USE(it's the custom,customary practice or employment of as in "to follow the current use of such methods"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Colour of Sherlock's study? (7)

### Answer: SCARLET ### Explanation: Definition: Colour Cryptic defn: Colour from the title of the Sherlock Holmes story "A Study in Scarlet".

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Entraps by gin? (6)

### Answer: SNARES ### Explanation: Definition: Entraps Cryptic defn (slightly?): A gin is a trap for game The crypticness is from the surface of someone being snared,seduced by gin the drink?

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Chelsea's opener precedes painful play in big match (3,5)

### Answer: CUP FINAL ### Explanation: Definition: big match C(initial letter,opener of "Chelsea") **placed before**(precedes) **anagram of**(play) PAINFUL

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 before the final passion (4)

### Answer: HEAT ### Explanation: Definition: It comes before the final,passion Double defn: 1st: The event that comes before, and to decide who is in, the final race.

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Naughty child to lie when in trouble, being insolent (8)

### Answer: IMPOLITE ### Explanation: Definition: insolent IMP(naughty child) + **anagram of**(when in trouble) TO LIE

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Leading sea power (4)

### Answer: MAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Leading,sea,power Triple defn: 1st: The foremost,leading,significant, as in "the main event"; and 2nd: The high sea,the bounding main; and 3rd: Physical strength,force,power as in "might and main"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Go by car, perhaps (8)

### Answer: OVERTAKE ### Explanation: Definition: Go by car, perhaps Cryptic defn: To pass,go by (another) car, perhaps in your own,by car

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Paces (sic) visited on holiday, or between holidays (7)

### Answer: RESORTS ### Explanation: Definition: Paces,visited on holiday OR **contained in**(between) RESTS(holidays) Defn: Places you go to to spend your holidays perhaps

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Firm base? (6)

### Answer: OFFICE ### Explanation: Definition: Firm base Cryptic defn: Place from which,base for a company's,firm's operations Situated perhaps in Slough?

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Reduce to silence when imprisoned (4,2)

### Answer: SHUT UP ### Explanation: Definition: Reduce to silence,when imprisoned 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: Poor firm later making a profit (4,2)

### Answer: HARD UP ### Explanation: Definition: Poor HARD(firm, not company this time, but tough or solid) + UP(making a profit,in the black)

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 short time back (6)

### Answer: SECOND ### Explanation: Definition: A short time,back Double defn: 1st: A short time period, 60 to a minute; and 2nd: As in "I second the motion"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: An even chance drunkard turns to drink (4-2)

### Answer: TOSS-UP ### Explanation: Definition: An even chance **Reversal of**(turns) SOT(the drunkard) **plus**(to) SUP(to drink)

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 watch (7)

### Answer: OBSERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Keep,watch Double defn: 1st: To adhere to,comply with, eg. "keep to the law", "keep the tradition"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Penguin noted by Beethoven (7)

### Answer: EMPEROR ### Explanation: Definition: Penguin,noted by Beethoven Double defn: 1st: The largest of the flightless Antarctic birds; and 2nd: Piano concerto No.5 composed,noted by Beethoven simply known as the "Emperor"

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Sheer – ought to be changed (3,7)

### Answer: SEE THROUGH ### Explanation: Definition: Sheer **Anagram of**(ought to be changed) SHEER OUGHT. Defn: Descriptive of fabrics for (day) curtains, and (feminine, usually) clothing. A wonderful WIWD (wordplay intertwined 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: Club for evening out (4)

### Answer: IRON ### Explanation: Definition: Club,for evening out Double defn: 1st: A golf club nowadays made of steel, not iron; and 2nd: Cryptic defn: Implement for evening,de-creasing,smoothening out fabric

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Clever people making gin that is fantastic (5)

### Answer: GENII ### Explanation: Definition: Clever people **Anagram of**(making … fantastic) [GIN + IE(that is,from the Latin $$i$$d $$e$$st)] Defn: The plural for "genius", to mean an exceptionally clever person is "geniuses", whereas "genii" is the plural for when it means a guiding or guardian spirit, or an Arabic demon/jinn. Is Dante is being whimsical?

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Sling net around young bird (8)

### Answer: NESTLING ### Explanation: Definition: young bird **Anagram of**(around) SLING NET

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Clear and complicated dates listed (8)

### Answer: CALENDAR ### Explanation: Definition: dates listed **Anagram of**(complicated) CLEAR AND Defn: On which one finds dates listed

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 reason why some people fight (5)

### Answer: CAUSE ### Explanation: Definition: A reason,why some people fight Double defn: 1st: As in "cause and effect"; and 2nd: Something,a reason for which,why some people fight

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 town producing optical equipment (4)

### Answer: LENS ### Explanation: Definition: French town,optical equipment 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: Delayed action with stand-in starting film scene (6,4)

### Answer: DOUBLE TAKE ### Explanation: Definition: Delayed action DOUBLE(a stand-in, usually for an actor, to do the dangerous stunts) **placed before**(starting) TAKE(recording of a film scene without any interruption or break; several takes of the same scene often required before the director is satisfied with the result) Defn: A delayed reaction by a person to a remark or a situation, often used by double-acts in comedy, perfectly timed by the likes of Morecambe and Wise, and the Smothers Brothers. An apt surface to the 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: In such agreement cash, too, is involved (7)

### Answer: CAHOOTS ### Explanation: Definition: In such agreement **Anagram of**(is involved) CASH TOO Defn: In conspiracy,in collusion

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Bank note held, all right for capital? (7)

### Answer: BANGKOK ### Explanation: Definition: capital BANK **containing**(held) G(a note in a musical scale) + OK(okay,all right) Defn: The capital city of Thailand. If you're playing charades, the most obvious action for this 2-syllable word is probably best given a miss if playing in prim and proper company 🙂

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Maintain a strong company (6)

### Answer: AFFIRM ### Explanation: Definition: Maintain A + F(abbrev. for forte, a musical direction to play with force,strongly) + FIRM(a commercial company)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Docks, where sailors sleep (6)

### Answer: BERTHS ### Explanation: Definition: Docks,where sailors sleep Double defn. The salutary nautical reference

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Brush a fur coat (5)

### Answer: SABLE ### Explanation: Definition: Brush,a fur coat Double defn: 1st: An artist's brush made with bristles from the sable (alternatively from a type of weasel); and 2nd: A coat made with the fur of the sable

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 can't love, fake or betray (5,2)

### Answer: CHEAT ON ### Explanation: Definition: betray **Anagram of**(fake) of [HE CAN'T + O(looks like zero,love score in tennis)] Defn: Be disloyal,unfaithful

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Men driven mad? Don't become concerned (5,4)

### Answer: NEVER MIND ### Explanation: Definition: Don't become concerned **Anagram of**(mad) MEN DRIVEN

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Go round twice at speed (5)

### Answer: OOMPH ### Explanation: Definition: Go OO(round,circle twice) **plus**(at) MPH(miles per hour, speed in pre-metric units) Defn: Energy,vitality

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Though particular, the place is in a mess (7)

### Answer: SPECIAL ### Explanation: Definition: Though particular **Anagram of**(in a mess) PLACE IS

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Say it, for example, before church (9)

### Answer: PRONOUNCE ### Explanation: Definition: Say PRONOUN(an example of which,for example is "it") **placed before**(before) CE(abbrev. for $$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)

You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.

### Clue: Blues, perhaps, at university who never get a first (7-2)

### Answer: RUNNERS-UP ### Explanation: Definition: who never get a first RUNNERS(examples of,perhaps blues,sportspersons who represent or have represented their university, derived from the colours of Oxford and Cambridge Universities) + UP(attending,at university, as opposed to being sent down)