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: Doctor needs fluid for German city (7)	### Answer: DRESDEN ### Explanation: Definition: German city Anagram of(fluid) [DR(abbrev. for "doctor") + NEEDS]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rover, for example, gets sort of meal that's sweet (7)	### Answer: CARAMEL ### Explanation: Definition: sweet CAR(an example of which,for example, is the British Rover, which company started with motorcycles and bicycles, and since then has had a chequered history, presently extinct except for the Land Rover marque owned by Tata Motors of India) plus(gets) anagram of(sort of) MEAL
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Personal ambition that's a setback for the team (3,4)	### Answer: OWN GOAL ### Explanation: Definition: Personal ambition,setback for the team 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: Cook one way or another, bringing in Ramsay initially (5)	### Answer: BROIL ### Explanation: Definition: Cook one way BOIL(another way to cook) containing(bringing in) R(initial letter,initially of "Ramsay", Gordon, that fiery – to use a euphemism – Scotsman of a cook, sorry, chef). Another WIWD clue, referring to the TV series "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares", where he – culinary skills, profanities and all – was brought into the kitchens of failing restaurants to revive them – cook one way or another.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Turncoats messed a general up? Not completely (9)	### Answer: RENEGADES ### Explanation: Definition: Turncoats Hidden in(not completely) and reversal of(up, in a down clue) mesSED A GENERal
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 of child picked up by the ears (5)	### Answer: MIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Power Homophone of(picked up by the ears) "mite"(child). A (human) child would need mighty powerful ears to be picked up by 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: Illness caused by beef? (9)	### Answer: COMPLAINT ### Explanation: Definition: Illness,beef Double defn: 1st: An illness,disease,ailment; and 2nd: Gripe,beef
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rest that's essential for tightrope walker (7)	### Answer: BALANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Rest,that's essential for tightrope walker Double defn: 1st: The rest,what's remaining, eg. in your bank account
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fast train, say (7)	### Answer: EXPRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Fast train,say 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: Conservative leader, safe but unattractive (9)	### Answer: CHARMLESS ### Explanation: Definition: unattractive C(initial letter,leader of "conservative) + HARMLESS(safe). Defn: Having no charm(s), physical, magical or otherwise, to enchant,attract you. Descriptive of a retired old witch on all counts.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Originally bison and bear feature in park (9)	### Answer: BANDSTAND ### Explanation: Definition: feature in park B(initial letter of,originally "bison") plus(and) STAND(bear,tolerate)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: People not satisfied with Ransome novel (7)	### Answer: MOANERS ### Explanation: Definition: People not satisfied Anagram of(novel) of RANSOME
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Book a possible substitute (7)	### Answer: RESERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Book,a possible substitute Double defn: 1st: To book in advance, eg. for a table in a restaurant: and 2nd: Someone who sits on the bench and may be called in as a substitute during a team game.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Puzzled when Australian birds appear in part of garden (7)	### Answer: BEMUSED ### Explanation: Definition: Puzzled EMUS(Austrian flightless birds, not sheilas) contained in(appear in) BED(part of the garden)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: American turning up with dirty bear (7)	### Answer: SUSTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: bear Reversal of(turning up, in a down clue) U.S.(American) plus(with) STAIN(verb to dirty,mark 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: What was heard in Rome and a quarter of Paris (5)	### Answer: LATIN ### Explanation: Definition: What was heard in Rome,a quarter of Paris Double defn: 1st: Language heard in Rome long ago; and 2nd: Latin Quarter is an area in Paris known for the number of educational institutions there, hence its student life, lively atmosphere and bistros. Interestingly, its name comes from the language that was spoken around and in the University, since it was the language of learning in the Middle Ages.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Musical heroine joining Laurie in a song (5)	### Answer: ANNIE ### Explanation: Definition: Musical heroine,joining Laurie in a song Double defn: 1st: Little Orphan Annie or Annie Oakley, heroines in the musicals "Annie" and "Annie Get Your Gun" respectively, take your pick; and 2nd: Together,joining with Laurie to give the title of an old Scottish song whose earliest known version, perhaps closest to the original, has these (some quaint) lyrics: Maxwelton braes are bonnie, where early fa's the dew Where me and Annie Laurie made up the promise true Made up the promise true, and ne'er forget will I And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay doun my head and die She's backit like the peacock, she's breistit like the swan She's jimp aboot the middle, her waist ye weel may span Her waist ye weel may span, and she has a rolling eye *And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay doun my head and die.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Starting point is no walkover for the bride (9)	### Answer: THRESHOLD ### Explanation: Definition: Starting point Cryptic defn: Refering to the tradition of where the bride does not walk over, but is carried by her groom over, the doorsill,threshold of their marital home. Which literal threshold is symbolic of the starting point,threshold of married life.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Watch open-mouthed as centre forward moves into space (4)	### Answer: GAWP ### Explanation: Definition: Watch open-mouthed W(middle letter,centre of "forward") contained in(moves into) GAP(space). Nice footballing 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: Business force established around the last millennium (8)	### Answer: COMMERCE ### Explanation: Definition: Business COERCE(verb, to force) containing(established around) MM(Roman numeral for 2000, the last, up to the present, millennium,1000th anniversary year since anno Domini)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Slim elves play around a square (6)	### Answer: SVELTE ### Explanation: Definition: Slim Anagram of(play) ELVES containing(around) T(a T square, a T-shaped ruler used in mechanical drawing, possibly all but extinct by now, but I used to be a proud owner of 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: Depart agitatedly; it may explode! (6)	### Answer: PETARD ### Explanation: Definition: it may explode Anagram of(agitatedly) DEPART. Another nice surface – if you don't run off fast enough, you will definitely be "hoist by your own petard". Answer: A firecracker, or, in a bigger version, a bomb designed to blow a hole in a door or wall. Interesting etymology, from Latin meaning a fart – a mighty big one, you could say, in the derivative usage!
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Erudite professors or their proteges, perhaps (8)	### Answer: SCHOLARS ### Explanation: Definition: Erudite professors,their proteges, perhaps Double defn: Answer: One of those words that have opposing meanings. 1st: persons who already have profound knowledge; and 2nd: persons who are starting or still trying to obtain such knowledge, perhaps under the tutelage of defn.1.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Jack, given wrong date, lowered (6)	### Answer: ABATED ### Explanation: Definition: lowered AB(abbrev. for able-bodied seaman,sailor,Jack or Jack Tar – Rufus's trademark inclusion of a nautical reference) plus(given) anagram of(wrong) DATE. Answer: Decreased,lowered in intensity, volume, etc.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Torn between father and a love initially of mother? (8)	### Answer: PARENTAL ### Explanation: Definition: of mother? RENT(torn as an adjective) contained in(between) [PA(father) plus(and) A + L(first letter,initially of "love")]. Answer: Descriptive,of mother, with ? indicating it could have been of father also)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Elegant fashion on a bride (8)	### Answer: DEBONAIR ### Explanation: Definition: Elegant Anagram of(fashion) ON A BRIDE. A 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: Expire, though previously fit as a fiddle (6)	### Answer: EXHALE ### Explanation: Definition: Expire EX(previously,once) HALE(fit as a fiddle, as in "hale and hearty") Answer: As opposed to inhale, breathe out,expire
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Parts that can't be matched (8)	### Answer: ODDMENTS ### Explanation: Definition: Parts that can't be matched Cryptic defn: Pieces,parts that can't be matched,odd.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cyril's playing with words in numbers (6)	### Answer: LYRICS ### Explanation: Definition: words in numbers Anagram of(playing) CYRIL'S Answer: The words of songs,musical numbers
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 may be a (sic) spun to make briefs (6)	### Answer: FIBRES ### Explanation: Definition: They may be a (sic) spun Anagram of(make) BRIEFS. 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: Heather Lake's underwear (8)	### Answer: LINGERIE ### Explanation: Definition: underwear LING(heather,heath,shrub that grows on open ground) + ERIE(one of the Great Lakes in N. America)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Experienced hat maker (4)	### Answer: FELT ### Explanation: Definition: Experienced,hat maker Double defn: 1st: Past tense of feel; and 2nd: material with which to make hats, or, put another way, a hat maker
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 thing one doesn't expect to be (9)	### Answer: SURPRISED ### Explanation: Definition: One thing one doesn't expect to be Cryptic 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: He's to be changed, not these (5)	### Answer: THOSE ### Explanation: Definition: not these Anagram of(be changed) HE'S TO. Answer: If not these, then must be those.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Up in arms (7)	### Answer: RAMPANT ### Explanation: Definition: Up in arms Cryptic defn: Not the usual meaning of being furious, but a descriptive term in heraldry of a beast rearing up on its hind leg in a coat-of-arms. The term is also specific about which leg, which way it's facing, and how its other legs and tail are positioned! A compact clue requiring lateral thinking.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: She would pack a right in a scrap (5)	### Answer: SHRED ### Explanation: Definition: a scrap SHE'D(she would) containing(~~would~~ pack) R($$r$$ight). Edit.note: Corrected per @6, thanks Robi. A nice surface for Lara Croft.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Reveals that one is being less reserved (5,2)	### Answer: OPENS UP ### Explanation: Definition: Reveals,one is being less reserved Double defn: 2nd: To be more communicative and forthcoming.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Perform for free? (9)	### Answer: DISCHARGE ### Explanation: Definition: Perform,free Double defn: 1st: To do,perform, eg. one's duties; and 2nd: To dismiss,free as in "the accused was discharged".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Aviation spirit? (7)	### Answer: GREMLIN ### Explanation: Definition: Aviation spirit Cryptic defn. Originally, a small imaginary creature,spirit blamed by RAF aviators for causing mechanical failures. Not what you put into your airplane fuel tank.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sudden drop of current – flaw later rectified (9)	### Answer: WATERFALL ### Explanation: Definition: Sudden drop of current Anagram of(rectified) FLAW LATER. Defn: Current of the watery and not electronic kind. 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: About to enter poor occupation? May end up on this (9)	### Answer: BREADLINE ### Explanation: Definition: May end up on this RE(about,with $$re$$gard to) contained in(to enter) BAD LINE(a poor occupation,line as in "what line are you in?"). Answer: Figuratively, to be poor and living at subsistence level, derived from the queue of people waiting for free food from a government agency or a charity. 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: How promotion should be given to miner, after recovery (2,5)	### Answer: ON MERIT ### Explanation: Definition: How promotion should be given Anagram of(after recovery) TO MINER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Specialist in stocktaking? (7)	### Answer: RUSTLER ### Explanation: Definition: Specialist in stocktaking? Cryptic defn: Not the guy taking an inventory of items in stock, but a professional,specialist in stealing,taking cattle,stock.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fit to work like a horse (7)	### Answer: HARNESS ### Explanation: Definition: Fit to work like a horse Cryptic defn, I think. To control and make fit (to work) for one's benefit, eg. to harness the energy of your workforce to, perhaps, make them work hard like a horse? Also, to fit a harness to a horse before making it work pulling a plough, carriage, etc. It is a WIWD clue, with perhaps 2 slightly different surfaces?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Ship in river south of the equator (5)	### Answer: LINER ### Explanation: Definition: Ship R($$r$$iver) placed below(south, in a down clue) LINE(the line,the equator, in the science of geography)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Censured about money issue (5)	### Answer: CHILD ### Explanation: Definition: issue CHID(alternative to chided,censured) containing(about) L(£,pound sterling,money)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Calm and able to move fast when doubt's repressed (6)	### Answer: PACIFY ### Explanation: Definition: Calm IF(expressing doubt,on condition) contained in(repressed) PACY(able to move at a fast pace,pacey) Answer: Calm 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: Learn by accident maybe contents of cover he arranged (8)	### Answer: OVERHEAR ### Explanation: Definition: Learn by accident maybe ~~Anagram of(arranged) [OVE(inner letters,contents of "cover") + HE] ~~ Edit.note: Thanks to the correct parsing is: *Hidden in*(contents of) cOVER HE ARranged. I got fixed on "arranged" as an (obvious) anagrind.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nats aim, after turmoil, to find energy to go on (7)	### Answer: STAMINA ### Explanation: Definition: energy to go on Anagram of(after turmoil) NATS AIM
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 recession mines stop regular payment (7)	### Answer: STIPEND ### Explanation: Definition: regular payment Reversal of(in recession) PITS(mines,holes in the ground) + END(stop,cease). Answer: Regular payment as allowance especially to, a scholarship holder, or a clergyman.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Playing part as Romeo? Bravo! (4)	### Answer: ROLE ### Explanation: Definition: Playing part R(indicated by Romeo in the phonetic alphabet) + OLÉ(with an accent, the Spanish cry of approval, equivalent to the Italian "bravo!").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Flier unhappy with liquid container (10)	### Answer: BLUEBOTTLE ### Explanation: Definition: Flier BLUE(unhappy,down with the blues) plus(with) BOTTLE(liquid container) Answer: A blowfly with an iridescent blue colouring
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Way to behave in large house, we're told (6)	### Answer: MANNER ### Explanation: Definition: Way to behave Homophone of(we're told) "manor"(large house,mansion with a lot of land around 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: Look at dry English official publication (7)	### Answer: GAZETTE ### Explanation: Definition: official publication GAZE(look at) + TT(abbrev. for teetotal, as an adjective for abstaining from intoxicating drink,dry) + E($$E$$nglish) Answer: A British government journal listing what's happening in officialdom.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: British pop band of the 60s were better than the French (7)	### Answer: BEATLES ### Explanation: Definition: British pop band of the 60s BEAT(were better than) + LES(one of the French words for "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: A lot of people accepting Nebraska is free of deceit (6)	### Answer: HONEST ### Explanation: Definition: free of deceit HOST(a multitude,lot of people) containing(accepting) NE(abbrev. for the state of Nebraska, USA)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Strangely obstinate man finally endorsing no candidate (10)	### Answer: ABSTENTION ### Explanation: Definition: endorsing no candidate Anagram of(strangely) [OBSTINATE + N(last letter,finally of "man")] Answer: Endorsing no,refraining from voting for a, candidate..
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pram recycled into aircraft steps? (4)	### Answer: RAMP ### Explanation: Definition: aircraft steps Anagram of(recycled) PRAM Answer: A boarding ramp,moveable staircase,steps for passengers to board/disembark from an aircraft. It's becoming a relic, with modern airports and their jet bridges/aerobridges/airbridges
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 hard in Thailand alongside fuel tankers (7)	### Answer: TOILERS ### Explanation: Definition: They work hard T(international vehicle registration code for Thailand) plus(alongside) OILERS(fuel tankers)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Empress finds artisan in revolt (7)	### Answer: TSARINA ### Explanation: Definition: Empress Anagram of(in revolt) ARTISAN Answer: A Russian empress
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Phonily grin and get initially eager word of welcome (8)	### Answer: GREETING ### Explanation: Definition: word of welcome Anagram of(phonily) [GRIN plus(and) GET + E(first letter of,initially eager)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Squirm seeing legal document he's appended (6)	### Answer: WRITHE ### Explanation: Definition: Squirm WRIT(legal document ordering to whom it is served to do or refrain from doing a specified act) plus(…'s appended) HE
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 longer able to run in the morning over island? Here's some meat! (8)	### Answer: PASTRAMI ### Explanation: Definition: meat PAST(past it,no longer able to) + R($$r$$un in cricket notation) + AM(morning) placed above(over, in a down clue) I(abbrev. for $$i$$sland)
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 difficult task to modify having to incorporate lines (eastern) (9)	### Answer: CHALLENGE ### Explanation: Definition: A difficult task CHANGE(to modify) containing(having to incorporate) [LL(double lines) + E($$e$$astern)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Moderately good promotional exhibition (4)	### Answer: FAIR ### Explanation: Definition: Moderately good,promotional exhibition 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: Sadly, real CV is instinctive (8)	### Answer: VISCERAL ### Explanation: Definition: instinctive Anagram of(sadly) REAL CV IS Answer: Descriptive of something characterised or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect. Derived from "viscera",guts, hence "gut feel". But scientifically incorrect – instinct stems from the brain, though you might feel it in your stomach (or the rest of your body).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Native of Africa could become richer soon (10)	### Answer: RHINOCEROS ### Explanation: Definition: Native of Africa Anagram of(could become) RICHER SOON Answer: Only 2 species, the black and white rhinos, out of 5, are native to Africa. It's dreadful that some people, as a result of folklore, mistakenly think that rhino horns have healing properties – you might just as well chew your fingernails, same basic substance, for all the good it does.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Equally balanced over time in long jump, say (5)	### Answer: EVENT ### Explanation: Definition: long jump, say EVEN(a draw,equally balanced) placed above(over, in a down clue) T($$t$$ime) Defn: An example,say of an athletic event
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Blush when looking up earned derision to some extent (6)	### Answer: REDDEN ### Explanation: Definition: Blush Hidden in(to some extent) and reversal of(when looking up, in a down clue) earNED DERision
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Political meeting – Republican supporter is there (5)	### Answer: RALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Political meeting R(abbrev. for $$R$$epublican) + ALLY(supporter,friend)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Test afresh, allow men to be included it resolves the matter (10)	### Answer: SETTLEMENT ### Explanation: Definition: it resolves the matter Anagram of(afresh) TEST + {MEN contained in(to be included) LET(allow)}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Health worker seeing believer receiving rebuke (9)	### Answer: THERAPIST ### Explanation: Definition: Health worker THEIST(believer in a god or gods) containing(receiving) RAP(a rebuke,criticism)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Abandon black colour? No, it's fantastic! (8)	### Answer: JETTISON ### Explanation: Definition: Abandon JET(a hard variety of coal, black in colour, polished and used for jewellery and ornaments) + anagram of(fantastic) NO, IT'S
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Opts to change hotel employee, strike results (8)	### Answer: STOPPAGE ### Explanation: Definition: strike Anagram of(to change) OPTS + PAGE(hotel employee who performs various errands for guests, or "concierge" to use a fancier word)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Disorganised in Agra, got disheartened? (6)	### Answer: RAGTAG ### Explanation: Definition: Disorganised Anagram of(disorganised, if you allow a word doubling up in a clue) [AGRA + GT{"got" minus its inner letter(disheartened)}]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Show disapproval of the unfinished compartment for voting (5)	### Answer: BOOTH ### Explanation: Definition: compartment for voting BOO(show oral disapproval) + TH{"the" minus its last letter(unfinished)}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fishing net in river (5)	### Answer: SEINE ### Explanation: Definition: Fishing net,river Double defn: 1st: A type of fishing net which essentially hangs vertically in the water; and 2nd: The river that runs through Paris
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's normally expected to include one (or two?) (4)	### Answer: PAIR ### Explanation: Definition: two PAR(what's normally expected, as in "par for the course") containing(to include) 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: Coming into state of preparedness, rebellious are not long for this world (8)	### Answer: READYING ### Explanation: Definition: Coming into state of preparedness [Anagram of(rebellious) ARE] + DYING(not long for this world)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Close of play causes confusion (6)	### Answer: STUMPS ### Explanation: Definition: Close of play,causes confusion Double defn: 1st: In cricketing jargon, the end of the day's,close of play, signified by the umpires removing the stumps (those pointed wooden rods that make a wicket), and, of course, also the (cricket) balls. Don't ask any more; and 2nd: to cause confusion to someone, as in "The riddle truly stumped him".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rodent for shy cat old lady abandoned (5)	### Answer: COYPU ### Explanation: Definition: Rodent COY(shy) + PU{("puma"(a big mountain feline mammal,cat) minus(abandoned) "ma"(old lady)}
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 on Left here to appease do badly with some old Republicans (3,6,3,6,2,4)	### Answer: THE SENATE AND PEOPLE OF ROME ### Explanation: Definition: some old Republicans Anagram of(badly) MEN ON LEFT HERE TO APPEASE DO Answer: Some of the stakeholders in the old republic that was Ancient Rome after about 508 BC when the monarchy was overthrown. The Senate advised the Consuls who were elected by the people.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Oil family FT backs in Gulf (5)	### Answer: EWING ### Explanation: Definition: Oil family Reversal of(backs) WE(what the FT,Financial Times calls itself in the crosswords it provides) + IN + G(abbrev. for gulf, in a geographical sense, as in the G. of Carpentaria, the G. of Hauraki, or the Persian G. depending on whether you're from Australia, New Zealand, or the rest of the world 🙂 ). Answer: The family whose fortune came from oil, in the TV soap opera "Dallas".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Prize-winning author in forest (6)	### Answer: ATWOOD ### Explanation: Definition: Prize-winning author {AT WOOD}(in the wood,forest, "at" as in "at home") Answer: Margeret, Canadian author, winner of many awards, one of which was for "The Handmaid's Tale", a social science fiction story, as distinct from mere science fiction, which according to her is about "talking squids in outer space" 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Coherent soldier going into pub (7)	### Answer: LOGICAL ### Explanation: Definition: Coherent GI(American soldier) contained in(going into) LOCAL(pub in one's vicinity which is the pub of choice)
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 another way I'm dot in place! (7,5)	### Answer: DECIMAL POINT ### Explanation: Definition: dot in place Anagram of(put another way) I'M DOT IN PLACE. A clever 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: IT to install new power unit and data-feed (5)	### Answer: INPUT ### Explanation: Definition: data-feed IT containing(to install) + N(new) + P(power, especially in physics) + U(abbrev. for $$u$$nit)
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 travelling to Saturn? (9)	### Answer: ASTRONAUT ### Explanation: Definition: One travelling to Saturn? A(article to denote one in number) + Anagram of(travelling) [TO SATURN]. Answer: One who might be destined to get to Saturn, perhaps,? some day. An even cleverer 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: Spruce trees to be chopped in three months (9)	### Answer: TRIMESTER ### Explanation: Definition: three months TRIM(spruce,make into a neat and orderly condition, not to be confused with the name of certain conifers) + anagram of(to be chopped) TREES. 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: Boy given prescribed food endlessly (5)	### Answer: EDDIE ### Explanation: Definition: Boy "fed(given) diet(prescribed food)" minus "f" and "t",the front and back ends(endlessly) of the phrase
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Over one article doctor shows indecision (6)	### Answer: DITHER ### Explanation: Definition: indecision DR(doctor) containing(over) [I(Roman numeral for one) + THE(the definite article)] Answer: As a noun
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Wood with correct placement may score (8)	### Answer: SYCAMORE ### Explanation: Definition: Wood Anagram of(with correct placement) MAY SCORE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Biblical figure about to enter dependency unit (6)	### Answer: RECHAB ### Explanation: Definition: Biblical figure C(circa,about) contained in(to enter) REHAB(short for rehabilitation centre,a unit you go to, to rid of your dependencies) Answer: Name of not one but three biblical figures
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Veni, vidi, vici so described in account about changing destiny (9)	### Answer: ASYNDETIC ### Explanation: Definition: Veni, vidi, vici so described AC(abbrev. for $$ac$$count) containing(about) anagram of(changing) DESTINY Answer: In linguistics, descriptive of a phrase omitting conjunctions ("and", and such like) eg. veni, vidi, vici (or "I came, I saw, I conquered"). New word for me, but gettable from the wordplay.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Solver 5 to emerge with the solution I don't know? (5,3,2,5)	### Answer: YOU’VE GOT ME THERE ### Explanation: Definition: I don't know YOU(the solvers, as opposed to us,the setters in crosswordland convention) V(Roman numeral for 5) + anagram of(solution) [TO EMERGE plus(with) 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: Poet and blundering scribbler (7)	### Answer: NOTEPAD ### Explanation: Definition: scribbler Anagram of(blundering) POET AND. Answer: What you scribble on, or scribbler
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: George Best with a harp mysteriously appears in Gay musical (3,7,5)	### Answer: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA ### Explanation: Definition: Gay musical Anagram of(mysteriously appears) [GEORGE BEST plus(with) A HARP] Answer: A ballad opera,musical written by John Gay in 1728. It has had many adaptations, including a German 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: City gets millions before 12 in 11 (5)	### Answer: MIAMI ### Explanation: Definition: City M(abbrev. for $$m$$illions) + {AM(ante meridiem, the time before 12 noon) contained in(in) II(exactly what it says, 2 x Roman numerals for 1)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hypnotist close to tears, upset leaving (8)	### Answer: SVENGALI ### Explanation: Definition: Hypnotist S(last letter of,close to "tears") + anagram of(upset) LEAVING Answer: Fictional hypnotist in George du Maurier's novel, Trilby, the name of the hypnotised.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Much red meat to show (6)	### Answer: REVEAL ### Explanation: Definition: to show RE(2 letters out of 3 of,much "red") + VEAL(meat from young cattle, and a controversial issue in animal welfare terms)

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 needs fluid for German city (7)

### Answer: DRESDEN ### Explanation: Definition: German city **Anagram of**(fluid) [DR(abbrev. for "doctor") + NEEDS]

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

### Clue: Rover, for example, gets sort of meal that's sweet (7)

### Answer: CARAMEL ### Explanation: Definition: sweet CAR(an example of which,for example, is the British Rover, which company started with motorcycles and bicycles, and since then has had a chequered history, presently extinct except for the Land Rover marque owned by Tata Motors of India) **plus**(gets) **anagram of**(sort of) MEAL

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

### Clue: Personal ambition that's a setback for the team (3,4)

### Answer: OWN GOAL ### Explanation: Definition: Personal ambition,setback for the team 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: Cook one way or another, bringing in Ramsay initially (5)

### Answer: BROIL ### Explanation: Definition: Cook one way BOIL(another way to cook) **containing**(bringing in) R(initial letter,initially of "Ramsay", Gordon, that fiery – to use a euphemism – Scotsman of a cook, sorry, chef). Another WIWD clue, referring to the TV series "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares", where he – culinary skills, profanities and all – was brought into the kitchens of failing restaurants to revive them – cook one way or another.

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

### Clue: Turncoats messed a general up? Not completely (9)

### Answer: RENEGADES ### Explanation: Definition: Turncoats **Hidden in**(not completely) and r**eversal of**(up, in a down clue) mesSED A GENERal

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 of child picked up by the ears (5)

### Answer: MIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Power **Homophone of**(picked up by the ears) "mite"(child). A (human) child would need mighty powerful ears to be picked up by 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: Illness caused by beef? (9)

### Answer: COMPLAINT ### Explanation: Definition: Illness,beef Double defn: 1st: An illness,disease,ailment; and 2nd: Gripe,beef

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

### Clue: Rest that's essential for tightrope walker (7)

### Answer: BALANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Rest,that's essential for tightrope walker Double defn: 1st: The rest,what's remaining, eg. in your bank account

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

### Clue: Fast train, say (7)

### Answer: EXPRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Fast train,say 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: Conservative leader, safe but unattractive (9)

### Answer: CHARMLESS ### Explanation: Definition: unattractive C(initial letter,leader of "conservative) + HARMLESS(safe). Defn: Having no charm(s), physical, magical or otherwise, to enchant,attract you. Descriptive of a retired old witch on all counts.

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

### Clue: Originally bison and bear feature in park (9)

### Answer: BANDSTAND ### Explanation: Definition: feature in park B(initial letter of,originally "bison") **plus**(and) STAND(bear,tolerate)

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

### Clue: People not satisfied with Ransome novel (7)

### Answer: MOANERS ### Explanation: Definition: People not satisfied **Anagram of**(novel) of RANSOME

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

### Clue: Book a possible substitute (7)

### Answer: RESERVE ### Explanation: Definition: Book,a possible substitute Double defn: 1st: To book in advance, eg. for a table in a restaurant: and 2nd: Someone who sits on the bench and may be called in as a substitute during a team game.

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

### Clue: Puzzled when Australian birds appear in part of garden (7)

### Answer: BEMUSED ### Explanation: Definition: Puzzled EMUS(Austrian flightless birds, not sheilas) **contained in**(appear in) BED(part of the garden)

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

### Clue: American turning up with dirty bear (7)

### Answer: SUSTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: bear **Reversal of**(turning up, in a down clue) U.S.(American) **plus**(with) STAIN(verb to dirty,mark 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: What was heard in Rome and a quarter of Paris (5)

### Answer: LATIN ### Explanation: Definition: What was heard in Rome,a quarter of Paris Double defn: 1st: Language heard in Rome long ago; and 2nd: Latin Quarter is an area in Paris known for the number of educational institutions there, hence its student life, lively atmosphere and bistros. Interestingly, its name comes from the language that was spoken around and in the University, since it was the language of learning in the Middle Ages.

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

### Clue: Musical heroine joining Laurie in a song (5)

### Answer: ANNIE ### Explanation: Definition: Musical heroine,joining Laurie in a song Double defn: 1st: Little Orphan Annie or Annie Oakley, heroines in the musicals "Annie" and "Annie Get Your Gun" respectively, take your pick; and 2nd: Together,joining with Laurie to give the title of an old Scottish song whose earliest known version, perhaps closest to the original, has these (some quaint) lyrics: *Maxwelton braes are bonnie, where early fa's the dew* *Where me and Annie Laurie made up the promise true* *Made up the promise true, and ne'er forget will I* *And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay doun my head and die* *She's backit like the peacock, she's breistit like the swan* *She's jimp aboot the middle, her waist ye weel may span* *Her waist ye weel may span, and she has a rolling eye* *And for bonnie Annie Laurie I'd lay doun my head and die.

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

### Clue: Starting point is no walkover for the bride (9)

### Answer: THRESHOLD ### Explanation: Definition: Starting point Cryptic defn: Refering to the tradition of where the bride does not walk over, but is carried by her groom over, the doorsill,threshold of their marital home. Which literal threshold is symbolic of the starting point,threshold of married life.

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

### Clue: Watch open-mouthed as centre forward moves into space (4)

### Answer: GAWP ### Explanation: Definition: Watch open-mouthed W(middle letter,centre of "forward") **contained in**(moves into) GAP(space). Nice footballing 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: Business force established around the last millennium (8)

### Answer: COMMERCE ### Explanation: Definition: Business COERCE(verb, to force) **containing**(established around) MM(Roman numeral for 2000, the last, up to the present, millennium,1000th anniversary year since anno Domini)

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

### Clue: Slim elves play around a square (6)

### Answer: SVELTE ### Explanation: Definition: Slim **Anagram of**(play) ELVES **containing**(around) T(a T square, a T-shaped ruler used in mechanical drawing, possibly all but extinct by now, but I used to be a proud owner of 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: Depart agitatedly; it may explode! (6)

### Answer: PETARD ### Explanation: Definition: it may explode **Anagram of**(agitatedly) DEPART. Another nice surface – if you don't run off fast enough, you will definitely be "hoist by your own petard". Answer: A firecracker, or, in a bigger version, a bomb designed to blow a hole in a door or wall. Interesting etymology, from Latin meaning a fart – a mighty big one, you could say, in the derivative usage!

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

### Clue: Erudite professors or their proteges, perhaps (8)

### Answer: SCHOLARS ### Explanation: Definition: Erudite professors,their proteges, perhaps Double defn: Answer: One of those words that have opposing meanings. 1st: persons who already have profound knowledge; and 2nd: persons who are starting or still trying to obtain such knowledge, perhaps under the tutelage of defn.1.

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

### Clue: Jack, given wrong date, lowered (6)

### Answer: ABATED ### Explanation: Definition: lowered AB(abbrev. for able-bodied seaman,sailor,Jack or Jack Tar – Rufus's trademark inclusion of a nautical reference) **plus**(given) **anagram of**(wrong) DATE. Answer: Decreased,lowered in intensity, volume, etc.

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

### Clue: Torn between father and a love initially of mother? (8)

### Answer: PARENTAL ### Explanation: Definition: of mother? RENT(torn as an adjective) **contained in**(between) [PA(father) **plus**(and) A + L(first letter,initially of "love")]. Answer: Descriptive,of mother, with ? indicating it could have been of father also)

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

### Clue: Elegant fashion on a bride (8)

### Answer: DEBONAIR ### Explanation: Definition: Elegant **Anagram of**(fashion) ON A BRIDE. A 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: Expire, though previously fit as a fiddle (6)

### Answer: EXHALE ### Explanation: Definition: Expire EX(previously,once) HALE(fit as a fiddle, as in "hale and hearty") Answer: As opposed to inhale, breathe out,expire

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

### Clue: Parts that can't be matched (8)

### Answer: ODDMENTS ### Explanation: Definition: Parts that can't be matched Cryptic defn: Pieces,parts that can't be matched,odd.

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

### Clue: Cyril's playing with words in numbers (6)

### Answer: LYRICS ### Explanation: Definition: words in numbers **Anagram of**(playing) CYRIL'S Answer: The words of songs,musical numbers

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 may be a (sic) spun to make briefs (6)

### Answer: FIBRES ### Explanation: Definition: They may be a (sic) spun **Anagram of**(make) BRIEFS. 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: Heather Lake's underwear (8)

### Answer: LINGERIE ### Explanation: Definition: underwear LING(heather,heath,shrub that grows on open ground) + ERIE(one of the Great Lakes in N. America)

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

### Clue: Experienced hat maker (4)

### Answer: FELT ### Explanation: Definition: Experienced,hat maker Double defn: 1st: Past tense of feel; and 2nd: material with which to make hats, or, put another way, a hat maker

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 thing one doesn't expect to be (9)

### Answer: SURPRISED ### Explanation: Definition: One thing one doesn't expect to be Cryptic 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: He's to be changed, not these (5)

### Answer: THOSE ### Explanation: Definition: not these **Anagram of**(be changed) HE'S TO. Answer: If not these, then must be those.

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

### Clue: Up in arms (7)

### Answer: RAMPANT ### Explanation: Definition: Up in arms Cryptic defn: Not the usual meaning of being furious, but a descriptive term in heraldry of a beast rearing up on its hind leg in a coat-of-arms. The term is also specific about which leg, which way it's facing, and how its other legs and tail are positioned! A compact clue requiring lateral thinking.

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

### Clue: She would pack a right in a scrap (5)

### Answer: SHRED ### Explanation: Definition: a scrap SHE'D(she would) **containing**(~~would~~ pack) R($$r$$ight). Edit.note: Corrected per @6, thanks Robi. A nice surface for Lara Croft.

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

### Clue: Reveals that one is being less reserved (5,2)

### Answer: OPENS UP ### Explanation: Definition: Reveals,one is being less reserved Double defn: 2nd: To be more communicative and forthcoming.

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

### Clue: Perform for free? (9)

### Answer: DISCHARGE ### Explanation: Definition: Perform,free Double defn: 1st: To do,perform, eg. one's duties; and 2nd: To dismiss,free as in "the accused was discharged".

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

### Clue: Aviation spirit? (7)

### Answer: GREMLIN ### Explanation: Definition: Aviation spirit Cryptic defn. Originally, a small imaginary creature,spirit blamed by RAF aviators for causing mechanical failures. Not what you put into your airplane fuel tank.

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

### Clue: Sudden drop of current – flaw later rectified (9)

### Answer: WATERFALL ### Explanation: Definition: Sudden drop of current **Anagram of**(rectified) FLAW LATER. Defn: Current of the watery and not electronic kind. 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: About to enter poor occupation? May end up on this (9)

### Answer: BREADLINE ### Explanation: Definition: May end up on this RE(about,with $$re$$gard to) **contained in**(to enter) BAD LINE(a poor occupation,line as in "what line are you in?"). Answer: Figuratively, to be poor and living at subsistence level, derived from the queue of people waiting for free food from a government agency or a charity. 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: How promotion should be given to miner, after recovery (2,5)

### Answer: ON MERIT ### Explanation: Definition: How promotion should be given **Anagram of**(after recovery) TO MINER

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

### Clue: Specialist in stocktaking? (7)

### Answer: RUSTLER ### Explanation: Definition: Specialist in stocktaking? Cryptic defn: Not the guy taking an inventory of items in stock, but a professional,specialist in stealing,taking cattle,stock.

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

### Clue: Fit to work like a horse (7)

### Answer: HARNESS ### Explanation: Definition: Fit to work like a horse Cryptic defn, I think. To control and make fit (to work) for one's benefit, eg. to harness the energy of your workforce to, perhaps, make them work hard like a horse? Also, to fit a harness to a horse before making it work pulling a plough, carriage, etc. It is a WIWD clue, with perhaps 2 slightly different surfaces?

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

### Clue: Ship in river south of the equator (5)

### Answer: LINER ### Explanation: Definition: Ship R($$r$$iver) **placed below**(south, in a down clue) LINE(the line,the equator, in the science of geography)

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

### Clue: Censured about money issue (5)

### Answer: CHILD ### Explanation: Definition: issue CHID(alternative to chided,censured) **containing**(about) L(£,pound sterling,money)

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

### Clue: Calm and able to move fast when doubt's repressed (6)

### Answer: PACIFY ### Explanation: Definition: Calm IF(expressing doubt,on condition) **contained in**(repressed) PACY(able to move at a fast pace,pacey) Answer: Calm 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: Learn by accident maybe contents of cover he arranged (8)

### Answer: OVERHEAR ### Explanation: Definition: Learn by accident maybe ~~**Anagram of**(arranged) [OVE(inner letters,contents of "cover") + HE] ~~ Edit.note: Thanks to the correct parsing is: ***Hidden in***(contents of) cOVER HE ARranged. I got fixed on "arranged" as an (obvious) anagrind.

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

### Clue: Nats aim, after turmoil, to find energy to go on (7)

### Answer: STAMINA ### Explanation: Definition: energy to go on **Anagram of**(after turmoil) NATS AIM

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 recession mines stop regular payment (7)

### Answer: STIPEND ### Explanation: Definition: regular payment **Reversal of**(in recession) PITS(mines,holes in the ground) + END(stop,cease). Answer: Regular payment as allowance especially to, a scholarship holder, or a clergyman.

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

### Clue: Playing part as Romeo? Bravo! (4)

### Answer: ROLE ### Explanation: Definition: Playing part R(indicated by Romeo in the phonetic alphabet) + OLÉ(with an accent, the Spanish cry of approval, equivalent to the Italian "bravo!").

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

### Clue: Flier unhappy with liquid container (10)

### Answer: BLUEBOTTLE ### Explanation: Definition: Flier BLUE(unhappy,down with the blues) **plus**(with) BOTTLE(liquid container) Answer: A blowfly with an iridescent blue colouring

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

### Clue: Way to behave in large house, we're told (6)

### Answer: MANNER ### Explanation: Definition: Way to behave **Homophone of**(we're told) "manor"(large house,mansion with a lot of land around 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: Look at dry English official publication (7)

### Answer: GAZETTE ### Explanation: Definition: official publication GAZE(look at) + TT(abbrev. for teetotal, as an adjective for abstaining from intoxicating drink,dry) + E($$E$$nglish) Answer: A British government journal listing what's happening in officialdom.

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

### Clue: British pop band of the 60s were better than the French (7)

### Answer: BEATLES ### Explanation: Definition: British pop band of the 60s BEAT(were better than) + LES(one of the French words for "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: A lot of people accepting Nebraska is free of deceit (6)

### Answer: HONEST ### Explanation: Definition: free of deceit HOST(a multitude,lot of people) **containing**(accepting) NE(abbrev. for the state of Nebraska, USA)

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

### Clue: Strangely obstinate man finally endorsing no candidate (10)

### Answer: ABSTENTION ### Explanation: Definition: endorsing no candidate **Anagram of**(strangely) [OBSTINATE + N(last letter,finally of "man")] Answer: Endorsing no,refraining from voting for a, candidate..

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

### Clue: Pram recycled into aircraft steps? (4)

### Answer: RAMP ### Explanation: Definition: aircraft steps **Anagram of**(recycled) PRAM Answer: A boarding ramp,moveable staircase,steps for passengers to board/disembark from an aircraft. It's becoming a relic, with modern airports and their jet bridges/aerobridges/airbridges

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 hard in Thailand alongside fuel tankers (7)

### Answer: TOILERS ### Explanation: Definition: They work hard T(international vehicle registration code for Thailand) **plus**(alongside) OILERS(fuel tankers)

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

### Clue: Empress finds artisan in revolt (7)

### Answer: TSARINA ### Explanation: Definition: Empress **Anagram of**(in revolt) ARTISAN Answer: A Russian empress

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

### Clue: Phonily grin and get initially eager word of welcome (8)

### Answer: GREETING ### Explanation: Definition: word of welcome **Anagram of**(phonily) [GRIN **plus**(and) GET + E(first letter of,initially eager)]

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

### Clue: Squirm seeing legal document he's appended (6)

### Answer: WRITHE ### Explanation: Definition: Squirm WRIT(legal document ordering to whom it is served to do or refrain from doing a specified act) **plus**(…'s appended) HE

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 longer able to run in the morning over island? Here's some meat! (8)

### Answer: PASTRAMI ### Explanation: Definition: meat PAST(past it,no longer able to) + R($$r$$un in cricket notation) + AM(morning) **placed above**(over, in a down clue) I(abbrev. for $$i$$sland)

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 difficult task to modify having to incorporate lines (eastern) (9)

### Answer: CHALLENGE ### Explanation: Definition: A difficult task CHANGE(to modify) **containing**(having to incorporate) [LL(double lines) + E($$e$$astern)]

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

### Clue: Moderately good promotional exhibition (4)

### Answer: FAIR ### Explanation: Definition: Moderately good,promotional exhibition 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: Sadly, real CV is instinctive (8)

### Answer: VISCERAL ### Explanation: Definition: instinctive **Anagram of**(sadly) REAL CV IS Answer: Descriptive of something characterised or proceeding from instinct rather than intellect. Derived from "viscera",guts, hence "gut feel". But scientifically incorrect – instinct stems from the brain, though you might feel it in your stomach (or the rest of your body).

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

### Clue: Native of Africa could become richer soon (10)

### Answer: RHINOCEROS ### Explanation: Definition: Native of Africa **Anagram of**(could become) RICHER SOON Answer: Only 2 species, the black and white rhinos, out of 5, are native to Africa. It's dreadful that some people, as a result of folklore, mistakenly think that rhino horns have healing properties – you might just as well chew your fingernails, same basic substance, for all the good it does.

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

### Clue: Equally balanced over time in long jump, say (5)

### Answer: EVENT ### Explanation: Definition: long jump, say EVEN(a draw,equally balanced) **placed above**(over, in a down clue) T($$t$$ime) Defn: An example,say of an athletic event

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

### Clue: Blush when looking up earned derision to some extent (6)

### Answer: REDDEN ### Explanation: Definition: Blush **Hidden in**(to some extent) and **reversal of**(when looking up, in a down clue) earNED DERision

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

### Clue: Political meeting – Republican supporter is there (5)

### Answer: RALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Political meeting R(abbrev. for $$R$$epublican) + ALLY(supporter,friend)

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

### Clue: Test afresh, allow men to be included it resolves the matter (10)

### Answer: SETTLEMENT ### Explanation: Definition: it resolves the matter **Anagram of**(afresh) TEST + {MEN **contained in**(to be included) LET(allow)}

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

### Clue: Health worker seeing believer receiving rebuke (9)

### Answer: THERAPIST ### Explanation: Definition: Health worker THEIST(believer in a god or gods) **containing**(receiving) RAP(a rebuke,criticism)

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

### Clue: Abandon black colour? No, it's fantastic! (8)

### Answer: JETTISON ### Explanation: Definition: Abandon JET(a hard variety of coal, black in colour, polished and used for jewellery and ornaments) + **anagram of**(fantastic) NO, IT'S

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

### Clue: Opts to change hotel employee, strike results (8)

### Answer: STOPPAGE ### Explanation: Definition: strike **Anagram of**(to change) OPTS + PAGE(hotel employee who performs various errands for guests, or "concierge" to use a fancier word)

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

### Clue: Disorganised in Agra, got disheartened? (6)

### Answer: RAGTAG ### Explanation: Definition: Disorganised **Anagram of**(disorganised, if you allow a word doubling up in a clue) [AGRA + GT{"got" **minus** its inner letter(disheartened)}]

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

### Clue: Show disapproval of the unfinished compartment for voting (5)

### Answer: BOOTH ### Explanation: Definition: compartment for voting BOO(show oral disapproval) + TH{"the" **minus** its last letter(unfinished)}

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

### Clue: Fishing net in river (5)

### Answer: SEINE ### Explanation: Definition: Fishing net,river Double defn: 1st: A type of fishing net which essentially hangs vertically in the water; and 2nd: The river that runs through Paris

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's normally expected to include one (or two?) (4)

### Answer: PAIR ### Explanation: Definition: two PAR(what's normally expected, as in "par for the course") **containing**(to include) 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: Coming into state of preparedness, rebellious are not long for this world (8)

### Answer: READYING ### Explanation: Definition: Coming into state of preparedness [**Anagram of**(rebellious) ARE] + DYING(not long for this world)

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

### Clue: Close of play causes confusion (6)

### Answer: STUMPS ### Explanation: Definition: Close of play,causes confusion Double defn: 1st: In cricketing jargon, the end of the day's,close of play, signified by the umpires removing the stumps (those pointed wooden rods that make a wicket), and, of course, also the (cricket) balls. Don't ask any more; and 2nd: to cause confusion to someone, as in "The riddle truly stumped him".

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

### Clue: Rodent for shy cat old lady abandoned (5)

### Answer: COYPU ### Explanation: Definition: Rodent COY(shy) + PU{("puma"(a big mountain feline mammal,cat) **minus**(abandoned) "ma"(old lady)}

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 on Left here to appease do badly with some old Republicans (3,6,3,6,2,4)

### Answer: THE SENATE AND PEOPLE OF ROME ### Explanation: Definition: some old Republicans **Anagram of**(badly) MEN ON LEFT HERE TO APPEASE DO Answer: Some of the stakeholders in the old republic that was Ancient Rome after about 508 BC when the monarchy was overthrown. The Senate advised the Consuls who were elected by the people.

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

### Clue: Oil family FT backs in Gulf (5)

### Answer: EWING ### Explanation: Definition: Oil family **Reversal of**(backs) WE(what the FT,Financial Times calls itself in the crosswords it provides) + IN + G(abbrev. for gulf, in a geographical sense, as in the G. of Carpentaria, the G. of Hauraki, or the Persian G. depending on whether you're from Australia, New Zealand, or the rest of the world 🙂 ). Answer: The family whose fortune came from oil, in the TV soap opera "Dallas".

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

### Clue: Prize-winning author in forest (6)

### Answer: ATWOOD ### Explanation: Definition: Prize-winning author {AT WOOD}(in the wood,forest, "at" as in "at home") Answer: Margeret, Canadian author, winner of many awards, one of which was for "The Handmaid's Tale", a social science fiction story, as distinct from mere science fiction, which according to her is about "talking squids in outer space" 🙂

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

### Clue: Coherent soldier going into pub (7)

### Answer: LOGICAL ### Explanation: Definition: Coherent GI(American soldier) **contained in**(going into) LOCAL(pub in one's vicinity which is the pub of choice)

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 another way I'm dot in place! (7,5)

### Answer: DECIMAL POINT ### Explanation: Definition: dot in place **Anagram of**(put another way) I'M DOT IN PLACE. A clever 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: IT to install new power unit and data-feed (5)

### Answer: INPUT ### Explanation: Definition: data-feed IT **containing**(to install) + N(new) + P(power, especially in physics) + U(abbrev. for $$u$$nit)

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 travelling to Saturn? (9)

### Answer: ASTRONAUT ### Explanation: Definition: One travelling to Saturn? A(article to denote one in number) + **Anagram of**(travelling) [TO SATURN]. Answer: One who might be destined to get to Saturn, perhaps,? some day. An even cleverer 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: Spruce trees to be chopped in three months (9)

### Answer: TRIMESTER ### Explanation: Definition: three months TRIM(spruce,make into a neat and orderly condition, not to be confused with the name of certain conifers) + **anagram of**(to be chopped) TREES. 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: Boy given prescribed food endlessly (5)

### Answer: EDDIE ### Explanation: Definition: Boy "fed(given) diet(prescribed food)" **minus** "f" and "t",the front and back ends(endlessly) of the phrase

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

### Clue: Over one article doctor shows indecision (6)

### Answer: DITHER ### Explanation: Definition: indecision DR(doctor) **containing**(over) [I(Roman numeral for one) + THE(the definite article)] Answer: As a noun

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

### Clue: Wood with correct placement may score (8)

### Answer: SYCAMORE ### Explanation: Definition: Wood **Anagram of**(with correct placement) MAY SCORE

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

### Clue: Biblical figure about to enter dependency unit (6)

### Answer: RECHAB ### Explanation: Definition: Biblical figure C(circa,about) **contained in**(to enter) REHAB(short for rehabilitation centre,a unit you go to, to rid of your dependencies) Answer: Name of not one but three biblical figures

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

### Clue: Veni, vidi, vici so described in account about changing destiny (9)

### Answer: ASYNDETIC ### Explanation: Definition: Veni, vidi, vici so described AC(abbrev. for $$ac$$count) **containing**(about) **anagram of**(changing) DESTINY Answer: In linguistics, descriptive of a phrase omitting conjunctions ("and", and such like) eg. veni, vidi, vici (or "I came, I saw, I conquered"). New word for me, but gettable from the wordplay.

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

### Clue: Solver 5 to emerge with the solution I don't know? (5,3,2,5)

### Answer: YOU’VE GOT ME THERE ### Explanation: Definition: I don't know YOU(the solvers, as opposed to us,the setters in crosswordland convention) V(Roman numeral for 5) + **anagram of**(solution) [TO EMERGE **plus**(with) 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: Poet and blundering scribbler (7)

### Answer: NOTEPAD ### Explanation: Definition: scribbler **Anagram of**(blundering) POET AND. Answer: What you scribble on, or scribbler

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

### Clue: George Best with a harp mysteriously appears in Gay musical (3,7,5)

### Answer: THE BEGGAR’S OPERA ### Explanation: Definition: Gay musical **Anagram of**(mysteriously appears) [GEORGE BEST **plus**(with) A HARP] Answer: A ballad opera,musical written by John Gay in 1728. It has had many adaptations, including a German 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: City gets millions before 12 in 11 (5)

### Answer: MIAMI ### Explanation: Definition: City M(abbrev. for $$m$$illions) + {AM(ante meridiem, the time before 12 noon) **contained in**(in) II(exactly what it says, 2 x Roman numerals for 1)

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

### Clue: Hypnotist close to tears, upset leaving (8)

### Answer: SVENGALI ### Explanation: Definition: Hypnotist S(last letter of,close to "tears") + **anagram of**(upset) LEAVING Answer: Fictional hypnotist in George du Maurier's novel, Trilby, the name of the hypnotised.

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

### Clue: Much red meat to show (6)

### Answer: REVEAL ### Explanation: Definition: to show RE(2 letters out of 3 of,much "red") + VEAL(meat from young cattle, and a controversial issue in animal welfare terms)