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: Orders small underwear (6)	### Answer: BRIEFS ### Explanation: Definition: Orders,small underwear Double defn: 1st: Plural of an order,writ summoning one to answer to a specified action, or a document of facts and points of law by which a solicitor instructs,orders a barrister to represent a client; and 2nd: Close- fitting, legless underpants,small underwear, which a barrister might, or might not, be wearing while he/she's presenting his/her briefs in court 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Make final now Linda's abroad (4,4)	### Answer: NAIL DOWN ### Explanation: Definition: Make final Anagram of(abroad) NOW LINDA.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Reserve prop rings coach (9)	### Answer: RESTRAINT ### Explanation: Definition: Reserve REST(a prop, eg. that used in billiards to rest your cue on) containing(rings) TRAIN(to coach). Answer: That quality shown by people who are reserved,inhibited in their behaviour.
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 prima donna to turn up (4)	### Answer: AVID ### Explanation: Definition: Keen Anagram of(to turn up) DIVA(prima donna,star)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pop singer loves having time for a cigar (7)	### Answer: CHEROOT ### Explanation: Definition: a cigar CHER(female pop singer since the 60s) + OO(looking like 2 zeros,2 x love,zero score in tennis) plus(having) T($$t$$ime) Answer: Different from a cigar in having both ends untapered/cut squarely.
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 dramatisation of the nativity may be very easy to do (6,4)	### Answer: CHILD’S PLAY ### Explanation: Definition: very easy to do Cryptic defn: The nativity is the birth of a child, and a dramatisation of it could be called a CHILD'S PLAY.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: English artist in contact with a source of inspiration (5)	### Answer: ERATO ### Explanation: Definition: a source of inspiration E($$E$$nglish) + RA(a member of the $$R$$oyal $$A$$cademy of Arts,an artist) + TO(in contact with, eg. "a punch to the jaw"). Answer: The muse,source of inspiration for lyric or erotic/love poetry or hymns.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unwillingness to speak of mother without it getting back to son (6)	### Answer: MUTISM ### Explanation: Definition: Unwillingness to speak MUM(mother) containing(without) [reversal of(getting back) IT plus(to) S($$s$$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: Impressive to find gold and a bit of silver in capsized boat (6)	### Answer: AUGUST ### Explanation: Definition: Impressive AU(in chemistry, symbol for the element gold, from Latin "aurum") plus(and) [S(first letter,a bit of "silver") contained in(in) reversal of(capsized,in a down clue) TUG(a boat that tows)]. Answer: Majestic,impressive.
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 dermatologists may do when they occur without warning (4-6)	### Answer: SPOT CHECKS ### Explanation: Definition: they occur without warning Cryptic defn: Dermatologists, skin specialists that they are, may check any spot on your epidermis to ensure that all is healthy. Answer: Spot checks by authorities of eg. identification, intoxication by drugs or alcohol, occur without warning.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Volunteers uplifted by a statement showing respect for property (9)	### Answer: ATTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: property Reversal of(uplifted, in a down clue) TA($$T$$erritoral $$A$$rmy made up of volunteers) plus(by) TRIBUTE(could be a statement, showing respect,paying homage to someone or something). Answer: A characteristic,property of someone or something.
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 a claim about nurses under pressure (8)	### Answer: PRETENDS ### Explanation: Definition: Makes a claim RE(about,regarding) TENDS(as singular verb, nurses) placed below(under, in a down clue) P(in physics, the symbol for pressure, and happens to be the symbol for power, too).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Suffer as Tunis is destroyed (7)	### Answer: SUSTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Suffer Anagram of(is destroyed) AS TUNIS.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Done by a number of people in public (6)	### Answer: COMMON ### Explanation: Last one in, so hope it's correct. Double defn: 1st: Descriptive of what is done by a number of people, ie. common; and 2nd: Belonging to the public or community, as in common property.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Athletes do it in battle over money at university (4-2)	### Answer: WARM-UP ### Explanation: Definition: Athletes do it WAR(battle) placed above(over, in a down clue) M(abbrev. for $$m$$oney) + UP{at,attending university in contrast to "(sent) down",barred from attending}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nationalist breaks Spike's weapon (5)	### Answer: LANCE ### Explanation: Definition: weapon N(abbrev. for Nationalist, as in the names of any number of political parties worldwide, each with differing interpretations of the word) contained in(breaks) LACE(adulterate with a bit of something,spike, as with a 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: Passage from Amiss targeting a leading performer (4)	### Answer: STAR ### Explanation: Definition: a leading performer Hidden in(passage from) amisS TARgeting. I was wondering: is there a surplus "s" in Amiss? The clue reads much better with Amis (Kingsley or Martin), writer compatible with the surface "passage from", and there are probably more than one "leading performer" in their novels. The only Amiss of note that I could find was Dennis, English cricketer.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Two animals bound for cover (7)	### Answer: BUCKRAM ### Explanation: Definition: cover [BUCK + RAM](two animals). Answer: A stiff cotton or linen cloth used as a liner or cover, eg. of books.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Game in which Diana and Jack have nothing on — look! (7)	### Answer: DIABOLO ### Explanation: Definition: Game DI(short for Diana) plus(and) AB($$a$$ble-$$b$$odied seaman,sailor,Jack Tar – Rufus's trademark nautical reference) plus(have…on) O(looks like zero,nothing) + LO(look, as in "lo and behold!") Answer: A game played with a top, string and 2 sticks.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sailor goes to and fro to see pop group (4)	### Answer: ABBA ### Explanation: Definition: pop group Forward and reversal of(goes to and fro) AB(ditto above). Answer: Swedish pop group consisting of Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Possibly end a better woman — even a saint! (10)	### Answer: BERNADETTE ### Explanation: Definition: woman — even a saint Anagram of(possibly) END A BETTER. Answer: A woman's name, and the saint aka Saint Marie-Bernarde Soubirous. 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: Note to change flag (6)	### Answer: FALTER ### Explanation: Definition: flag F(musical note in the diatonic scale) plus(to) ALTER(change).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Not a very bright lot, but sturdy (8)	### Answer: THICKSET ### Explanation: Definition: sturdy THICK(not very bright) + SET(a collection,lot of items).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Warder organising a fete gets in something to drink (9)	### Answer: BEEFEATER ### Explanation: Definition: Warder Anagram of(organising) A FETE contained in(gets in) BEER(something alcoholic to drink). Answer: Popular name for one of the Yeomen Warders, in principle, guardians of prisoners at the Tower of London (when there used to be) and the Crown Jewels (there still are). But nowadays, more of a tourist attraction collectively, and also tour guides individually.
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 from Lake Nyasa to land further north (5)	### Answer: KENYA ### Explanation: Definition: land further north Hidden in(coming from) laKE NYAsa. Answer: African state further north of Lake Nyasa.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Black market trader's location (5)	### Answer: PITCH ### Explanation: Definition: Black,market trader's location Double defn: 1st Answer: Any of black viscous substances used for caulking and paving, or tar and asphalt for roads. But I'm not sure how to use black as a noun in this sense; I know of shoe-black, which is a dye/pigment but not pitch, and there is the derived adjective pitch-black; and 2nd Answer: A vendor,trader's stall,location in a market. Nice surface with "black market trader".
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 to a hypotenuse? (9)	### Answer: ALONGSIDE ### Explanation: Definition: Close to A + LONG SIDE(a hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Drive from A to B with mini, erratically (8)	### Answer: AMBITION ### Explanation: Definition: Drive Anagram of(erratically) [A TO B plus(with) MINI]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Key to passage leading to kitchen (6)	### Answer: GALLEY ### Explanation: Definition: kitchen G(presumed major, in music, one of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales defining the key,tonal framework of a piece) *plus*(to) ALLEY(a passage between 2 buildings)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Composer in far off New Zealand heard record (5,5)	### Answer: FRANZ LISZT ### Explanation: Definition: Composer Anagram of(off) FAR + NZ(abbrev. for $$N$$ew $$Z$$ealand) + LISZT{homophone of(heard) "list",a record of items}. Nice surface with the smooth "in far off New Zealand".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Game reserves (4)	### Answer: POOL ### Explanation: Definition: Game,reserves Double defn: 1st: Any of various games, similar to snooker/billiards but played with enlarged balls and a stunted table.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: State what customs require travellers to do (7)	### Answer: DECLARE ### Explanation: Definition: State,what customs require travellers to do Double defn: 2nd: Somewhat cryptic. What customs officers require travellers to do when they ask the leading question: "Anything to declare, sir/madam?" before you can travel into their country.
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 reminds me repeatedly not to change (7)	### Answer: MEMENTO ### Explanation: Definition: It reminds [ME + ME]("me" twice,repeatedly) + anagram of(to change) 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: R. Mugabe gives offence (7)	### Answer: UMBRAGE ### Explanation: Definition: offence Anagram of(gives) R. MUGABE.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Soldier in full gear that creeps around at night (5)	### Answer: KRAIT ### Explanation: Definition: that creeps around at night RA(for a change, not an artist but soldier in the $$r$$egular $$a$$rmy, or, if you like the $$R$$oyal $$A$$rtillery) contained in(in) KIT(full gear,outfit). Answer: A poisonous reptile that creeps around at night.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Here in Canada it's a pound over the fixed rate (7)	### Answer: ALBERTA ### Explanation: Definition: Here in Canada A + LB(abbrev. for pound weight in the Imperial system) placed above(over) anagram of(fixed) RATE. Answer: A province of Canada.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Literary type with a leaning to the right (6)	### Answer: ITALIC ### Explanation: Definition: Literary type Cryptic defn: The font,type leaning like *so.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Worker's joints are wonderful (4,5)	### Answer: BEES KNEES ### Explanation: Definition: wonderful BEE'S(worker's) KNEES(joints). Answer: Describing person or thing that's wonderful. Akin to the cat's pyjamas or whiskers, or the kipper's knickers or the dog's (the second anatomical part of the phrase which rhymes with dogs, is implicit).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Gamble a great deal on a patched-up tyre (7)	### Answer: LOTTERY ### Explanation: Definition: Gamble LOT(a great deal,amount) plus(on) anagram of(patched-up) TYRE.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: State of the fraternity — rows among the monks (13)	### Answer: BROTHERLINESS ### Explanation: Definition: State of the fraternity LINES(rows) contained in(among) BROTHERS(what monks call each other). Nice surface meaning the opposite of the answer.
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 not true that oil, in fact, needs changing (9)	### Answer: FICTIONAL ### Explanation: Definition: It's not true Anagram of(needs changing) OIL IN FACT
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 into liquidation (7)	### Answer: IMMERSE ### Explanation: Definition: Put into liquidation Cryptic defn: To sink,put into something liquid, or, whimsically, the product of liquidation.
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 late shift (7)	### Answer: NIGHTIE ### Explanation: Definition: The late shift Cryptic defn: The garment,shift that one wears late at night to bed.
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 side away from home fails to survive (4,3)	### Answer: DIES OUT ### Explanation: Definition: fails to survive Anagram of(poor) SIDE + OUT(not in,away from home)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: He finishes off game with the queen (6)	### Answer: KILLER ### Explanation: Definition: He finishes off KILL{noun for the animals,game that have been killed for food or sport(?)} plus(with) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina, the queen).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Error made by student before recess (5)	### Answer: LAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: Error L(abbrev. for learner,student) plus(before) APSE(inside a church, a recess in the wall).
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 yacht salesman does in parade (8)	### Answer: SHOWBOAT ### Explanation: Definition: parade [SHOW BOAT](what a yacht salesman does for and to a prospective buyer). Answer: Verb, to parade in an outrageous or spectacular manner, show off, or playing to an audience, eg. as politicians do.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Gross sound of publication (6)	### Answer: VOLUME ### Explanation: Definition: Gross sound,publication Double defn: 1st: I think this is the gross,basic quality of a sound, ie. volume, ignoring its finer points of tone, 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: Fool views broadcast sitting in judgment (6)	### Answer: ASSIZE ### Explanation: Definition: sitting in judgment ASS(the fool, not the animal) + IZE{homophone of(broadcast) "eyes"(views)}. Answer: Noun, a judicial inquiry,sitting of a jury or assessors leading to a judgement.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nobody reveals when nothing happens (3-5)	### Answer: NON-EVENT ### Explanation: Definition: nothing happens [NONE VENT](nobody reveals,vents as in to "vent one's feelings")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Exploit overweight drug-taker (4)	### Answer: FEAT ### Explanation: Definition: Exploit FAT(overweight or gravitationally-challenged?) containing(…taker) E(slang for the drug, Ecstasy)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Tense, mischievous elf crept up (10)	### Answer: PLUPERFECT ### Explanation: Definition: Tense Anagram of(mischievous) ELF CREPT UP. Answer: In grammar, the tense that describes a verb whose action occurred even before the main verb that is itself in the past tense, eg. "had gone before I came". Also known by the simpler "past perfect tense".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Plans for cash met a glitch (8)	### Answer: SCHEMATA ### Explanation: Definition: Plans Anagram of(glitch) CASH MET A. Answer: Plural of the noun schema,plan, as in "schemata for automata".
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 attracts attention to a skirt (4)	### Answer: AHEM ### Explanation: Definition: It attracts attention A + HEM(to provide with a border,to skirt). Strangely, yet another relation exists between "hem" and "skirt" – "to hem and haw" which is derived from the sounds of clearing one's throat and hesitation, is synonymous with "to skirt round (the subject/issue)". Answer: An interjection, lengthened from the abovementioned clearing of throat, to attract attention, interrupt, express doubt, 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: Bond was a soldier and an officer (4)	### Answer: GILT ### Explanation: Definition: Bond GI(an American soldier, apparently derived from $$g$$overnment $$i$$ssue) plus(and) LT(abbrev. for lieutenant,a commissioned officer). Answer: In finance, short form for gilt-edged security, a financially sound share or bond, as opposed to a junk bond.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sampling the wrong way gives a bat a defective store of information (8)	### Answer: DATABASE ### Explanation: Definition: store of information Hidden in(sampling) and reversal of(the wrong way) givES A BAT A Defective. Cleverly hidden.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Protection from water or soup? (4,6)	### Answer: DAMP COURSE ### Explanation: Definition: Protection from water,soup Double defn: 1st: Aka "damp-proof course". A protective layer of impermeable material laid in the foundation walls of building to prevent dampness,water rising into the building; and 2nd: Cryptic description of a damp,wet,liquid course,soup in a 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: On a power cut (4)	### Answer: REAP ### Explanation: Definition: cut RE(on the subject of,$$re$$garding) + A + P(abbrev. for power in physics). Answer: As in "to cut a crop of grain".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Station has flush toilet, perhaps (8)	### Answer: WATERLOO ### Explanation: Definition: Station [WATER LOO](a lavatory,toilet that has a flush, thus requiring water, as opposed to a bucket or a hole in the ground) Answer: A railway and Tube station in London.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bishop hides cross in leaderless search (6)	### Answer: EXARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Bishop X(cross) contained in(hides…in) EARCH{"search" minus initial letter(leaderless)} Answer: Title given to a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: The first sin is fear (6)	### Answer: TERROR ### Explanation: Definition: fear T(initial letter,first of "the") + ERROR(sin,wrongdoing)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Extremely primitive oil produced within a moral code (8)	### Answer: EOLITHIC ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely primitive Anagram of(produced) OIL contained in(within) ETHIC(a moral code of conduct). Answer: Descriptive of the extremely primitive early part of the Stone Age.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pure, but not light speed, velocity (5)	### Answer: HASTE ### Explanation: Definition: velocity "Chaste"(pure,innocent) minus(but not) "c"(speed of light, most famous in the equation 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: Wind instruments excel in brief tour (7,4)	### Answer: WHISTLE STOP ### Explanation: Definition: brief tour WHISTLES(more sophisticated than the type that referees use, is the tin or penny whistle, wind instruments with a mouthpiece and finger-holes, akin to the flute or recorder) + TOP(to excel). Answer: A tour of places, stopping only briefly at each place. Originally descriptive of the kind of campaign political candidates made, stopping briefly at each town, especially by train, and making a speech from the platform of the train. This together with SHOWBOAT made it look for a moment as if there were a US Presidential election theme.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unfold map of office (4-4)	### Answer: OPEN-PLAN ### Explanation: Definition: office OPEN(unfold) + PLAN(map). Answer: Descriptive of an office made up of a doorless, low-walled cubicle for each worker, the extreme of which, I guess, is the bullpen plan.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Talk and dance joint (6,3,6)	### Answer: TONGUE AND GROOVE ### Explanation: Definition: joint TONGUE(speech,talk, especially of the glib or empty kind) + AND + GROOVE(that quality of music that gives you a pleasurable sensation and makes you want to move, dance or "groove"). Answer: In carpentry, a joint that allows flat pieces to fit together.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fourth letter from Jules Verne redrafted for screen (6)	### Answer: VENEER ### Explanation: Definition: screen Anagram of(redrafted) [E(fourth placed letter from "Jules") + VERNE]. Answer: A superficial layer covering,acting as a screen for material underneath.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Left voting system in the toilet (3)	### Answer: LAV ### Explanation: Definition: toilet L($$l$$eft) + AV(abbrev. for "Alternative Vote", a system of voting where each voter has the option of ranking candidates). Answer: Another toilet reference, short form of lavatory. The surface makes reference to a UK referendum that definitely rejected AV – left it in the toilet, so to speak. Another political 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: Names criminal methods used by thieves (9)	### Answer: MONICKERS ### Explanation: Definition: Names MO(abbrev. for "modus opeandi",Latin for mode,method of operating, criminal or otherwise) plus (used by) NICKERS(people who steal,nick,thieves). Nice misdirection by "criminal", often used as an anagrind. Answer: Slang for persons' names, especially nicknames or aliases.
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 bar, with bags, left ground floor (11)	### Answer: FLABBERGAST ### Explanation: Definition: floor Anagram of(ground) [BAR + BAGS, LEFT]. Answer: To confound, figuratively knocking one to the floor. Anagrind and definition cleverly hidden in "ground floor".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Feature observant service (9)	### Answer: CHINAWARE ### Explanation: Definition: service CHIN(physical feature of one's face) + AWARE(observant,alert). Answer: Collectively, porcelain plates, bowls, cups and saucers, pots, etc. one uses for serving a meal, eg. a tea service.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Unearthly shade absorbs woman's energy to begin with (8)	### Answer: ETHEREAL ### Explanation: Definition: Unearthly E(abbrev. for energy, again as in E=mc2) placed above(to begin with) {TEAL(a greenish-blue colour,shade) containing(absorbs) HER(possessive pronoun denoting woman'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: Everyone held back after interrupting my arrest (6)	### Answer: COLLAR ### Explanation: Definition: arrest Reversal of(held back) ALL(everyone) contained in(interrupting) COR(an exclamation of surprise or amazement, akin to My! or My-my!).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Computers use this code when key is sounded (5)	### Answer: ASCII ### Explanation: Definition: Computers use this code AS(as in "as and when") + CII{pronounced as a homophone of(is sounded) "key"}. Answer: Standard code for characters and symbols stored in computers or transferred between computers. Derived from $$A$$merican $$S$$tandard $$C$$ode for $$I$$nformation $$I$$nterchange.
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 odd characters repair to hearing (3)	### Answer: EAR ### Explanation: Definition: hearing "repair" minus(no) its first, third and fifth (odd) characters. Answer: The sense of hearing, eg. "pleasing to the ear".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: College writer banks money (6)	### Answer: CAMPUS ### Explanation: Definition: College CAMUS(French writer) containing(banks) P(abbrev. for pence, 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: One is to take some money round for this noblewoman (8)	### Answer: BARONESS ### Explanation: Definition: noblewoman I think there's either an edit or a typo in the online version. Neo in his comment earlier, uses "silver" and not "money". An edit to "money" would not make sense, so it's probably a typo repeating "money" from the clue above it. BARS(solid pieces/ingots of,some silver) containing(take…round) ONE'S("one is" contracted). Surface of a hard-up gentry?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Festival beauty with her wings unfurled (8)	### Answer: BAYREUTH ### Explanation: Definition: Festival Anagram of(unfurled) [BEAUTY plus(with) H,R(outer letters,wings of "her"). Answer: The annual music festival held at Bayreuth, Germany, when Wagner's operas are performed. The idea was conceived by – guess who? – Wagner himself.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Situation causing hardship for lot of crows (6)	### Answer: MURDER ### Explanation: Definition: Situation causing hardship,lot of crows Double defn: 1st: Understatement of hardship, especially for the victim; and 2nd: Collective noun for a lot of crows. An edit this time, of Neo's original clue (….for crows)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Prefer 4 over very good 5 (6)	### Answer: FAVOUR ### Explanation: Definition: Prefer FOUR(the number 4) containing(over) [A(the grade A,very good) + V(Roman numeral for 5).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Complete defeat where service engineer admits car tampered with (8)	### Answer: MASSACRE ### Explanation: Definition: Complete defeat [MASS(church service) + E(abbrev. for engineer)] containing(admits) anagram of(tampered with) CAR. Nice misdirecting surface with "service engineer" and "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: In Clubman I soon lost safe driving dividend (2,5,5)	### Answer: NO CLAIM BONUS ### Explanation: Definition: safe driving dividend Anagram of(lost) CLUBMAN I SOON. Answer: A discount off your car insurance premium after you haven't made a claim during the year. Doesn't necessarily mean you've been driving safe, only that you haven't made a claim. Nice surface with the Clubman being a model of the Morris Mini-Minor.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Thing worked out after musical interval determines what you will play! (7,5)	### Answer: TWELFTH NIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: play Anagram of(worked out) THING *placed after*(after) TWELFTH(in music, an interval of one octave plus a fifth). Answer: The Shakespearean comedic play, aka What You Will, believed to have been written as entertainment for the 12th night, close of the Christmas season. Clever use of the play's alternative title.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Easier to produce three tragedies for Aeschylus (8)	### Answer: ORESTEIA ### Explanation: Definition: three tragedies for Aeschylus Anagram of(produce) EASIER TO. Answer: The trilogy,three tragedic plays by Aeschylus, ancient Greek playwright.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Room for movement in Spooner's little song (6)	### Answer: LEEWAY ### Explanation: Definition: Room for movement Spoonerism of "WEE LAY"(little song)
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 time to talk with boxer in compound (6)	### Answer: ALKALI ### Explanation: Definition: compound ALK{"talk" minus(no) "t"(time)) plus(with) ALI(Muhammad, "I am the greatest" boxer)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: FTSE in collapse all about, so working at once (8)	### Answer: EFTSOONS ### Explanation: Definition: at once Anagram of(collapse) FTSE containing(all about) [SO + ON(working, as with an appliance that's switched on). Answer: Archaic and arcane word, new to me, meaning soon after, or, at a stretch, at once.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Googled this with FT after struggle to find work from 21 that 9 would produce (8,2,3,4)	### Answer: TWILIGHT OF THE GODS ### Explanation: Definition: work from 21 that 9 would produce Anagram of(after struggle) GOOGLED THIS WITH FT. Answer: Work,opera by Wagner,answer to 21, performed at Bayreuth,answer to 9, best known as Die Götterdämmerung.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Canaanite commander to emphasise racial content (6)	### Answer: SISERA ### Explanation: Definition: Canaanite commander Hidden in(content) emphaSISE Racial. ** Answer: **Military commander of the Canaanites mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. He was murdered by a woman driving a tent peg through his temple, pinning his head to the ground. All very gruesome and extreme hardship per 10 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: God's appearance in Cameron's film (6)	### Answer: AVATAR ### Explanation: Definition: God's appearance,Cameron's film Double defn: 1st: In Hindu mythology, a manifestation,appearance of a god in a form such as a human, animal, or superhuman; and 2nd: Title of James Cameron's (he of Titanic fame) film, the title refering to hybrids controlled by genetically-matched humans interacting with aliens.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Staff training run by Dicky Nelson (9)	### Answer: PERSONNEL ### Explanation: Definition: Staff PE(abbrev. for "physical exercises",training) + R(run/s as in cricket notation) plus(by) anagram of(Dicky) NELSON.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Boring person with share of loot is shot (6,3)	### Answer: SQUARE CUT ### Explanation: Definition: shot SQUARE(boring person,usually used by a generation of its older generation) plus(with) CUT(share of loot,gains, especially ill-gotten). Answer: A batting stroke,shot made by a cricketer to the off 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: Czechs seen here half-eaten by snake (7)	### Answer: BOHEMIA ### Explanation: Definition: Czechs seen here BOA(constrictor,snake) containing(…eaten by) HEMI(prefix denoting half, as in hemisphere).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Royal birds for doomed wolfsuckling (5)	### Answer: REMUS ### Explanation: Definition: doomed wolfsuckling R(abbrev. for royal) + EMUS(flightless Aussie birds). Answer: In Roman mythology, one of the twins suckled by a wolf when young, and doomed to be killed by his twin in a dispute as to where to build a city. The victor, Romulus named the city after himself, or was it the other way round?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Girl not entirely conventional (5)	### Answer: NORMA ### Explanation: Definition: Girl "normal"(conventional) minus its last letter(not entirely).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Third from Massenet with Panurge to reveal some deep device (5,3)	### Answer: SPEAR GUN ### Explanation: Definition: some deep device S(third letter from "Massenet) plus(with) anagram of(to reveal) PANURGE(an opera by Jules Massenet). Answer: An example,some of a device used in the sea,the deep.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Queen leaves grave to weep convulsively (3)	### Answer: SOB ### Explanation: Definition: to weep convulsively "sober"(grave) minus(…leaves) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina,Queen)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Structures that loom where Hamlet is closer to king in breakdown (9)	### Answer: MEGALITHS ### Explanation: Definition: Structures that loom Anagram of(breakdown) HAMLET IS + G(last letter of,closer to "king"). Answer: Stone structures of great size and height.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Military rule in world was disastrous (5-3)	### Answer: SWORD-LAW ### Explanation: Definition: Military rule Anagram of(disastrous) WORLD WAS.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: As Bunter starts with fork and trifle (3)	### Answer: FAT ### Explanation: Definition: As Bunter F,A,T(initial letters,starts of "fork","and","trifle"). Answer: Descriptive of,as Billy Bunter, fictional schoolboy who first appeared in a weekly paper for boys – long before PC mean "personal computer", let alone the other 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: Orders small underwear (6)

### Answer: BRIEFS ### Explanation: Definition: Orders,small underwear Double defn: 1st: Plural of an order,writ summoning one to answer to a specified action, or a document of facts and points of law by which a solicitor instructs,orders a barrister to represent a client; and 2nd: Close- fitting, legless underpants,small underwear, which a barrister might, or might not, be wearing while he/she's presenting his/her briefs in court 🙂

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

### Clue: Make final now Linda's abroad (4,4)

### Answer: NAIL DOWN ### Explanation: Definition: Make final **Anagram of**(abroad) NOW LINDA.

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

### Clue: Reserve prop rings coach (9)

### Answer: RESTRAINT ### Explanation: Definition: Reserve REST(a prop, eg. that used in billiards to rest your cue on) **containing**(rings) TRAIN(to coach). Answer: That quality shown by people who are reserved,inhibited in their behaviour.

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 prima donna to turn up (4)

### Answer: AVID ### Explanation: Definition: Keen **Anagram of**(to turn up) DIVA(prima donna,star)

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

### Clue: Pop singer loves having time for a cigar (7)

### Answer: CHEROOT ### Explanation: Definition: a cigar CHER(female pop singer since the 60s) + OO(looking like 2 zeros,2 x love,zero score in tennis) **plus**(having) T($$t$$ime) Answer: Different from a cigar in having both ends untapered/cut squarely.

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 dramatisation of the nativity may be very easy to do (6,4)

### Answer: CHILD’S PLAY ### Explanation: Definition: very easy to do Cryptic defn: The nativity is the birth of a child, and a dramatisation of it could be called a CHILD'S PLAY.

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

### Clue: English artist in contact with a source of inspiration (5)

### Answer: ERATO ### Explanation: Definition: a source of inspiration E($$E$$nglish) + RA(a member of the $$R$$oyal $$A$$cademy of Arts,an artist) + TO(in contact with, eg. "a punch to the jaw"). Answer: The muse,source of inspiration for lyric or erotic/love poetry or hymns.

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

### Clue: Unwillingness to speak of mother without it getting back to son (6)

### Answer: MUTISM ### Explanation: Definition: Unwillingness to speak MUM(mother) **containing**(without) [**reversal of**(getting back) IT **plus**(to) S($$s$$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: Impressive to find gold and a bit of silver in capsized boat (6)

### Answer: AUGUST ### Explanation: Definition: Impressive AU(in chemistry, symbol for the element gold, from Latin "aurum") **plus**(and) [S(first letter,a bit of "silver") **contained in**(in) **reversal of**(capsized,in a down clue) TUG(a boat that tows)]. Answer: Majestic,impressive.

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 dermatologists may do when they occur without warning (4-6)

### Answer: SPOT CHECKS ### Explanation: Definition: they occur without warning Cryptic defn: Dermatologists, skin specialists that they are, may check any spot on your epidermis to ensure that all is healthy. Answer: Spot checks by authorities of eg. identification, intoxication by drugs or alcohol, occur without warning.

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

### Clue: Volunteers uplifted by a statement showing respect for property (9)

### Answer: ATTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: property **Reversal of**(uplifted, in a down clue) TA($$T$$erritoral $$A$$rmy made up of volunteers) **plus**(by) TRIBUTE(could be a statement, showing respect,paying homage to someone or something). Answer: A characteristic,property of someone or something.

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 a claim about nurses under pressure (8)

### Answer: PRETENDS ### Explanation: Definition: Makes a claim RE(about,regarding) TENDS(as singular verb, nurses) **placed below**(under, in a down clue) P(in physics, the symbol for pressure, and happens to be the symbol for power, too).

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

### Clue: Suffer as Tunis is destroyed (7)

### Answer: SUSTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Suffer **Anagram of**(is destroyed) AS TUNIS.

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

### Clue: Done by a number of people in public (6)

### Answer: COMMON ### Explanation: Last one in, so hope it's correct. Double defn: 1st: Descriptive of what is done by a number of people, ie. common; and 2nd: Belonging to the public or community, as in common property.

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

### Clue: Athletes do it in battle over money at university (4-2)

### Answer: WARM-UP ### Explanation: Definition: Athletes do it WAR(battle) **placed above**(over, in a down clue) M(abbrev. for $$m$$oney) + UP{at,attending university in contrast to "(sent) down",barred from attending}.

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

### Clue: Nationalist breaks Spike's weapon (5)

### Answer: LANCE ### Explanation: Definition: weapon N(abbrev. for Nationalist, as in the names of any number of political parties worldwide, each with differing interpretations of the word) **contained in**(breaks) LACE(adulterate with a bit of something,spike, as with a 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: Passage from Amiss targeting a leading performer (4)

### Answer: STAR ### Explanation: Definition: a leading performer **Hidden in**(passage from) amisS TARgeting. I was wondering: is there a surplus "s" in Amiss? The clue reads much better with Amis (Kingsley or Martin), writer compatible with the surface "passage from", and there are probably more than one "leading performer" in their novels. The only Amiss of note that I could find was Dennis, English cricketer.

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

### Clue: Two animals bound for cover (7)

### Answer: BUCKRAM ### Explanation: Definition: cover [BUCK + RAM](two animals). Answer: A stiff cotton or linen cloth used as a liner or cover, eg. of books.

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

### Clue: Game in which Diana and Jack have nothing on — look! (7)

### Answer: DIABOLO ### Explanation: Definition: Game DI(short for Diana) **plus**(and) AB($$a$$ble-$$b$$odied seaman,sailor,Jack Tar – Rufus's trademark nautical reference) **plus**(have…on) O(looks like zero,nothing) + LO(look, as in "lo and behold!") Answer: A game played with a top, string and 2 sticks.

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

### Clue: Sailor goes to and fro to see pop group (4)

### Answer: ABBA ### Explanation: Definition: pop group Forward and **reversal of**(goes to and fro) AB(ditto above). Answer: Swedish pop group consisting of Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid.

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

### Clue: Possibly end a better woman — even a saint! (10)

### Answer: BERNADETTE ### Explanation: Definition: woman — even a saint **Anagram of**(possibly) END A BETTER. Answer: A woman's name, and the saint aka Saint Marie-Bernarde Soubirous. 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: Note to change flag (6)

### Answer: FALTER ### Explanation: Definition: flag F(musical note in the diatonic scale) **plus**(to) ALTER(change).

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

### Clue: Not a very bright lot, but sturdy (8)

### Answer: THICKSET ### Explanation: Definition: sturdy THICK(not very bright) + SET(a collection,lot of items).

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

### Clue: Warder organising a fete gets in something to drink (9)

### Answer: BEEFEATER ### Explanation: Definition: Warder **Anagram of**(organising) A FETE **contained in**(gets in) BEER(something alcoholic to drink). Answer: Popular name for one of the Yeomen Warders, in principle, guardians of prisoners at the Tower of London (when there used to be) and the Crown Jewels (there still are). But nowadays, more of a tourist attraction collectively, and also tour guides individually.

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 from Lake Nyasa to land further north (5)

### Answer: KENYA ### Explanation: Definition: land further north **Hidden in**(coming from) laKE NYAsa. Answer: African state further north of Lake Nyasa.

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

### Clue: Black market trader's location (5)

### Answer: PITCH ### Explanation: Definition: Black,market trader's location Double defn: 1st Answer: Any of black viscous substances used for caulking and paving, or tar and asphalt for roads. But I'm not sure how to use black as a noun in this sense; I know of shoe-black, which is a dye/pigment but not pitch, and there is the derived adjective pitch-black; and 2nd Answer: A vendor,trader's stall,location in a market. Nice surface with "black market trader".

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 to a hypotenuse? (9)

### Answer: ALONGSIDE ### Explanation: Definition: Close to A + LONG SIDE(a hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle)

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

### Clue: Drive from A to B with mini, erratically (8)

### Answer: AMBITION ### Explanation: Definition: Drive **Anagram of**(erratically) [A TO B **plus**(with) MINI]

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

### Clue: Key to passage leading to kitchen (6)

### Answer: GALLEY ### Explanation: Definition: kitchen G(presumed major, in music, one of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales defining the key,tonal framework of a piece) ***plus***(to) ALLEY(a passage between 2 buildings)

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

### Clue: Composer in far off New Zealand heard record (5,5)

### Answer: FRANZ LISZT ### Explanation: Definition: Composer **Anagram of**(off) FAR + NZ(abbrev. for $$N$$ew $$Z$$ealand) + LISZT{**homophone of**(heard) "list",a record of items}. Nice surface with the smooth "in far off New Zealand".

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

### Clue: Game reserves (4)

### Answer: POOL ### Explanation: Definition: Game,reserves Double defn: 1st: Any of various games, similar to snooker/billiards but played with enlarged balls and a stunted table.

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

### Clue: State what customs require travellers to do (7)

### Answer: DECLARE ### Explanation: Definition: State,what customs require travellers to do Double defn: 2nd: Somewhat cryptic. What customs officers require travellers to do when they ask the leading question: "Anything to declare, sir/madam?" before you can travel into their country.

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 reminds me repeatedly not to change (7)

### Answer: MEMENTO ### Explanation: Definition: It reminds [ME + ME]("me" twice,repeatedly) + **anagram of**(to change) 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: R. Mugabe gives offence (7)

### Answer: UMBRAGE ### Explanation: Definition: offence **Anagram of**(gives) R. MUGABE.

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

### Clue: Soldier in full gear that creeps around at night (5)

### Answer: KRAIT ### Explanation: Definition: that creeps around at night RA(for a change, not an artist but soldier in the $$r$$egular $$a$$rmy, or, if you like the $$R$$oyal $$A$$rtillery) **contained in**(in) KIT(full gear,outfit). Answer: A poisonous reptile that creeps around at night.

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

### Clue: Here in Canada it's a pound over the fixed rate (7)

### Answer: ALBERTA ### Explanation: Definition: Here in Canada A + LB(abbrev. for pound weight in the Imperial system) **placed above**(over) **anagram of**(fixed) RATE. Answer: A province of Canada.

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

### Clue: Literary type with a leaning to the right (6)

### Answer: ITALIC ### Explanation: Definition: Literary type Cryptic defn: The font,type leaning like *so.

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

### Clue: Worker's joints are wonderful (4,5)

### Answer: BEES KNEES ### Explanation: Definition: wonderful BEE'S(worker's) KNEES(joints). Answer: Describing person or thing that's wonderful. Akin to the cat's pyjamas or whiskers, or the kipper's knickers or the dog's (the second anatomical part of the phrase which rhymes with dogs, is implicit).

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

### Clue: Gamble a great deal on a patched-up tyre (7)

### Answer: LOTTERY ### Explanation: Definition: Gamble LOT(a great deal,amount) **plus**(on) **anagram of**(patched-up) TYRE.

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

### Clue: State of the fraternity — rows among the monks (13)

### Answer: BROTHERLINESS ### Explanation: Definition: State of the fraternity LINES(rows) **contained in**(among) BROTHERS(what monks call each other). Nice surface meaning the opposite of the answer.

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 not true that oil, in fact, needs changing (9)

### Answer: FICTIONAL ### Explanation: Definition: It's not true **Anagram of**(needs changing) OIL IN FACT

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 into liquidation (7)

### Answer: IMMERSE ### Explanation: Definition: Put into liquidation Cryptic defn: To sink,put into something liquid, or, whimsically, the product of liquidation.

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 late shift (7)

### Answer: NIGHTIE ### Explanation: Definition: The late shift Cryptic defn: The garment,shift that one wears late at night to bed.

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 side away from home fails to survive (4,3)

### Answer: DIES OUT ### Explanation: Definition: fails to survive **Anagram of**(poor) SIDE + OUT(not in,away from home)

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

### Clue: He finishes off game with the queen (6)

### Answer: KILLER ### Explanation: Definition: He finishes off KILL{noun for the animals,game that have been killed for food or sport(?)} **plus**(with) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina, the queen).

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

### Clue: Error made by student before recess (5)

### Answer: LAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: Error L(abbrev. for learner,student) **plus**(before) APSE(inside a church, a recess in the wall).

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 yacht salesman does in parade (8)

### Answer: SHOWBOAT ### Explanation: Definition: parade [SHOW BOAT](what a yacht salesman does for and to a prospective buyer). Answer: Verb, to parade in an outrageous or spectacular manner, show off, or playing to an audience, eg. as politicians do.

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

### Clue: Gross sound of publication (6)

### Answer: VOLUME ### Explanation: Definition: Gross sound,publication Double defn: 1st: I think this is the gross,basic quality of a sound, ie. volume, ignoring its finer points of tone, 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: Fool views broadcast sitting in judgment (6)

### Answer: ASSIZE ### Explanation: Definition: sitting in judgment ASS(the fool, not the animal) + IZE{**homophone of**(broadcast) "eyes"(views)}. Answer: Noun, a judicial inquiry,sitting of a jury or assessors leading to a judgement.

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

### Clue: Nobody reveals when nothing happens (3-5)

### Answer: NON-EVENT ### Explanation: Definition: nothing happens [NONE VENT](nobody reveals,vents as in to "vent one's feelings")

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

### Clue: Exploit overweight drug-taker (4)

### Answer: FEAT ### Explanation: Definition: Exploit FAT(overweight or gravitationally-challenged?) **containing**(…taker) E(slang for the drug, Ecstasy)

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

### Clue: Tense, mischievous elf crept up (10)

### Answer: PLUPERFECT ### Explanation: Definition: Tense **Anagram of**(mischievous) ELF CREPT UP. Answer: In grammar, the tense that describes a verb whose action occurred even before the main verb that is itself in the past tense, eg. "*had gone* before I came". Also known by the simpler "past perfect tense".

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

### Clue: Plans for cash met a glitch (8)

### Answer: SCHEMATA ### Explanation: Definition: Plans **Anagram of**(glitch) CASH MET A. Answer: Plural of the noun schema,plan, as in "schemata for automata".

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 attracts attention to a skirt (4)

### Answer: AHEM ### Explanation: Definition: It attracts attention A + HEM(to provide with a border,to skirt). Strangely, yet another relation exists between "hem" and "skirt" – "to hem and haw" which is derived from the sounds of clearing one's throat and hesitation, is synonymous with "to skirt round (the subject/issue)". Answer: An interjection, lengthened from the abovementioned clearing of throat, to attract attention, interrupt, express doubt, 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: Bond was a soldier and an officer (4)

### Answer: GILT ### Explanation: Definition: Bond GI(an American soldier, apparently derived from $$g$$overnment $$i$$ssue) **plus**(and) LT(abbrev. for lieutenant,a commissioned officer). Answer: In finance, short form for gilt-edged security, a financially sound share or bond, as opposed to a junk bond.

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

### Clue: Sampling the wrong way gives a bat a defective store of information (8)

### Answer: DATABASE ### Explanation: Definition: store of information **Hidden in**(sampling) and **reversal of**(the wrong way) givES A BAT A Defective. Cleverly hidden.

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

### Clue: Protection from water or soup? (4,6)

### Answer: DAMP COURSE ### Explanation: Definition: Protection from water,soup Double defn: 1st: Aka "damp-proof course". A protective layer of impermeable material laid in the foundation walls of building to prevent dampness,water rising into the building; and 2nd: Cryptic description of a damp,wet,liquid course,soup in a 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: On a power cut (4)

### Answer: REAP ### Explanation: Definition: cut RE(on the subject of,$$re$$garding) + A + P(abbrev. for power in physics). Answer: As in "to cut a crop of grain".

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

### Clue: Station has flush toilet, perhaps (8)

### Answer: WATERLOO ### Explanation: Definition: Station [WATER LOO](a lavatory,toilet that has a flush, thus requiring water, as opposed to a bucket or a hole in the ground) Answer: A railway and Tube station in London.

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

### Clue: Bishop hides cross in leaderless search (6)

### Answer: EXARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Bishop X(cross) **contained in**(hides…in) EARCH{"search" **minus** initial letter(leaderless)} Answer: Title given to a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

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

### Clue: The first sin is fear (6)

### Answer: TERROR ### Explanation: Definition: fear T(initial letter,first of "the") + ERROR(sin,wrongdoing)

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

### Clue: Extremely primitive oil produced within a moral code (8)

### Answer: EOLITHIC ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely primitive **Anagram of**(produced) OIL **contained in**(within) ETHIC(a moral code of conduct). Answer: Descriptive of the extremely primitive early part of the Stone Age.

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

### Clue: Pure, but not light speed, velocity (5)

### Answer: HASTE ### Explanation: Definition: velocity "Chaste"(pure,innocent) **minus**(but not) "c"(speed of light, most famous in the equation 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: Wind instruments excel in brief tour (7,4)

### Answer: WHISTLE STOP ### Explanation: Definition: brief tour WHISTLES(more sophisticated than the type that referees use, is the tin or penny whistle, wind instruments with a mouthpiece and finger-holes, akin to the flute or recorder) + TOP(to excel). Answer: A tour of places, stopping only briefly at each place. Originally descriptive of the kind of campaign political candidates made, stopping briefly at each town, especially by train, and making a speech from the platform of the train. This together with SHOWBOAT made it look for a moment as if there were a US Presidential election theme.

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

### Clue: Unfold map of office (4-4)

### Answer: OPEN-PLAN ### Explanation: Definition: office OPEN(unfold) + PLAN(map). Answer: Descriptive of an office made up of a doorless, low-walled cubicle for each worker, the extreme of which, I guess, is the bullpen plan.

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

### Clue: Talk and dance joint (6,3,6)

### Answer: TONGUE AND GROOVE ### Explanation: Definition: joint TONGUE(speech,talk, especially of the glib or empty kind) + AND + GROOVE(that quality of music that gives you a pleasurable sensation and makes you want to move, dance or "groove"). Answer: In carpentry, a joint that allows flat pieces to fit together.

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

### Clue: Fourth letter from Jules Verne redrafted for screen (6)

### Answer: VENEER ### Explanation: Definition: screen **Anagram of**(redrafted) [E(fourth placed letter from "Jules") + VERNE]. Answer: A superficial layer covering,acting as a screen for material underneath.

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

### Clue: Left voting system in the toilet (3)

### Answer: LAV ### Explanation: Definition: toilet L($$l$$eft) + AV(abbrev. for "Alternative Vote", a system of voting where each voter has the option of ranking candidates). Answer: Another toilet reference, short form of lavatory. The surface makes reference to a UK referendum that definitely rejected AV – left it in the toilet, so to speak. Another political 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: Names criminal methods used by thieves (9)

### Answer: MONICKERS ### Explanation: Definition: Names MO(abbrev. for "modus opeandi",Latin for mode,method of operating, criminal or otherwise) **plus** (used by) NICKERS(people who steal,nick,thieves). Nice misdirection by "criminal", often used as an anagrind. Answer: Slang for persons' names, especially nicknames or aliases.

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 bar, with bags, left ground floor (11)

### Answer: FLABBERGAST ### Explanation: Definition: floor **Anagram of**(ground) [BAR + BAGS, LEFT]. Answer: To confound, figuratively knocking one to the floor. Anagrind and definition cleverly hidden in "ground floor".

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

### Clue: Feature observant service (9)

### Answer: CHINAWARE ### Explanation: Definition: service CHIN(physical feature of one's face) + AWARE(observant,alert). Answer: Collectively, porcelain plates, bowls, cups and saucers, pots, etc. one uses for serving a meal, eg. a tea service.

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

### Clue: Unearthly shade absorbs woman's energy to begin with (8)

### Answer: ETHEREAL ### Explanation: Definition: Unearthly E(abbrev. for energy, again as in E=mc2) **placed above**(to begin with) {TEAL(a greenish-blue colour,shade) **containing**(absorbs) HER(possessive pronoun denoting woman'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: Everyone held back after interrupting my arrest (6)

### Answer: COLLAR ### Explanation: Definition: arrest **Reversal of**(held back) ALL(everyone) **contained in**(interrupting) COR(an exclamation of surprise or amazement, akin to My! or My-my!).

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

### Clue: Computers use this code when key is sounded (5)

### Answer: ASCII ### Explanation: Definition: Computers use this code AS(as in "as and when") + CII{pronounced as a **homophone of**(is sounded) "key"}. Answer: Standard code for characters and symbols stored in computers or transferred between computers. Derived from $$A$$merican $$S$$tandard $$C$$ode for $$I$$nformation $$I$$nterchange.

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 odd characters repair to hearing (3)

### Answer: EAR ### Explanation: Definition: hearing "repair" **minus**(no) its first, third and fifth (odd) characters. Answer: The sense of hearing, eg. "pleasing to the ear".

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

### Clue: College writer banks money (6)

### Answer: CAMPUS ### Explanation: Definition: College CAMUS(French writer) **containing**(banks) P(abbrev. for pence, 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: One is to take some money round for this noblewoman (8)

### Answer: BARONESS ### Explanation: Definition: noblewoman I think there's either an edit or a typo in the online version. Neo in his comment earlier, uses "silver" and not "money". An edit to "money" would not make sense, so it's probably a typo repeating "money" from the clue above it. BARS(solid pieces/ingots of,some silver) **containing**(take…round) ONE'S("one is" contracted). Surface of a hard-up gentry?

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

### Clue: Festival beauty with her wings unfurled (8)

### Answer: BAYREUTH ### Explanation: Definition: Festival **Anagram of**(unfurled) [BEAUTY **plus**(with) H,R(outer letters,wings of "her"). Answer: The annual music festival held at Bayreuth, Germany, when Wagner's operas are performed. The idea was conceived by – guess who? – Wagner himself.

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

### Clue: Situation causing hardship for lot of crows (6)

### Answer: MURDER ### Explanation: Definition: Situation causing hardship,lot of crows Double defn: 1st: Understatement of hardship, especially for the victim; and 2nd: Collective noun for a lot of crows. An edit this time, of Neo's original clue (….for crows)

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

### Clue: Prefer 4 over very good 5 (6)

### Answer: FAVOUR ### Explanation: Definition: Prefer FOUR(the number 4) **containing**(over) [A(the grade A,very good) + V(Roman numeral for 5).

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

### Clue: Complete defeat where service engineer admits car tampered with (8)

### Answer: MASSACRE ### Explanation: Definition: Complete defeat [MASS(church service) + E(abbrev. for engineer)] **containing**(admits) **anagram of**(tampered with) CAR. Nice misdirecting surface with "service engineer" and "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: In Clubman I soon lost safe driving dividend (2,5,5)

### Answer: NO CLAIM BONUS ### Explanation: Definition: safe driving dividend **Anagram of**(lost) CLUBMAN I SOON. Answer: A discount off your car insurance premium after you haven't made a claim during the year. Doesn't necessarily mean you've been driving safe, only that you haven't made a claim. Nice surface with the Clubman being a model of the Morris Mini-Minor.

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

### Clue: Thing worked out after musical interval determines what you will play! (7,5)

### Answer: TWELFTH NIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: play **Anagram of**(worked out) THING ***placed after***(after) TWELFTH(in music, an interval of one octave plus a fifth). Answer: The Shakespearean comedic play, aka What You Will, believed to have been written as entertainment for the 12th night, close of the Christmas season. Clever use of the play's alternative title.

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

### Clue: Easier to produce three tragedies for Aeschylus (8)

### Answer: ORESTEIA ### Explanation: Definition: three tragedies for Aeschylus **Anagram of**(produce) EASIER TO. Answer: The trilogy,three tragedic plays by Aeschylus, ancient Greek playwright.

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

### Clue: Room for movement in Spooner's little song (6)

### Answer: LEEWAY ### Explanation: Definition: Room for movement Spoonerism of "WEE LAY"(little song)

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 time to talk with boxer in compound (6)

### Answer: ALKALI ### Explanation: Definition: compound ALK{"talk" **minus**(no) "t"(time)) **plus**(with) ALI(Muhammad, "I am the greatest" boxer)

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

### Clue: FTSE in collapse all about, so working at once (8)

### Answer: EFTSOONS ### Explanation: Definition: at once **Anagram of**(collapse) FTSE **containing**(all about) [SO + ON(working, as with an appliance that's switched on). Answer: Archaic and arcane word, new to me, meaning soon after, or, at a stretch, at once.

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

### Clue: Googled this with FT after struggle to find work from 21 that 9 would produce (8,2,3,4)

### Answer: TWILIGHT OF THE GODS ### Explanation: Definition: work from 21 that 9 would produce **Anagram of**(after struggle) GOOGLED THIS WITH FT. Answer: Work,opera by Wagner,answer to 21, performed at Bayreuth,answer to 9, best known as Die Götterdämmerung.

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

### Clue: Canaanite commander to emphasise racial content (6)

### Answer: SISERA ### Explanation: Definition: Canaanite commander **Hidden in**(content) emphaSISE Racial. **** Answer:** **Military commander of the Canaanites mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. He was murdered by a woman driving a tent peg through his temple, pinning his head to the ground. All very gruesome and extreme hardship per 10 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: God's appearance in Cameron's film (6)

### Answer: AVATAR ### Explanation: Definition: God's appearance,Cameron's film Double defn: 1st: In Hindu mythology, a manifestation,appearance of a god in a form such as a human, animal, or superhuman; and 2nd: Title of James Cameron's (he of Titanic fame) film, the title refering to hybrids controlled by genetically-matched humans interacting with aliens.

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

### Clue: Staff training run by Dicky Nelson (9)

### Answer: PERSONNEL ### Explanation: Definition: Staff PE(abbrev. for "physical exercises",training) + R(run/s as in cricket notation) **plus**(by) **anagram of**(Dicky) NELSON.

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

### Clue: Boring person with share of loot is shot (6,3)

### Answer: SQUARE CUT ### Explanation: Definition: shot SQUARE(boring person,usually used by a generation of its older generation) **plus**(with) CUT(share of loot,gains, especially ill-gotten). Answer: A batting stroke,shot made by a cricketer to the off 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: Czechs seen here half-eaten by snake (7)

### Answer: BOHEMIA ### Explanation: Definition: Czechs seen here BOA(constrictor,snake) **containing**(…eaten by) HEMI(prefix denoting half, as in hemisphere).

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

### Clue: Royal birds for doomed wolfsuckling (5)

### Answer: REMUS ### Explanation: Definition: doomed wolfsuckling R(abbrev. for royal) + EMUS(flightless Aussie birds). Answer: In Roman mythology, one of the twins suckled by a wolf when young, and doomed to be killed by his twin in a dispute as to where to build a city. The victor, Romulus named the city after himself, or was it the other way round?

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

### Clue: Girl not entirely conventional (5)

### Answer: NORMA ### Explanation: Definition: Girl "normal"(conventional) **minus** its last letter(not entirely).

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

### Clue: Third from Massenet with Panurge to reveal some deep device (5,3)

### Answer: SPEAR GUN ### Explanation: Definition: some deep device S(third letter from "Massenet) **plus**(with) **anagram of**(to reveal) PANURGE(an opera by Jules Massenet). Answer: An example,some of a device used in the sea,the deep.

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

### Clue: Queen leaves grave to weep convulsively (3)

### Answer: SOB ### Explanation: Definition: to weep convulsively "sober"(grave) **minus**(…leaves) ER($$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina,Queen)

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

### Clue: Structures that loom where Hamlet is closer to king in breakdown (9)

### Answer: MEGALITHS ### Explanation: Definition: Structures that loom **Anagram of**(breakdown) HAMLET IS + G(last letter of,closer to "king"). Answer: Stone structures of great size and height.

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

### Clue: Military rule in world was disastrous (5-3)

### Answer: SWORD-LAW ### Explanation: Definition: Military rule **Anagram of**(disastrous) WORLD WAS.

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

### Clue: As Bunter starts with fork and trifle (3)

### Answer: FAT ### Explanation: Definition: As Bunter F,A,T(initial letters,starts of "fork","and","trifle"). Answer: Descriptive of,as Billy Bunter, fictional schoolboy who first appeared in a weekly paper for boys – long before PC mean "personal computer", let alone the other one.