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: Kindness towards others – suspicious about it? (7)	### Answer: CHARITY ### Explanation: Definition: Kindness towards others CHARY(suspicious,wary) containing(about) 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: Private part of going on a diet (5)	### Answer: GONAD ### Explanation: Definition: Private part Hidden in(of, or part of, if one allows "part" to double up) goinG ON A Diet. Answer and defn: The ovary for a female and the testis for the male. Strictly speaking "privates" or "private part" would only refer to genitals that are external, ie. can be seen, so gonad doesn't quite fit, though "testis"/"testicle" has been used as a substitute for the visible scrotum.
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 the dark, Labour leader insecure? (5)	### Answer: BLIND ### Explanation: Definition: In the dark L(initial letter,leader of "Labour") containing(in-) BIND(to –secure,tie). Only last Tuesday in the Indy Punk(Paul/Mud) puzzle, there were comments about a device such as in/secure. I'm with the libertarians on this – it is a cryptic crossword after all, and part of solving it is to decipher the code.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Town's serenades interrupting cook (11)	### Answer: BASINGSTOKE ### Explanation: Definition: Town SINGS TO(serenades as a verb) contained in(interrupting) BAKE(to cook in an oven)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Original film with old boy knocking out a US criminal (7)	### Answer: MOBSTER ### Explanation: Definition: US criminal "master"(original copy, say, of a film – could be any other type of recording) with "ob"(abbrev. for $$o$$ld $$b$$oy) replacing(knocking out) "a".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Trendy person of faith has rejected cathedral impressively (2,5)	### Answer: IN STYLE ### Explanation: Definition: impressively IN(trendy,the in-thing) + ST(abbrev. for saint,person of faith) plus(has) reversal of(rejected) ELY(famous cathedral in England). Answer: Adverb for doing something impressively,with flair.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bird that's cold entering a hot nest after flying (9)	### Answer: STONECHAT ### Explanation: Definition: Bird C(abbrev. for $$c$$old) contained in(entering) anagram of(after flying) [A HOT NEST].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Big effort brings supreme happiness, all but (5)	### Answer: HEAVE ### Explanation: Definition: Big effort "heaven"(supreme happiness, as in "heaven on earth") minus its last letter(all but).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Little girl facing the unknown in a place of great crisis (4)	### Answer: SUEZ ### Explanation: Definition: a place of great crisis SUE(short for,little girl's name, Susan) plus(facing the) Z(mathematical symbol for an unknown variable, together with siblings x and y). Answer: The Suez Canal zone was the bone of contention and scene,place of the political and military confrontation,great crisis in 1956.
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 individual gets slated, being pronounced innocent (10)	### Answer: EXONERATED ### Explanation: Definition: pronounced innocent EX-(no longer, as in ex-wife) + ONE(an individual) plus(gets) RATED(to be given a scolding,slated).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Spread to excite gourmet and pal (10)	### Answer: PROMULGATE ### Explanation: Definition: Spread Anagram of(to excite) [GOURMET plus(and) PAL]. Answer: To set forth or teach publicly, usually a doctrine or creed.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pasquale's an artist, first to last! (4)	### Answer: MINE ### Explanation: Definition: Pasquale's "Emin"(Tracey, British female artist) with first letter moved to the end,last position. Answer: Possessive pronoun for me,the setter,Pasquale in contrast to you the solvers. Art? Oh, I know, it's in the eyes of the beholder 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Glossy boats from stern to bow (5)	### Answer: SLEEK ### Explanation: Definition: Glossy Reversal of(from stern to bow) KEELS(a literary synonym for boats)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Oppose profits pocketed by stupid person? (2,7)	### Answer: GO AGAINST ### Explanation: Definition: Oppose GAINS(profits) contained in(pocketed by) GOAT(an inferior or stupid person, – and, also a horny man)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nourishment from fruit worker's consumed (7)	### Answer: ALIMENT ### Explanation: Definition: Nourishment ANT(a caste of which is the worker) containing(…'s consumed) LIME(a sour fruit).
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 to have admirable scepticism when listening (4,3)	### Answer: FIND OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Learn Homophone of(when listening) "fine"(admirable,classy) "doubt"(skepticism,unbelief).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Andy rather than Grant providing ingredient for home-made wine? (11)	### Answer: ELDERFLOWER ### Explanation: Definition: ingredient for home-made wine Andy, the ELDER rather than Grant, the younger of the FLOWER brothers, former Zimbabwean cricketers.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: See me repeatedly boo a Britney pop song that she sings (4,3,4,4)	### Answer: BABY ONE MORE TIME ### Explanation: Definition: song, that she sings Anagram of(see…pop) [ME,ME(me repeatedly) + BOO A BRITNEY]. Apt surface for a non-fan/anti like me!
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bristly bits must be regularly extracted from sweet face (5)	### Answer: SETAE ### Explanation: Definition: Bristly bits Odd letters,regularly extracted from "SwEeT fAcE". Answer: Stiff hairs,bristles on an organism. The surface conjures an amusingly incongruous image.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hurried up with the cross somewhere in church? (7)	### Answer: NARTHEX ### Explanation: Definition: somewhere in church Reversal of(up, in a down clue) RAN(hurried) plus(with) THE X(cross). Answer: An architectural term for an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of the 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: In love and almost ecstatic holding hand (7)	### Answer: SMITTEN ### Explanation: Definition: In love SEN{"sent"(ecstatic,in an excited state) minus its last letter(almost)} containing(holding) MITT(slang for hand). A nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cell consisting of three round objects (8)	### Answer: OOSPHERE ### Explanation: Definition: Cell OO(two round objects) + SPHERE(third of three round object). Answer: An unfertilised egg cell of some algae and fungi.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Baronet, hairy man, frightful beast on Greek mountain (11,4)	### Answer: ERYMANTHIAN BOAR ### Explanation: Definition: beast on Greek mountain Anagram of(frightful) [BARONET, HAIRY MAN]. Answer: In Greek mythology, a wild beast that ravaged the area round Mount Erymanthus, and captured by Hercules as his fourth labour.
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's ending with muck around one — as a result of this? (6)	### Answer: EMESIS ### Explanation: Definition: this E(last letter,ending of "One") plus(with) [MESS(muck,dirty stuff ) containing(around) I(Roman numeral for "one")]. Answer: The act or process of vomiting, that might,? leave muck around one. 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: Support brilliant objective (6)	### Answer: DEFEND ### Explanation: Definition: Support DEF(slang for excellent,brilliant! – apparently an Americanism from the early 80s) + END(an objective,goal).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Spooner's ungainly person to fix down in part of ship (8)	### Answer: BULKHEAD ### Explanation: Definition: part of ship Spoonerism of "hulk"(an ungainly,awkward person) "bed"(to fix down,lay flat in a bed or layer – reminiscent of the sexual meaning).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mathematician from China embracing a leading pair of scientists (6)	### Answer: PASCAL ### Explanation: Definition: Mathematician PAL(China,friend from Cockney rhyming slang, China plate = mate) containing(embracing) [A + SC(the first 2 letters,leading pair of "scientists")] Answer: Blaise, French philosopher, mathematician and physicist.
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 may produce smile, not half, going about stage being funny (7)	### Answer: GAGSTER ### Explanation: Definition: One may produce smile GR{"grin"(smile) minus(not) "in",half of its letters} containing(going about) anagram of(being funny) STAGE. Another fine 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: Emotional rugby group left after meal (7)	### Answer: TEARFUL ### Explanation: Definition: Emotional [RFU(abbrev. for $$R$$ugby $$F$$ootball $$U$$nion, governing body,group of English rugby) + L($$l$$eft)] *placed below*(after) TEA(in England, a meal, in the late afternoon or evening).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Car with Spanish identification, say (6)	### Answer: ESTATE ### Explanation: Definition: Car E(International Vehicle Registration,identification code for Spanish vehicles) + STATE(to say,declare). Answer: The term in Britain for what is called elsewhere a station wagon. Distinguished from the saloon car by having a shared rear passenger and boot space, with additional access via a backward opening door or tailgate instead of a boot lid.
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 set of directions hardly used (2,3)	### Answer: AS NEW ### Explanation: Definition: hardly used A + S,N,E,W(south,north,east,west, a set of directions).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Feline killer is something unusual (9)	### Answer: CURIOSITY ### Explanation: Definition: Feline killer,something unusual Double defn. (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: Reference to the proverb "Curiosity killed the cat".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Home rule for a sort of relation (2-3)	### Answer: IN-LAW ### Explanation: Definition: a sort of relation IN(at home) + LAW(a rule).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Turn back in vehicle that's not what it seems (5)	### Answer: BOGUS ### Explanation: Definition: that's not what it seems Reversal of(back) GO(one's turn, eg. in a game) contained in(in) BUS(a vehicle).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Annoyed after golf club gets German award (4,5)	### Answer: IRON CROSS ### Explanation: Definition: German award CROSS(annoyed) placed after(after) IRON(a sort of golf club). Answer: German military decoration,award.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fielder — one of daddy's six? (4,3)	### Answer: LONG LEG ### Explanation: Definition: Fielder,one of daddy's six Double defn: (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: A fielder in cricket positioned near the boundary on the leg side of the batsman, almost behind the batsman's wicket – and I gave up counting the number of possible fielding positions each of which has its own name – it isn't so bad … if you actually like cricket 🙂 ; and 2nd: One of the six legs of the European insect, the crane fly, known in the UK as "daddy longlegs", with other regional names like mosquito hawk, mosquito eater (or skeeter eater), gallinipper, and gollywhopper. The clue might not work in the US, Canada or Australia, where "daddy longlegs" refers to spiders, with eight legs.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Joy has broken toenail (7)	### Answer: ELATION ### Explanation: Definition: Joy Anagram of(broken) TOENAIL.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Country singer (Irish) seen by king (5)	### Answer: KENYA ### Explanation: Definition: Country ENYA(last name Brennan, Anglicised name of Irish singer, instrumentalist, songwriter) placed after(seen by) K(abbrev. for king, as in chess notation).
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 imprisoned for fraud (3)	### Answer: CON ### Explanation: Definition: One imprisoned,fraud Double defn: 1st: Short form for convict,one imprisoned; and 2nd: A scam,fraud that the con might be behind bars for.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fun with birds (5)	### Answer: LARKS ### Explanation: Definition: Fun,birds Double defn: 1st: Frolics,fun activities.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lassie from Sirius? (3,4)	### Answer: DOG STAR ### Explanation: Definition: Lassie,Sirius Double defn: (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: The canine character which first appeared in a short story, "Lassie Come Home", then a novel, then movies, and then went on to a long-running TV series. The stars in the role were the original male dog in the movies and his male descendants – why not, if humans can do it, so can their best friends; and 2nd: Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky (and actually a binary star system), is known as the "dog star" because of its prominence in its constellation, Canis Major.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Tidying mess, showing self-respect (7)	### Answer: DIGNITY ### Explanation: Definition: self-respect Anagram of(mess) TIDYING.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Object no one brought back after camping? (9)	### Answer: INTENTION ### Explanation: Definition: Object Reversal of(brought back) [NO + I(Roman numeral for one)] placed after(after) [IN TENT](where you'll be when camping).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Gather for a service (5)	### Answer: AMASS ### Explanation: Definition: Gather A + MASS(a church 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: Herd heard in port (5)	### Answer: COWES ### Explanation: Definition: port Homophone of(heard) "cows"(which come in herds). Answer: A port on the Isle of Wight, its claim to fame being the annual yachting regatta, Cowes Week.
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 to clues being cracked, it's a hopeless endeavour (4,5)	### Answer: LOST CAUSE ### Explanation: Definition: hopeless endeavour Anagram of(being cracked) [AS TO CLUES].
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's disparaged for going to work in small taxi (4)	### Answer: SCAB ### Explanation: Definition: One's disparaged for going to work S(abbrev. for $$s$$mall) + CAB(a taxi). Answer: One who will not join in industrial action (an euphemism) but continues going to work, and is therefore disparaged, or worse, by the strikers.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Source of minerals almost absent in this state (6)	### Answer: OREGON ### Explanation: Definition: this state ORE(matter from which minerals are extracted,sourced) + GON{"gone"(absent) minus its last letter(almost)}. Answer: State in western 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: Doctor finding new ruler in bed (10)	### Answer: CONSULTANT ### Explanation: Definition: Doctor [N(abbrev. for $$n$$ew) + SULTAN(an Islamic ruler)] contained in(in) COT(a small bed). Answer: Someone you consult about your medical issues, usually a senior doctor.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Going on horseback in part of Yorkshire (6)	### Answer: RIDING ### Explanation: Definition: Going on horseback,part of Yorkshire Double defn: 2nd: One of the three sub-divisions,parts of Yorkshire, from the Old Norse word for "third" subsequently losing its initial consonant.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Austrian dressed ornately (8)	### Answer: TYROLEAN ### Explanation: Definition: Austrian Anagram of(dressed) ORNATELY. Answer: One from Tyrol, the state in West Austria.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Duke is heading for criminal record (4)	### Answer: DISC ### Explanation: Definition: record D(abbrev. for $$d$$uke) + IS + C(initial letter of,heading for "criminal").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Awful grime around WC getting darker (8)	### Answer: GLOOMIER ### Explanation: Definition: darker Anagram of(awful) GRIME containing(around) LOO(slang for toilet,WC).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Mantra thought cynical provokes new high street riot police only at the end sent in (4,2,4,8)	### Answer: WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER ### Explanation: Definition: Mantra thought cynical Anagram of(provokes) [NEW HIGH STREE RIOT plus(sent in) E{last letter of(only at the end) "police"}]. Answer: Slogan,mantra first mentioned by current British PM at the Conservative Party Conference in 2010, and subsequently often repeated, but cynically thought of, as actions don't quite fit, so I gather. "We're (all) in this together" also reminds one of "Misery loves company". 🙂
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Party for Winnie on Radio Antelope? (4)	### Answer: PUDU ### Explanation: Definition: Antelope Homophone of(on Radio) ["do"(a party,function) placed after(for) "Pooh"(Winnie the, the A.A.Milne bear character)]. Answer: A small Andean antelope.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Ecologically conscious folk on move – or those in 5 queues! (10)	### Answer: TRAVELLERS ### Explanation: Definition: Ecologically conscious folk on move,those in 5 queues Double defn: 2nd: Those in queues at Heathrow Airport(answer to 5down). I think, though I may be wrong, the "ecologically conscious" addition is to imply that land transportation is more environment-friendly than air.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Taken over by American news boss, holy publication did (4,2)	### Answer: USED TO ### Explanation: Definition: did Reversal of(taken over, in a down clue) OT(abbrev. for $$O$$ld $$T$$estament,holy publication in the Bible) placed after(by) US(American) + ED(short for editor,newspaper boss). Answer: As in "I used to/did smoke"). However, I feel I'm missing something, and I could be wrong in both definition and wordplay, since the reversal indicator is far removed from its object.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Essential thing wily caliph grasps is to reach good speed (3,1,4)	### Answer: HIT A CLIP ### Explanation: Definition: to reach good speed Anagram of(wily) CALIPH containing(grasps) IT(an indefinable quality of an entity,essential thing, as in "he has it in him" or "the it-factor", I think)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Very large girl as compared with figure seen in bars (8)	### Answer: OSTINATO ### Explanation: Definition: figure seen in bars OS(abbrev. for $$o$$ut$$s$$ize,very large) + TINA(girl's name) + TO(as compared with, as in "A is to B as X is to Y", I think). Answer: Musically, a recurring melodic fragment in a piece,figure(a short succession of notes or chords that produces a single complete and distinct impression) seen in(written into the score) bars(the subdivisions in music according to the beat). The word is from the Italian for "obstinate","persistent".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Money to chime with 26 perhaps unsurprisingly? (4)	### Answer: DOSH ### Explanation: Definition: Money Cryptic defn: Slang that chimes (rhymes) with "posh"(answer to 26across), and often(perhaps unsurprisingly) possessed by the latter.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cost of this unknown to leader in monied class? (4)	### Answer: MILK ### Explanation: Definition: Cost of this unknown to leader in monied class M(initial letter of,leader in "monied") + ILK(a class,type,set of items). Answer: Reference to the mini-theme with the full quote "…are two posh boys who don't know the price of milk, and are arrogant …." An excellent clue, great surface and a WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue. My last one in and my first COD.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Causing uproar in HP, Tory's central pair, as snooty, brag? (8,4,4)	### Answer: ARROGANT POSH BOYS ### Explanation: Definition: Causing uproar in HP, Tory's central pair, as snooty, brag Anagram of(causing uproar in) [HP + OR(middle letters,central pair of "Tory") + AS, SNOOTY, BRAG]. Answer: The core of the mini-theme. How 23across 8down described the PM and Chancellor, the Tory Party's central pair, as a couple of snooty braggarts, causing uproar in the Houses of Parliament(HP). Another excellent surface and WIWD clue. My second COD.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Love is confused with inner dread for Tory denouncing 19 26 9 (6,7)	### Answer: NADINE DORRIES ### Explanation: Definition: Tory denouncing 19 26 9 Anagram of(…confused with…) [O(looks like 0,love,nil in tennis scoring) + IS *plus*(with) INNER DREAD]. Answer: The Tory MP denouncing the arrogant posh boys(answer to 19across 26across 9across).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: With device for mobile chat, page husband in BBC station (10)	### Answer: RADIOPHONE ### Explanation: Definition: With device for mobile chat P(abbrev. for a $$p$$age) + H(abbrev. for $$h$$usband) contained in(in) RADIO ONE(a BBC radio station, broadcasting current pop music and chart hits, aimed for the 15-29 age group – obviously that disqualifies me…by a long mile).
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 composed letter after a certain amount of work (4)	### Answer: BERG ### Explanation: Definition: He composed 'B"(the letter after "a") + ERG(in physics, a single unit,certain amount of work done equal to that of a force of 1 dyne exerted for a distance of 1 cm.). Answer: Alban, an Austrian he who composed music, not letters. A nice misdirecting 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: Work by Spenser for instance illuminated times by river (10)	### Answer: LITERATURE ### Explanation: Definition: Work by Spenser for instance LIT(illuminated) + Edit.note: Per comment #2 [ERA + T](times: first, a period of time, and second, abbrev. for $$t$$ime) ~~marked by distinctive character, events, etc.~~ ~~Though a singular noun it can be substituted for the plural "times", as in "the times/era of the Ancient Greeks…", I think~~) *plus*(by) URE(a river in England). Defn: Reference to Edmund Spenser, English poet in 16C.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Self-interested people say it's so messed up (7)	### Answer: EGOISTS ### Explanation: Definition: Self-interested people Anagram of(messed up) [EG(abbrev. for $$e$$xempli $$g$$ratia, Latin for for example,say) + IT'S 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: Given relief since being trapped in rising river (5)	### Answer: EASED ### Explanation: Definition: Given relief AS(since, as in "…as/since you were not here…") contained in(being trapped in) reversal of(rising) DEE(a river in NE Scotland, or one in N. Wales).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Newspaper for citizen (8)	### Answer: NATIONAL ### Explanation: Definition: Newspaper,citizen 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: Writer and Pharaoh to supply some ups and downs here? (8,7)	### Answer: HEATHROW AIRPORT ### Explanation: Definition: some ups and downs here Anagram of(Edit.note. Per comment #6 ~~…to~~ supply, as the adverb for supple) [WRITER plus(and) PHAROAH TO]. Answer: Where one will see some ups(take-offs) and downs(landings) by aircraft.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Our compiler-cum-detective (6)	### Answer: SLEUTH ### Explanation: Definition: Our compiler,detective Double defn: 1st: The name of a crossword compiler in our(belonging to us,provider of the crossword) paper,the FT.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Penny Coolidge corrupted one taking lead in war on crime (6,3)	### Answer: POLICE DOG ### Explanation: Definition: one taking lead in war on crime Anagram of(corrupted) Edit.note: Per comment #3 [~~D~~ P(abbrev. for penny in the ~~old~~ British monetary system~~, £ s d~~) + COOLIDGE]. Answer: One crimefighter that takes the leash,lead. Nice misdirection.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Homes around castle grand as appropriate (2,7)	### Answer: IN KEEPING ### Explanation: Definition: as appropriate [IN IN]{2 x "in"(at home)} containing(around) KEEP(the central tower in a castle, or can be used to represent the castle itself, I guess) + G(abbrev./slang for grand/a thousand dollars)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Good coin and currency reduced in splendour (8)	### Answer: GRANDEUR ### Explanation: Definition: splendour G(abbrev. for $$g$$ood) + RAND(a coin used in the Republic of South Africa) plus(and) EUR{"euro"(currency currently in trouble) minus its last letter(reduced – also in value)}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Principal from Islington gets on very slowly in divorce (7)	### Answer: ISOLATE ### Explanation: Definition: divorce I(initial letter of,principal from Islington) plus(gets on) [SO LATE](comes very slowly in,after the allowed/usual time).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Geek for the most part accepts task, but employer he isn't! (3-4)	### Answer: NON-USER ### Explanation: Definition: employer he isn't NER{"nerd"(geek) minus its last letter(for the most part)} containing(accepts) ONUS(a difficult or disagreeable task).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Husband in short cloak left union group (6)	### Answer: CHAPEL ### Explanation: Definition: union group H(abbrev. for $$h$$usband, second appearance here) contained in(in) CAPE(a short cloak, like Batman's or Superman's) + L(abbrev. for $$l$$eft). Answer: Not a place of worship, but a locally based trade union group which is part of a larger, usually national union. Stranger still, in the British printing industry, a chapel is a sub-branch of a branch union consisting of members in a single printing works or a department of a larger works, and is headed by a Father (or Mother) of Chapel. Apparently it all stems from the origin of British trade unionism where non-conformist churches often acted as covers for trade union activities illegal at that time. And printing offices were once controlled by churches.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Best boy makes stand in warehouse (5)	### Answer: DEPOT ### Explanation: Definition: warehouse Reversal of(makes stand, in a down clue) TOP(best) + ED(boy's name).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: There's only one in Eire (9)	### Answer: CONSONANT ### Explanation: Definition: There's only one in Eire Cryptic defn: A literal reading of the clue – there's only one consonant in the word "Eire" . I can't find a deeper connection between "consonants" and "Eire" or Gaelic.
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 prosecutor has to act — see foot of column (4)	### Answer: DADO ### Explanation: Definition: foot of column DA(abbrev. for "$$d$$istrict $$a$$ttorney", the prosecutor in US courts of law) plus(has) DO(to act).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hard task master? (8)	### Answer: HERCULES ### Explanation: Definition: Hard task master Cryptic defn: A reference to the "Labours of Hercules", hard tasks he had to master.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Brilliant travellers encountered in small firms (6)	### Answer: COMETS ### Explanation: Definition: Brilliant travellers MET(encountered,came across) contained in(in) COS{plural of the abbrev.,(small) for "company"(business firm)}. Answer: Brilliant travellers 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: Dispose of at a higher price (4,2)	### Answer: SELL UP ### Explanation: Definition: Dispose of,at a higher price Not sure of how to categorise this clue. A double defn? 1st: To dispose entirely of one's assets/merchandise, lock, stock and barrel; and 2nd: To dispose of something at a higher price than what you paid for.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Short skirts tempt the clergy! (8)	### Answer: MINISTRY ### Explanation: Definition: the clergy MINIS(short form of miniskirts,short skirts) + TRY(a former meaning is "to tempt"," to test" – I guess of one's willpower, resistance). Amusing surface – try wearing a mini to 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: Spots city maze complex (6)	### Answer: ECZEMA ### Explanation: Definition: Spots Anagram of(complex) of [EC(abbrev. for Eastern Central, the London postcode area that includes almost all of the City of London, what was London in the medieval period) + MAZE]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pet cried out, on its last legs (8)	### Answer: DECREPIT ### Explanation: Definition: on its last legs Anagram of(out) PET CRIED. Answer: On the verge of breakdown,exhaustion,failure.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Gathered together and called to order (8)	### Answer: COLLATED ### Explanation: Definition: Gathered together Anagram of(order) CALLED TO. Answer: As of pages of a report, book, or multiple sets of copies.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cupboard key (6)	### Answer: LOCKER ### Explanation: Definition: Cupboard,key Double defn: 1st: A cupboard that can be locked, especially in a gym, sports centre, etc. for clothes and valuables, and to be found in a locker room; and 2nd: Something that locks.
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 enter offices uninvited (8)	### Answer: USURPERS ### Explanation: Definition: They enter offices uninvited Cryptic defn: Those who take over positions or titles of office, sometimes by force but certainly uninvited.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Minister no longer has an alternative (6)	### Answer: PASTOR ### Explanation: Definition: Minister PAST(no longer,of time since passed) plus(has) OR(introducing an alternative).
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 lives in Madagascar with the agreement of sailors (3-3)	### Answer: AYE-AYE ### Explanation: Definition: It lives in Madagascar What sailors say to orders, of course with "Sir" at the end. Answer: A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar.
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 novice in the actor's union has the same rights (8)	### Answer: EQUALITY ### Explanation: Definition: the same rights [A + L(abbrev. for a learner,novice)] contained in(in) EQUITY{the trade union for stage actors (and managers and models) in the UK, not to be confused with the one in the 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: Matters of give and take between our betters (4)	### Answer: ODDS ### Explanation: Definition: Matters of give and take between our betters Cryptic defn. I think. That which determine the probability of an event coming true, and therefore how much a gambler,better wins,takes versus what he/she lays,gives on his/her bet.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Commonsense item worth development (6,3)	### Answer: MOTHER WIT ### Explanation: Definition: Commonsense Anagram of(development) ITEM WORTH. Answer: Natural or innate commonsense,practical intelligence.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: West Indian going round Cheshire town (5)	### Answer: CREWE ### Explanation: Definition: Cheshire town CREE(a native American Indian) containing(going round) W(abbrev. for compass point, west).
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 France she can ascend in a flying gondola (7)	### Answer: NACELLE ### Explanation: Definition: a flying gondola Reversal of(ascend, in a down clue) [ELLE(the pronoun, "she", as would be heard in France) + CAN]. Answer: The gondola,compartment hanging under a flying balloon,dirigible housing passengers.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Neat border plant (5)	### Answer: OXLIP ### Explanation: Definition: plant OX(an example of a bovine animal,a neat) + LIP(the edge,border).
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 it on without being told? (7)	### Answer: ASSUMED ### Explanation: Definition: Put it on,without being told Double defn: 1st: Put on,don, as with an item of clothing; and 2nd: Took for granted,without being told that it is 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: Unravel catch line, using a specialised skill (9)	### Answer: TECHNICAL ### Explanation: Definition: using a specialised skill Anagram of(unravel) CATCH LINE.
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 estate needs me for organisation (7)	### Answer: DEMESNE ### Explanation: Definition: The estate Anagram of(… for organisation) NEEDS ME. Answer: An extensive piece of landed property,estate.

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

### Clue: Kindness towards others – suspicious about it? (7)

### Answer: CHARITY ### Explanation: Definition: Kindness towards others CHARY(suspicious,wary) **containing**(about) 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: Private part of going on a diet (5)

### Answer: GONAD ### Explanation: Definition: Private part **Hidden in**(of, or part of, if one allows "part" to double up) goinG ON A Diet. Answer and defn: The ovary for a female and the testis for the male. Strictly speaking "privates" or "private part" would only refer to genitals that are external, ie. can be seen, so gonad doesn't quite fit, though "testis"/"testicle" has been used as a substitute for the visible scrotum.

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 the dark, Labour leader insecure? (5)

### Answer: BLIND ### Explanation: Definition: In the dark L(initial letter,leader of "Labour") **containing**(in-) BIND(to –secure,tie). Only last Tuesday in the Indy Punk(Paul/Mud) puzzle, there were comments about a device such as in/secure. I'm with the libertarians on this – it is a cryptic crossword after all, and part of solving it is to decipher the code.

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

### Clue: Town's serenades interrupting cook (11)

### Answer: BASINGSTOKE ### Explanation: Definition: Town SINGS TO(serenades as a verb) **contained in**(interrupting) BAKE(to cook in an oven)

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

### Clue: Original film with old boy knocking out a US criminal (7)

### Answer: MOBSTER ### Explanation: Definition: US criminal "master"(original copy, say, of a film – could be any other type of recording) with "ob"(abbrev. for $$o$$ld $$b$$oy) **replacing**(knocking out) "a".

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

### Clue: Trendy person of faith has rejected cathedral impressively (2,5)

### Answer: IN STYLE ### Explanation: Definition: impressively IN(trendy,the in-thing) + ST(abbrev. for saint,person of faith) **plus**(has) **reversal of**(rejected) ELY(famous cathedral in England). Answer: Adverb for doing something impressively,with flair.

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

### Clue: Bird that's cold entering a hot nest after flying (9)

### Answer: STONECHAT ### Explanation: Definition: Bird C(abbrev. for $$c$$old) **contained in**(entering) **anagram of**(after flying) [A HOT NEST].

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

### Clue: Big effort brings supreme happiness, all but (5)

### Answer: HEAVE ### Explanation: Definition: Big effort "heaven"(supreme happiness, as in "heaven on earth") **minus** its last letter(all but).

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

### Clue: Little girl facing the unknown in a place of great crisis (4)

### Answer: SUEZ ### Explanation: Definition: a place of great crisis SUE(short for,little girl's name, Susan) **plus**(facing the) Z(mathematical symbol for an unknown variable, together with siblings x and y). Answer: The Suez Canal zone was the bone of contention and scene,place of the political and military confrontation,great crisis in 1956.

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 individual gets slated, being pronounced innocent (10)

### Answer: EXONERATED ### Explanation: Definition: pronounced innocent EX-(no longer, as in ex-wife) + ONE(an individual) **plus**(gets) RATED(to be given a scolding,slated).

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

### Clue: Spread to excite gourmet and pal (10)

### Answer: PROMULGATE ### Explanation: Definition: Spread **Anagram of**(to excite) [GOURMET **plus**(and) PAL]. Answer: To set forth or teach publicly, usually a doctrine or creed.

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

### Clue: Pasquale's an artist, first to last! (4)

### Answer: MINE ### Explanation: Definition: Pasquale's "Emin"(Tracey, British female artist) with first letter moved to the end,last position. Answer: Possessive pronoun for me,the setter,Pasquale in contrast to you the solvers. Art? Oh, I know, it's in the eyes of the beholder 🙂

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

### Clue: Glossy boats from stern to bow (5)

### Answer: SLEEK ### Explanation: Definition: Glossy **Reversal of**(from stern to bow) KEELS(a literary synonym for boats)

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

### Clue: Oppose profits pocketed by stupid person? (2,7)

### Answer: GO AGAINST ### Explanation: Definition: Oppose GAINS(profits) **contained in**(pocketed by) GOAT(an inferior or stupid person, – and, also a horny man)

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

### Clue: Nourishment from fruit worker's consumed (7)

### Answer: ALIMENT ### Explanation: Definition: Nourishment ANT(a caste of which is the worker) **containing**(…'s consumed) LIME(a sour fruit).

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 to have admirable scepticism when listening (4,3)

### Answer: FIND OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Learn **Homophone of**(when listening) "fine"(admirable,classy) "doubt"(skepticism,unbelief).

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

### Clue: Andy rather than Grant providing ingredient for home-made wine? (11)

### Answer: ELDERFLOWER ### Explanation: Definition: ingredient for home-made wine Andy, the ELDER rather than Grant, the younger of the FLOWER brothers, former Zimbabwean cricketers.

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

### Clue: See me repeatedly boo a Britney pop song that she sings (4,3,4,4)

### Answer: BABY ONE MORE TIME ### Explanation: Definition: song, that she sings **Anagram of**(see…pop) [ME,ME(me repeatedly) + BOO A BRITNEY]. Apt surface for a non-fan/anti like me!

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

### Clue: Bristly bits must be regularly extracted from sweet face (5)

### Answer: SETAE ### Explanation: Definition: Bristly bits Odd letters,regularly extracted from "SwEeT fAcE". Answer: Stiff hairs,bristles on an organism. The surface conjures an amusingly incongruous image.

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

### Clue: Hurried up with the cross somewhere in church? (7)

### Answer: NARTHEX ### Explanation: Definition: somewhere in church **Reversal of**(up, in a down clue) RAN(hurried) **plus**(with) THE X(cross). Answer: An architectural term for an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of the 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: In love and almost ecstatic holding hand (7)

### Answer: SMITTEN ### Explanation: Definition: In love SEN{"sent"(ecstatic,in an excited state) **minus** its last letter(almost)} **containing**(holding) MITT(slang for hand). A nice surface.

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

### Clue: Cell consisting of three round objects (8)

### Answer: OOSPHERE ### Explanation: Definition: Cell OO(two round objects) + SPHERE(third of three round object). Answer: An unfertilised egg cell of some algae and fungi.

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

### Clue: Baronet, hairy man, frightful beast on Greek mountain (11,4)

### Answer: ERYMANTHIAN BOAR ### Explanation: Definition: beast on Greek mountain **Anagram of**(frightful) [BARONET, HAIRY MAN]. Answer: In Greek mythology, a wild beast that ravaged the area round Mount Erymanthus, and captured by Hercules as his fourth labour.

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's ending with muck around one — as a result of this? (6)

### Answer: EMESIS ### Explanation: Definition: this E(last letter,ending of "One") **plus**(with) [MESS(muck,dirty stuff ) **containing**(around) I(Roman numeral for "one")]. Answer: The act or process of vomiting, that might,? leave muck around one. 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: Support brilliant objective (6)

### Answer: DEFEND ### Explanation: Definition: Support DEF(slang for excellent,brilliant! – apparently an Americanism from the early 80s) + END(an objective,goal).

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

### Clue: Spooner's ungainly person to fix down in part of ship (8)

### Answer: BULKHEAD ### Explanation: Definition: part of ship Spoonerism of "hulk"(an ungainly,awkward person) "bed"(to fix down,lay flat in a bed or layer – reminiscent of the sexual meaning).

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

### Clue: Mathematician from China embracing a leading pair of scientists (6)

### Answer: PASCAL ### Explanation: Definition: Mathematician PAL(China,friend from Cockney rhyming slang, China plate = mate) containing(embracing) [A + SC(the first 2 letters,leading pair of "scientists")] Answer: Blaise, French philosopher, mathematician and physicist.

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 may produce smile, not half, going about stage being funny (7)

### Answer: GAGSTER ### Explanation: Definition: One may produce smile GR{"grin"(smile) **minus**(not) "in",half of its letters} **containing**(going about) **anagram of**(being funny) STAGE. Another fine 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: Emotional rugby group left after meal (7)

### Answer: TEARFUL ### Explanation: Definition: Emotional [RFU(abbrev. for $$R$$ugby $$F$$ootball $$U$$nion, governing body,group of English rugby) + L($$l$$eft)] ***placed below***(after) TEA(in England, a meal, in the late afternoon or evening).

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

### Clue: Car with Spanish identification, say (6)

### Answer: ESTATE ### Explanation: Definition: Car E(International Vehicle Registration,identification code for Spanish vehicles) + STATE(to say,declare). Answer: The term in Britain for what is called elsewhere a station wagon. Distinguished from the saloon car by having a shared rear passenger and boot space, with additional access via a backward opening door or tailgate instead of a boot lid.

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 set of directions hardly used (2,3)

### Answer: AS NEW ### Explanation: Definition: hardly used A + S,N,E,W(south,north,east,west, a set of directions).

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

### Clue: Feline killer is something unusual (9)

### Answer: CURIOSITY ### Explanation: Definition: Feline killer,something unusual Double defn. (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: Reference to the proverb "Curiosity killed the cat".

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

### Clue: Home rule for a sort of relation (2-3)

### Answer: IN-LAW ### Explanation: Definition: a sort of relation IN(at home) + LAW(a rule).

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

### Clue: Turn back in vehicle that's not what it seems (5)

### Answer: BOGUS ### Explanation: Definition: that's not what it seems **Reversal of**(back) GO(one's turn, eg. in a game) **contained in**(in) BUS(a vehicle).

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

### Clue: Annoyed after golf club gets German award (4,5)

### Answer: IRON CROSS ### Explanation: Definition: German award CROSS(annoyed) **placed after**(after) IRON(a sort of golf club). Answer: German military decoration,award.

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

### Clue: Fielder — one of daddy's six? (4,3)

### Answer: LONG LEG ### Explanation: Definition: Fielder,one of daddy's six Double defn: (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: A fielder in cricket positioned near the boundary on the leg side of the batsman, almost behind the batsman's wicket – and I gave up counting the number of possible fielding positions each of which has its own name – it isn't so bad … if you actually like cricket 🙂 ; and 2nd: One of the six legs of the European insect, the crane fly, known in the UK as "daddy longlegs", with other regional names like mosquito hawk, mosquito eater (or skeeter eater), gallinipper, and gollywhopper. The clue might not work in the US, Canada or Australia, where "daddy longlegs" refers to spiders, with eight legs.

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

### Clue: Joy has broken toenail (7)

### Answer: ELATION ### Explanation: Definition: Joy **Anagram of**(broken) TOENAIL.

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

### Clue: Country singer (Irish) seen by king (5)

### Answer: KENYA ### Explanation: Definition: Country ENYA(last name Brennan, Anglicised name of Irish singer, instrumentalist, songwriter) **placed after**(seen by) K(abbrev. for king, as in chess notation).

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 imprisoned for fraud (3)

### Answer: CON ### Explanation: Definition: One imprisoned,fraud Double defn: 1st: Short form for convict,one imprisoned; and 2nd: A scam,fraud that the con might be behind bars for.

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

### Clue: Fun with birds (5)

### Answer: LARKS ### Explanation: Definition: Fun,birds Double defn: 1st: Frolics,fun activities.

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

### Clue: Lassie from Sirius? (3,4)

### Answer: DOG STAR ### Explanation: Definition: Lassie,Sirius Double defn: (or cryptic defn. if you prefer) 1st: The canine character which first appeared in a short story, "Lassie Come Home", then a novel, then movies, and then went on to a long-running TV series. The stars in the role were the original male dog in the movies and his male descendants – why not, if humans can do it, so can their best friends; and 2nd: Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky (and actually a binary star system), is known as the "dog star" because of its prominence in its constellation, Canis Major.

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

### Clue: Tidying mess, showing self-respect (7)

### Answer: DIGNITY ### Explanation: Definition: self-respect **Anagram of**(mess) TIDYING.

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

### Clue: Object no one brought back after camping? (9)

### Answer: INTENTION ### Explanation: Definition: Object **Reversal of**(brought back) [NO + I(Roman numeral for one)] **placed after**(after) [IN TENT](where you'll be when camping).

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

### Clue: Gather for a service (5)

### Answer: AMASS ### Explanation: Definition: Gather A + MASS(a church 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: Herd heard in port (5)

### Answer: COWES ### Explanation: Definition: port **Homophone of**(heard) "cows"(which come in herds). Answer: A port on the Isle of Wight, its claim to fame being the annual yachting regatta, Cowes Week.

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 to clues being cracked, it's a hopeless endeavour (4,5)

### Answer: LOST CAUSE ### Explanation: Definition: hopeless endeavour **Anagram of**(being cracked) [AS TO CLUES].

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's disparaged for going to work in small taxi (4)

### Answer: SCAB ### Explanation: Definition: One's disparaged for going to work S(abbrev. for $$s$$mall) + CAB(a taxi). Answer: One who will not join in industrial action (an euphemism) but continues going to work, and is therefore disparaged, or worse, by the strikers.

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

### Clue: Source of minerals almost absent in this state (6)

### Answer: OREGON ### Explanation: Definition: this state ORE(matter from which minerals are extracted,sourced) + GON{"gone"(absent) **minus** its last letter(almost)}. Answer: State in western 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: Doctor finding new ruler in bed (10)

### Answer: CONSULTANT ### Explanation: Definition: Doctor [N(abbrev. for $$n$$ew) + SULTAN(an Islamic ruler)] **contained in**(in) COT(a small bed). Answer: Someone you consult about your medical issues, usually a senior doctor.

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

### Clue: Going on horseback in part of Yorkshire (6)

### Answer: RIDING ### Explanation: Definition: Going on horseback,part of Yorkshire Double defn: 2nd: One of the three sub-divisions,parts of Yorkshire, from the Old Norse word for "third" subsequently losing its initial consonant.

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

### Clue: Austrian dressed ornately (8)

### Answer: TYROLEAN ### Explanation: Definition: Austrian **Anagram of**(dressed) ORNATELY. Answer: One from Tyrol, the state in West Austria.

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

### Clue: Duke is heading for criminal record (4)

### Answer: DISC ### Explanation: Definition: record D(abbrev. for $$d$$uke) + IS + C(initial letter of,heading for "criminal").

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

### Clue: Awful grime around WC getting darker (8)

### Answer: GLOOMIER ### Explanation: Definition: darker **Anagram of**(awful) GRIME **containing**(around) LOO(slang for toilet,WC).

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

### Clue: Mantra thought cynical provokes new high street riot police only at the end sent in (4,2,4,8)

### Answer: WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER ### Explanation: Definition: Mantra thought cynical **Anagram of**(provokes) [NEW HIGH STREE RIOT **plus**(sent in) E{last letter of(only at the end) "police"}]. Answer: Slogan,mantra first mentioned by current British PM at the Conservative Party Conference in 2010, and subsequently often repeated, but cynically thought of, as actions don't quite fit, so I gather. "We're (all) in this together" also reminds one of "Misery loves company". 🙂

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

### Clue: Party for Winnie on Radio Antelope? (4)

### Answer: PUDU ### Explanation: Definition: Antelope **Homophone of**(on Radio) ["do"(a party,function) **placed after**(for) "Pooh"(Winnie the, the A.A.Milne bear character)]. Answer: A small Andean antelope.

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

### Clue: Ecologically conscious folk on move – or those in 5 queues! (10)

### Answer: TRAVELLERS ### Explanation: Definition: Ecologically conscious folk on move,those in 5 queues Double defn: 2nd: Those in queues at Heathrow Airport(answer to 5down). I think, though I may be wrong, the "ecologically conscious" addition is to imply that land transportation is more environment-friendly than air.

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

### Clue: Taken over by American news boss, holy publication did (4,2)

### Answer: USED TO ### Explanation: Definition: did **Reversal of**(taken over, in a down clue) OT(abbrev. for $$O$$ld $$T$$estament,holy publication in the Bible) **placed after**(by) US(American) + ED(short for editor,newspaper boss). Answer: As in "I used to/did smoke"). However, I feel I'm missing something, and I could be wrong in both definition and wordplay, since the reversal indicator is far removed from its object.

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

### Clue: Essential thing wily caliph grasps is to reach good speed (3,1,4)

### Answer: HIT A CLIP ### Explanation: Definition: to reach good speed **Anagram of**(wily) CALIPH **containing**(grasps) IT(an indefinable quality of an entity,essential thing, as in "he has it in him" or "the it-factor", I think)

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

### Clue: Very large girl as compared with figure seen in bars (8)

### Answer: OSTINATO ### Explanation: Definition: figure seen in bars OS(abbrev. for $$o$$ut$$s$$ize,very large) + TINA(girl's name) + TO(as compared with, as in "A is to B as X is to Y", I think). Answer: Musically, a recurring melodic fragment in a piece,figure(a short succession of notes or chords that produces a single complete and distinct impression) seen in(written into the score) bars(the subdivisions in music according to the beat). The word is from the Italian for "obstinate","persistent".

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

### Clue: Money to chime with 26 perhaps unsurprisingly? (4)

### Answer: DOSH ### Explanation: Definition: Money Cryptic defn: Slang that chimes (rhymes) with "posh"(answer to 26across), and often(perhaps unsurprisingly) possessed by the latter.

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

### Clue: Cost of this unknown to leader in monied class? (4)

### Answer: MILK ### Explanation: Definition: Cost of this unknown to leader in monied class M(initial letter of,leader in "monied") + ILK(a class,type,set of items). Answer: Reference to the mini-theme with the full quote "…are two posh boys who don't know the price of milk, and are arrogant …." An excellent clue, great surface and a WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue. My last one in and my first COD.

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

### Clue: Causing uproar in HP, Tory's central pair, as snooty, brag? (8,4,4)

### Answer: ARROGANT POSH BOYS ### Explanation: Definition: Causing uproar in HP, Tory's central pair, as snooty, brag **Anagram of**(causing uproar in) [HP + OR(middle letters,central pair of "Tory") + AS, SNOOTY, BRAG]. Answer: The core of the mini-theme. How 23across 8down described the PM and Chancellor, the Tory Party's central pair, as a couple of snooty braggarts, causing uproar in the Houses of Parliament(HP). Another excellent surface and WIWD clue. My second COD.

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

### Clue: Love is confused with inner dread for Tory denouncing 19 26 9 (6,7)

### Answer: NADINE DORRIES ### Explanation: Definition: Tory denouncing 19 26 9 **Anagram of**(…confused with…) [O(looks like 0,love,nil in tennis scoring) + IS ***plus***(with) INNER DREAD]. Answer: The Tory MP denouncing the arrogant posh boys(answer to 19across 26across 9across).

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

### Clue: With device for mobile chat, page husband in BBC station (10)

### Answer: RADIOPHONE ### Explanation: Definition: With device for mobile chat P(abbrev. for a $$p$$age) + H(abbrev. for $$h$$usband) **contained in**(in) RADIO ONE(a BBC radio station, broadcasting current pop music and chart hits, aimed for the 15-29 age group – obviously that disqualifies me…by a long mile).

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 composed letter after a certain amount of work (4)

### Answer: BERG ### Explanation: Definition: He composed 'B"(the letter after "a") + ERG(in physics, a single unit,certain amount of work done equal to that of a force of 1 dyne exerted for a distance of 1 cm.). Answer: Alban, an Austrian he who composed music, not letters. A nice misdirecting 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: Work by Spenser for instance illuminated times by river (10)

### Answer: LITERATURE ### Explanation: Definition: Work by Spenser for instance LIT(illuminated) + Edit.note: Per comment #2 [ERA + T](times: first, a period of time, and second, abbrev. for $$t$$ime) ~~marked by distinctive character, events, etc.~~ ~~Though a singular noun it can be substituted for the plural "times", as in "the times/era of the Ancient Greeks…", I think~~) ***plus***(by) URE(a river in England). Defn: Reference to Edmund Spenser, English poet in 16C.

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

### Clue: Self-interested people say it's so messed up (7)

### Answer: EGOISTS ### Explanation: Definition: Self-interested people **Anagram of**(messed up) [EG(abbrev. for $$e$$xempli $$g$$ratia, Latin for for example,say) + IT'S 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: Given relief since being trapped in rising river (5)

### Answer: EASED ### Explanation: Definition: Given relief AS(since, as in "…as/since you were not here…") **contained in**(being trapped in) **reversal of**(rising) DEE(a river in NE Scotland, or one in N. Wales).

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

### Clue: Newspaper for citizen (8)

### Answer: NATIONAL ### Explanation: Definition: Newspaper,citizen 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: Writer and Pharaoh to supply some ups and downs here? (8,7)

### Answer: HEATHROW AIRPORT ### Explanation: Definition: some ups and downs here **Anagram of**(Edit.note. Per comment #6 ~~…to~~ supply, as the adverb for supple) [WRITER **plus**(and) PHAROAH TO]. Answer: Where one will see some ups(take-offs) and downs(landings) by aircraft.

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

### Clue: Our compiler-cum-detective (6)

### Answer: SLEUTH ### Explanation: Definition: Our compiler,detective Double defn: 1st: The name of a crossword compiler in our(belonging to us,provider of the crossword) paper,the FT.

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

### Clue: Penny Coolidge corrupted one taking lead in war on crime (6,3)

### Answer: POLICE DOG ### Explanation: Definition: one taking lead in war on crime **Anagram of**(corrupted) Edit.note: Per comment #3 [~~D~~ P(abbrev. for penny in the ~~old~~ British monetary system~~, £ s d~~) + COOLIDGE]. Answer: One crimefighter that takes the leash,lead. Nice misdirection.

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

### Clue: Homes around castle grand as appropriate (2,7)

### Answer: IN KEEPING ### Explanation: Definition: as appropriate [IN IN]{2 x "in"(at home)} **containing**(around) KEEP(the central tower in a castle, or can be used to represent the castle itself, I guess) + G(abbrev./slang for grand/a thousand dollars)

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

### Clue: Good coin and currency reduced in splendour (8)

### Answer: GRANDEUR ### Explanation: Definition: splendour G(abbrev. for $$g$$ood) + RAND(a coin used in the Republic of South Africa) **plus**(and) EUR{"euro"(currency currently in trouble) **minus** its last letter(reduced – also in value)}.

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

### Clue: Principal from Islington gets on very slowly in divorce (7)

### Answer: ISOLATE ### Explanation: Definition: divorce I(initial letter of,principal from Islington) **plus**(gets on) [SO LATE](comes very slowly in,after the allowed/usual time).

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

### Clue: Geek for the most part accepts task, but employer he isn't! (3-4)

### Answer: NON-USER ### Explanation: Definition: employer he isn't NER{"nerd"(geek) **minus** its last letter(for the most part)} **containing**(accepts) ONUS(a difficult or disagreeable task).

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

### Clue: Husband in short cloak left union group (6)

### Answer: CHAPEL ### Explanation: Definition: union group H(abbrev. for $$h$$usband, second appearance here) **contained in**(in) CAPE(a short cloak, like Batman's or Superman's) + L(abbrev. for $$l$$eft). Answer: Not a place of worship, but a locally based trade union group which is part of a larger, usually national union. Stranger still, in the British printing industry, a chapel is a sub-branch of a branch union consisting of members in a single printing works or a department of a larger works, and is headed by a Father (or Mother) of Chapel. Apparently it all stems from the origin of British trade unionism where non-conformist churches often acted as covers for trade union activities illegal at that time. And printing offices were once controlled by churches.

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

### Clue: Best boy makes stand in warehouse (5)

### Answer: DEPOT ### Explanation: Definition: warehouse **Reversal of**(makes stand, in a down clue) TOP(best) + ED(boy's name).

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

### Clue: There's only one in Eire (9)

### Answer: CONSONANT ### Explanation: Definition: There's only one in Eire Cryptic defn: A literal reading of the clue – there's only one consonant in the word "Eire" . I can't find a deeper connection between "consonants" and "Eire" or Gaelic.

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 prosecutor has to act — see foot of column (4)

### Answer: DADO ### Explanation: Definition: foot of column DA(abbrev. for "$$d$$istrict $$a$$ttorney", the prosecutor in US courts of law) **plus**(has) DO(to act).

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

### Clue: Hard task master? (8)

### Answer: HERCULES ### Explanation: Definition: Hard task master Cryptic defn: A reference to the "Labours of Hercules", hard tasks he had to master.

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

### Clue: Brilliant travellers encountered in small firms (6)

### Answer: COMETS ### Explanation: Definition: Brilliant travellers MET(encountered,came across) **contained in**(in) COS{plural of the abbrev.,(small) for "company"(business firm)}. Answer: Brilliant travellers 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: Dispose of at a higher price (4,2)

### Answer: SELL UP ### Explanation: Definition: Dispose of,at a higher price Not sure of how to categorise this clue. A double defn? 1st: To dispose entirely of one's assets/merchandise, lock, stock and barrel; and 2nd: To dispose of something at a higher price than what you paid for.

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

### Clue: Short skirts tempt the clergy! (8)

### Answer: MINISTRY ### Explanation: Definition: the clergy MINIS(short form of miniskirts,short skirts) + TRY(a former meaning is "to tempt"," to test" – I guess of one's willpower, resistance). Amusing surface – try wearing a mini to 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: Spots city maze complex (6)

### Answer: ECZEMA ### Explanation: Definition: Spots **Anagram of**(complex) of [EC(abbrev. for Eastern Central, the London postcode area that includes almost all of the City of London, what was London in the medieval period) + MAZE]

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

### Clue: Pet cried out, on its last legs (8)

### Answer: DECREPIT ### Explanation: Definition: on its last legs **Anagram of**(out) PET CRIED. Answer: On the verge of breakdown,exhaustion,failure.

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

### Clue: Gathered together and called to order (8)

### Answer: COLLATED ### Explanation: Definition: Gathered together **Anagram of**(order) CALLED TO. Answer: As of pages of a report, book, or multiple sets of copies.

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

### Clue: Cupboard key (6)

### Answer: LOCKER ### Explanation: Definition: Cupboard,key Double defn: 1st: A cupboard that can be locked, especially in a gym, sports centre, etc. for clothes and valuables, and to be found in a locker room; and 2nd: Something that locks.

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 enter offices uninvited (8)

### Answer: USURPERS ### Explanation: Definition: They enter offices uninvited Cryptic defn: Those who take over positions or titles of office, sometimes by force but certainly uninvited.

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

### Clue: Minister no longer has an alternative (6)

### Answer: PASTOR ### Explanation: Definition: Minister PAST(no longer,of time since passed) **plus**(has) OR(introducing an alternative).

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 lives in Madagascar with the agreement of sailors (3-3)

### Answer: AYE-AYE ### Explanation: Definition: It lives in Madagascar What sailors say to orders, of course with "Sir" at the end. Answer: A nocturnal lemur from Madagascar.

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 novice in the actor's union has the same rights (8)

### Answer: EQUALITY ### Explanation: Definition: the same rights [A + L(abbrev. for a learner,novice)] **contained in**(in) EQUITY{the trade union for stage actors (and managers and models) in the UK, not to be confused with the one in the 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: Matters of give and take between our betters (4)

### Answer: ODDS ### Explanation: Definition: Matters of give and take between our betters Cryptic defn. I think. That which determine the probability of an event coming true, and therefore how much a gambler,better wins,takes versus what he/she lays,gives on his/her bet.

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

### Clue: Commonsense item worth development (6,3)

### Answer: MOTHER WIT ### Explanation: Definition: Commonsense **Anagram of**(development) ITEM WORTH. Answer: Natural or innate commonsense,practical intelligence.

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

### Clue: West Indian going round Cheshire town (5)

### Answer: CREWE ### Explanation: Definition: Cheshire town CREE(a native American Indian) **containing**(going round) W(abbrev. for compass point, west).

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 France she can ascend in a flying gondola (7)

### Answer: NACELLE ### Explanation: Definition: a flying gondola **Reversal of**(ascend, in a down clue) [ELLE(the pronoun, "she", as would be heard in France) + CAN]. Answer: The gondola,compartment hanging under a flying balloon,dirigible housing passengers.

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

### Clue: Neat border plant (5)

### Answer: OXLIP ### Explanation: Definition: plant OX(an example of a bovine animal,a neat) + LIP(the edge,border).

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 it on without being told? (7)

### Answer: ASSUMED ### Explanation: Definition: Put it on,without being told Double defn: 1st: Put on,don, as with an item of clothing; and 2nd: Took for granted,without being told that it is 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: Unravel catch line, using a specialised skill (9)

### Answer: TECHNICAL ### Explanation: Definition: using a specialised skill **Anagram of**(unravel) CATCH LINE.

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 estate needs me for organisation (7)

### Answer: DEMESNE ### Explanation: Definition: The estate **Anagram of**(… for organisation) NEEDS ME. Answer: An extensive piece of landed property,estate.