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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Decide to stop on my own (9)
|
### Answer: DETERMINE
### Explanation: Definition: Decide
DETER(to stop,prevent) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) MINE(possessive pronoun for "my own")
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Inward-looking (5-4)
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### Answer: CROSS-EYED
### Explanation: Definition: Inward-looking
Cryptic defn: If you're cross-eyed, each eye looks inward in the direction of the bridge of your nose.
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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 control of a race taking two men over fifty miles (2,3,4)
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### Answer: AT THE HELM
### Explanation: Definition: In control
A + TT(abbrev. for the annual motorcycle $$T$$ourist $$T$$rophy race held on the Isle of Man, or abbrev. for a $$t$$ime $$t$$rial race – take your pick) **plus**(taking) [HE + HE](two x pronoun for a man) **placed above**(over, in a down clue) L(Roman numeral for fifty) + M(abbrev. for $$m$$iles).
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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're not often miscast in Westerns (7)
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### Answer: LARIATS
### Explanation: Definition: They're not often miscast in Westerns
Cryptic defn: In Western movies, that which is often thrown,cast and not often,perhaps never, misses its target, be it human or otherwise.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Upbraided a fool, perhaps (7)
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### Answer: DESSERT
### Explanation: Definition: a fool, perhaps
**Reversal of**(up-, in a down clue) TRESSED(descriptive of hair that has been –braided/plaited).
Defn: A type of dessert made of stewed or puréed fruit mixed with cream or custard and served cold.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Prejudiced legal system? (4,3)
|
### Answer: CASE LAW
### Explanation: Definition: legal system
Cryptic defn: "prejudice" is derived from Latin for a judgement or opinion formed beforehand. The setter whimsically describes as such, those previously judged cases – the precedents that form the bases for the legal system of "case law".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Dad has to exercise in break (5)
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### Answer: PAUSE
### Explanation: Definition: break
PA(one of the names for dad) **plus**(has) USE(to exercise, as in "use it or lose it").
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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 of those pieces of eight (5)
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### Answer: OCTET
### Explanation: Definition: One of those pieces of eight
Cryptic defn: A piece of music for eight voices or musicians.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Will finds time after trial to change name (9)
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### Answer: TESTAMENT
### Explanation: Definition: Will
T(abbrev. for $$t$$ime) **placed after**(after) [TEST(a trial) **plus**(to) **anagram of**(change) NAME]
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: It may appear after working with type (5)
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### Answer: CLASS
### Explanation: Definition: It may appear after working,type
Double defn: 1st: As it may appear in the phrase "working class".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: A carriage brought back in pieces (5)
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### Answer: APART
### Explanation: Definition: in pieces
A + **reversal of**(brought back) TRAP(a light two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Indiscriminate strike before soldiers pass by (3-2-4)
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### Answer: HIT-OR-MISS
### Explanation: Definition: Indiscriminate
HIT(strike) **placed before**(before) [OR(abbrev. for $$o$$ther $$r$$anks in the military,soldiers who are non-commissioned) + MISS(to pass by and not hit).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Drink with around nine grams of fat (10)
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### Answer: SHORTENING
### Explanation: Definition: fat
SHORT(a small drink of undiluted liquor) **plus**(with) {**reversal of**(around) NINE} + G(abbrev. for $$g$$rams mass or weight).
Answer: Butter, lard or other types of fat, used to make pastry, bread, etc. short or easily crumbled.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Try speaking at this point (4)
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### Answer: HERE
### Explanation: Definition: at this point
***Homophone of***(speaking) "hear"(to try in court).
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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 about to give up lead (7)
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### Answer: PRECEDE
### Explanation: Definition: lead
P(abbrev. for the $$p$$enny currency unit) + RE(from Latin for regarding,about) + CEDE(to give up, especially land).
Answer: To come before,to lead.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Struggle for Tory leader after deception leads to downfall (7)
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### Answer: CONTEND
### Explanation: Definition: Struggle
{T(initial letter,leader of "Tory") ***placed after***(after) CON(a deception,swindle)} **plus**(leads to) END(the downfall).
Answer: As in "to contend,struggle with your inner fears".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Staying power shown by the first military dictator in South America (7)
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### Answer: STAMINA
### Explanation: Definition: Staying power
[T(initial letter,first of "the") + AMIN(Idi, former military dictator of Uganda)] **contained in**(in) SA($$S$$outh $$A$$merica).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Tip of object coming round again (7)
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### Answer: POINTER
### Explanation: Definition: Tip
POINT(the object of, say, this blog) + **reversal of**(coming round) RE-(the prefix that denotes a repeat action,again).
Answer: A clue,hint,tip
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Hotels in the centre of Barnsley (4)
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### Answer: INNS
### Explanation: Definition: Hotels
IN + NS(the middle letters,centre of "Barnsley").
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Refusing to vote for German graduate over earlier disgrace at home (10)
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### Answer: ABSTAINING
### Explanation: Definition: Refusing to vote
**Reversal of**(over) [G(abbrev. for German) + BA($$B$$achelor of $$A$$rts graduate)] **containing**(over) [STAIN{(evidence of) an earlier disgrace} + IN(at home,not out)]. I take it that "over" is used to indicate a reversal and a containment at the same time.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Run into tackle (9)
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### Answer: ENCOUNTER
### Explanation: Definition: Run into,tackle
Double defn: 2nd: To contest,tackle as in a match, eg. England v. Ukraine.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Saw daughter after a time (5)
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### Answer: ADAGE
### Explanation: Definition: Saw
[D(abbrev. for $$d$$aughter) ***placed after***(after) A] + AGE(a period of time).
Defn: A proverb.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Letters from Goethe reporting on that issue (5)
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### Answer: THERE
### Explanation: Definition: on that issue
**Hidden in**(letters from) GoeTHE REporting.
Answer: As in "I disagree with you there/on that issue".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Feel anger over English priest's claim (9)
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### Answer: REPRESENT
### Explanation: Definition: claim
RESENT(to feel anger against someone/about something) **containing**(over, but no reversal this time) [E($$E$$nglish) + PR(abbrev. for $$pr$$iest)].
Answer: As in "to represent/claim the situation as/is not hopeless".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Moves very quickly exuding drops (5)
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### Answer: TEARS
### Explanation: Definition: Moves very quickly,exuding drops
Double defn. 2nd: To shed tears.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: A dramatic broadcast by the Queen acting after flattery gets to work (4,5)
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### Answer: SOAP OPERA
### Explanation: Definition: A dramatic broadcast
[ER(the Queen,$$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina) + A(abbrev. for $$a$$cting, as used to denote stand-ins in job positions or military ranks)] ***placed after***(after) [SOAP(flattery, especially as "soft soap") **plus**(gets to) OP(abbrev. for opus,musical work)].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Slaughter is hesitant in opposition (10)
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### Answer: ANTITHESIS
### Explanation: Definition: opposition
**Anagram of**(slaughter) IS HESITANT.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Upgrade in French hotel – one around the west end of Nice (7)
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### Answer: ENHANCE
### Explanation: Definition: Upgrade
EN("in" in French) + H(for "hotel" in the phonetic alphabet) + [ACE(one,single pip/mark on a die or playing card – interestingly the former meaning preceded the latter) **containing**(around) N(the leftmost letter,west end of "Nice")]
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Huge birds getting caught (7)
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### Answer: TITANIC
### Explanation: Definition: Huge
[TIT & ANI](two types of birds) **plus**(getting) C(abbrev. for $$c$$aught in cricket notation).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Go on at motorists about parking (4)
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### Answer: CARP
### Explanation: Definition: Go on at
**Reversal of**(about) RAC(abbrev. for the $$R$$oyal $$A$$utomobile $$C$$lub, the motorists' association in the UK) + P(abbrev. for $$p$$arking).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Wait for assistant to wrap book (5)
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### Answer: ABIDE
### Explanation: Definition: Wait for
AIDE(assistant, usually to an official) **containing**(to wrap) B(abbrev. for $$b$$ook).
Answer: Wait for patiently as in "…I will abide the coming of my lord…." From Tennyson's "Geraint and Enid".
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Struggling Spurs need support (9)
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### Answer: SUSPENDER
### Explanation: Definition: support
**Anagram of**(struggling) SPURS NEED.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Suggest concealing identity of cow (10)
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### Answer: INTIMIDATE
### Explanation: Definition: cow
INTIMATE(to suggest,hint) **containing**(concealing) ID(abbrev. for $$id$$entity).
Defn: As a verb.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Mischievous pet occupied by shimmering tinsel (9)
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### Answer: PESTILENT
### Explanation: Definition: Mischievous
PET **containing**(occupied by) **anagram of**(shimmering) TINSEL.
Answer: Not like the plague, but much milder, like annoying,mischievous children)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Old stock including clubs available at first for free (9)
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### Answer: EXTRICATE
### Explanation: Definition: free
EX(old,former) + [TRITE(commonplace,banal as in "a stock/trite remark") **containing**(including) {C(abbrev. for clubs, one of the 4 suits in bridge notation) + A(initial letter of,at first "available")}].
Defn: As a verb.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Judge oddly neglected genre after piece on retired artist (7)
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### Answer: ARBITER
### Explanation: Definition: Judge
ER{"genre" **minus**(neglected) "g","n","e"(its first, third and fifth letters,oddly)} ***placed after***(after) [BIT(a small piece) **added to**(on) **reversal of**(retired) RA(an artist who is a member of the $$R$$oyal $$A$$cademy of Arts, London)].
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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 supporter of mine gets shot crossing river (7)
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### Answer: PITPROP
### Explanation: Definition: A supporter
PIT(a mine, especially an open-cast one) **plus**(gets) [POP(a shot with a firearm, imitative of the sound of it) **containing**(crossing) R(abbrev. for $$r$$iver)].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Some ethnic headdresses discovered in an alcove (5)
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### Answer: NICHE
### Explanation: Definition: an alcove
**Hidden in**(some…discovered) ethNIC Headdress.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: City providing information about home debut of Tevez (5)
|
### Answer: GHENT
### Explanation: Definition: City
[GEN(information,knowledge) **containing**(about) H(abbrev. for "home", as in Home and Away(A) games columns in eg. football league tables)] + T(initial letter,debut of "Tevez"). Nice footballing surface of Manchester City and player Tevez.
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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 grown by old people mostly (4)
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### Answer: JUTE
### Explanation: Definition: It's grown
"Jutes"(Germanic people of old who, in 5C invaded and settled in parts of Britain including Kent and Hampshire) **minus** last letter(mostly).
Answer: A plant grown for its fibre for cordage and sacking.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Seconds a beanpole may welcome? (7-2)
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### Answer: RUNNERS-UP
### Explanation: Definition: Seconds
Cryptic defn: Not time, but those who come in second-place. A beanpole,a tall stick meant for a bean plant,runner to climb up would welcome such, if it was animate. The surface tells of a beanpole,a tall skinny person who may welcome seconds,second helpings.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Clips for bracelets (5)
|
### Answer: CUFFS
### Explanation: Definition: Clips,bracelets
Double defn: 1st: Sharp blows; and 2nd: Slang for handcuffs.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Maybe Leo and Boris, at heart, are men of Roman stamp? (7)
|
### Answer: SIGNORI
### Explanation: Definition: men of Roman stamp
SIGN(in astrology, one of which,maybe is "Leo") **plus**(and) ORI(central letters,at heart of "Boris").
Answer: Plural of the Italian term of address for men, perhaps of Roman type,stamp.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Direction signs installed in Louisiana plant (7)
|
### Answer: LOBELIA
### Explanation: Definition: plant
OBELI(plural of obelus, ÷, originally, in typography, the sign that gave the instruction,direction to delete unattested passages/words from writings, but now, it more commonly means the arithmetical operation of division) **contained in**(installed in) LA(abbrev. for Louisiana State in the US, used with postal codes).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Tug's noise cut conversation outright (5)
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### Answer: TOTAL
### Explanation: Definition: outright
**Homophone of**(noise) of "tow"(tug,pull) + TAL{"talk"(conversation) **minus** its last letter(cut)}.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Ohio Democrat stumbles in procession (9)
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### Answer: MOTORCADE
### Explanation: Definition: procession
**Anagram of**(stumbles) [O(alternative abbrev. for Ohio State, not for postal use) + DEMOCRAT].
Answer: A procession of motorcars or other motor vehicles; a portmanteau word from "motor" and "cavalcade".
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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 away from outskirts of Eastbourne around eleven-fifty (5)
|
### Answer: EXILE
### Explanation: Definition: Drive away
EE(the two extreme letters,outskirts of "Eastbourne") **containing**(around) [XI(Roman numeral for eleven) + L(Roman numeral for fifty)]
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Need change of scene? It's the Fourth of July! (9)
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### Answer: NECESSITY
### Explanation: Definition: Need
**Anagram of**(change of) [SCENE IT'S + Y(the fourth letter of "July")].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Duplicate study into development of iliac trouble having no currency (9)
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### Answer: IDENTICAL
### Explanation: Definition: Duplicate
DEN(a study,room for quiet activity) **contained in**(into) **anagram of**(development of) [ILIAC + T("trouble" **minus**(having no) "rouble"(Russian currency))
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: German in ill humour? Nonsense! (5)
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### Answer: BILGE
### Explanation: Definition: Nonsense
G(abbrev. for $$G$$erman) **contained in**(in) BILE(ill humour,bad temper derived from ancient and medieval physiology which believed that yellow bile, one of the humours,elemental fluids in the body promoted such a disposition).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Cleansing moggies is mostly difficult inside (9)
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### Answer: CATHARSIS
### Explanation: Definition: Cleansing
[CATS("moggies" is British slang for "cats") + IS] **containing**(…inside) HAR{"hard"(difficult) **minus** its last letter(mostly)}
Answer: The purging,cleansing,relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, such as music or tragic drama. Or, at the other extreme, literally, it is the purging of the bowels.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Vessels were off to Sweden (5)
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### Answer: EWERS
### Explanation: Definition: Vessels
**Anagram of**(off) WERE **plus**(to) S(International Vehicle Registration code for Sweden).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Levelling off metalware with gold (7)
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### Answer: PLATEAU
### Explanation: Definition: Levelling off
PLATE(metalware, usually of silver) **plus**(with) AU(in chemistry, symbol for the element gold).
Answer: Verb signifying having reached a stage where there is no growth or decline, ie. levelling off.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Counsel a coloratura somewhat when returning with spots (7)
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### Answer: LOCALES
### Explanation: Definition: spots
**Hidden in**(somewhat) **reversal of**(when returning) counSEL A COLoratura.
Answer: Spots at which to set the scene for a play, event, etc.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Luxembourg's a capital (5)
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### Answer: LHASA
### Explanation: Definition: capital
L(International Vehicle Registration code for Luxembourg) + HAS(the contraction of which is 's after the noun) + A.
Answer: The capital city of Tibet.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Cheese melt, mean and hot, being cooked (9)
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### Answer: EMMENTHAL
### Explanation: Definition: Cheese
**Anagram of**(being cooked) [MELT, MEAN ***plus***(and) H(abbrev. for $$h$$ot)].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Put back initially rumpled bedsheets evenly (5)
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### Answer: RESET
### Explanation: Definition: Put back
R(first letter of,initially "rumpled") + E,S,E,T(second, fourth, sixth and eighth letters,evenly of "bedsheets").
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: One might net flounder in darker hours (5-4)
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### Answer: NIGHT-TIME
### Explanation: Definition: darker hours
**Anagram of**(flounder) [I(Roman numeral for one) + MIGHT NET].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Soothing Hardy book borders on eroticism at the start (9)
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### Answer: EMOLLIENT
### Explanation: Definition: Soothing
E,M(outermost letters of,borders on "eroticism") **placed before**(at the start) [OLLIE(nickname for Oliver Hardy, half of the Luarel and Hardy comedy duo) + NT(abbrev. for $$N$$ew $$T$$estament,holy book – strictly speaking books?)]. Nicely misdirected to author Thomas Hardy – did any of his works border on eroticism?
Answer: Descriptive of medicine, lotions, salves, etc. that are soothing, especially to the skin.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Giddy habit going on in baths? (8,7)
|
### Answer: SWIMMING COSTUME
### Explanation: Definition: going on in baths
SWIMMING(what your head is doing when you're giddy) + COSTUME(dress,habit).
Answer: That that you're putting on,going on you when you're in the baths,swimming pools.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: State protection from capitalism? You'll go nuts! (9,6)
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### Answer: POLITICAL ASYLUM
### Explanation: Definition: State protection
**Anagram of**(go nuts) [CAPITALISM YOU'LL].
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Pole thrown from vehicle sheltering to live (5)
|
### Answer: CABER
### Explanation: Definition: Pole
CAR(vehicle) **containing**(sheltering) BE(to live,exist).
Answer: A long and heavy piece of trimmed tree trunk,pole that they like to throw about as an event in Highland games.
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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's refrain? (5)
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### Answer: FALLA
### Explanation: Definition: Composer
FAL LA(or fal-la/fa-la/fa la, a song refrain sung to meaningless syllables like fa and la. I'm more familiar with its sibling, "tra-la-la": it won't be another 6 months before we hear "….'Tis the season to be jolly, Tra-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la….").
Answer: Manuel de, Spanish composer.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Couple heard in enclosure "About to get fat!" (5,4)
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### Answer: SPARE TYRE
### Explanation: Definition: fat
[PARE{**homophone of**(heard) of "pair"(couple)} **contained in**(in) STY(animal enclosure)] + RE(from Latin for regarding,about).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Lapse I put right involving "PC" Scottish Church (9)
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### Answer: EPISCOPAL
### Explanation: Definition: Scottish Church
**Anagram of**(put right) [LAPSE I] **containing**(involving) COP(policeman,police constable abbreviated to PC, long before it stood for "politically correct" or even "personal computer". I shamefully spent a long time looking for the "O").
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Assistant priest to prosecute a cheat about degree (9)
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### Answer: SUBDEACON
### Explanation: Definition: Assistant priest
[SUE(to prosecute in court) [A CON](a cheat,conman)] **containing**(about) BD($$B$$achelor of $$D$$ivinity,what you get from a degree course in divinity, theology or religious studies).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Sickness from crummy toast (3,6)
|
### Answer: ILL HEALTH
### Explanation: Definition: Sickness
ILL(not good, as in "I'm feeling crummy") + HEALTH(you'd toast to someone's good health, say).
|
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 – amateur artist's making crown (5)
|
### Answer: TIARA
### Explanation: Definition: crown
TI(syllable denoting one of the notes in the diatonic musical scale) + A(abbrev. for one with $$a$$mateur status) + RA(artist who is a member of the $$R$$oyal $$A$$cademy of Arts 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: A date coming up in the theatre (5)
|
### Answer: ARENA
### Explanation: Definition: theatre
**Reversal of**(coming up, in a down clue) [AN(alternative to the article "a") ERA(a non-specific date, more a period, as in "carbon-dating will tell you which era that fossil came from").
Defn. and Answer: An area in which conflict, activity or endeavour is conducted.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Moans'll be heard with material for painter, say? (5)
|
### Answer: SISAL
### Explanation: Definition: material for painter, say
**Homophone of**(be heard) "sighs"(moans) + 'll. An alternative pronunciation to "sis-uhl".
Answer: Fibrous material used for making ropes, rugs, etc. including painters,ropes usually at the bow for fastening a boat to a ship, stake, etc. Clever misdirection – wasted time thinking of painters of the RA type.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Stuff head of enormous family into small mould (7)
|
### Answer: RAMEKIN
### Explanation: Definition: small mould
RAM(to stuff,cram into) +E(initial letter,head of "enormous") + KIN(family).
Answer: For those not familiar with the kitchen, the fireproof dish,small mould in which the dish ramekin, a cheese preparation, is baked. But, of course, it could be used to bake other dishes as well.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Ruffle flight lieutenant's cat (7)
|
### Answer: FLOUNCE
### Explanation: Definition: Ruffle
FL(abbrev. for flight lieutenant) + OUNCE(the snow leopard, one of the cat family).
Answer: An ornamental gathered ruffle sewn on to a garment.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: King parting from attractive young woman is smart (4)
|
### Answer: CHIC
### Explanation: Definition: smart
"chick"(a slang for an attractive young woman) **minus**(…parting from) "k"(abbrev. for "king", eg. 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: Source of energy for relative with skin problem (9)
|
### Answer: CARBUNCLE
### Explanation: Definition: skin problem
CARB(short for carbohydrate, which on metabolism provides,is a source of, energy) + UNCLE(a relative).
Answer: An extensive eruption of the skin, caused by a pathogenic bacterium and similar to, but larger, more painful and more serious than a boil, a problem to say the least.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Will this bring good luck to church member? (5)
|
### Answer: CHARM
### Explanation: Definition: Will this bring good luck
CH(abbrev. for church) + ARM(one of your limbs,a member)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Infection carried by careless wine flunkey (5,3)
|
### Answer: SWINE FLU
### Explanation: Definition: Infection
**Hidden in**(carried – a clever indicator) carelesS WINE FLUnkey.
Answer: A highly contagious flu caused by a virus first isolated in swine, spreading among and across species, and infecting, not only pigs but humans as well.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Disease causing swelling of beer belly containing penultimate part of gallon (4)
|
### Answer: GOUT
### Explanation: Definition: Disease causing swelling
GUT(beer belly,the enlarged paunch from habitual beer drinking) **containing**(containing) O(last but one letter,penultimate part of "gallon").
Answer: A disease causing pain and swelling, but not of your belly.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Vigorous blow delivered by Judy's mate (5)
|
### Answer: PUNCH
### Explanation: Definition: Vigorous blow
Cryptic defn: The male half,mate of the puppet "Punch and Judy" show, who was inclined to inflict punches.
|
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 not suitable for Homer's boy (4)
|
### Answer: BART
### Explanation: Definition: Homer's boy
"Bartok"(Bela, Hungarian composer) **minus**(not) "ok"(suitable,acceptable).
Answer: Simpson, son(boy) of Homer from the animated TV series, "The Simpsons".
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Bachelor goes to fashionable English seaside resort (8)
|
### Answer: BRIGHTON
### Explanation: Definition: English seaside resort
B(abbrev. for "bachelor", commonly used for degrees such as B.A., B.Sc. etc. **plus**(goes to) RIGHT ON(adjectival phrase meaning modern,trendy,fashionable, as in "right on green politics")
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Head of ordering to change supplier of eggs (5)
|
### Answer: OVARY
### Explanation: Definition: supplier of eggs
O(initial letter,head of "ordering") **plus**(to) VARY(to 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: Cavorting hedonists not to be trusted! (9)
|
### Answer: DISHONEST
### Explanation: Definition: not to be trusted
**Anagram of**(cavorting) HEDONISTS.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Plant discovered in choppy lake (4)
|
### Answer: KALE
### Explanation: Definition: Plant
**Anagram of**(choppy) LAKE.
Answer: A cabbage-like plant used as a vegetable.
|
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 to others about setter in tree (7)
|
### Answer: CONIFER
### Explanation: Definition: tree
CONFER(talk to,consult others) **containing**(about) I(the setter vs. you, the solvers).
|
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 took firm hold of another bird (7)
|
### Answer: BITTERN
### Explanation: Definition: Bird
BIT(took firm hold of, with the teeth) + TERN(another bird, a gull-like aquatic 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: Initially protest against traffic-heavy route (4)
|
### Answer: PATH
### Explanation: Definition: route
Initial letters of(initially) Protest Against Traffic-Heavy.
|
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 liking for swansong? (8)
|
### Answer: PENCHANT
### Explanation: Definition: A liking
PEN(a female swan) +CHANT(a 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: Does it complicate a part in a television series? (6)
|
### Answer: SITCOM
### Explanation: Definition: television series
**Hidden in**(…a part) doeS IT COMplicate.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Do very well where main ingredient in bread is heroin (8)
|
### Answer: FLOURISH
### Explanation: Definition: Do very well
FLOUR(main ingredient in bread) + IS + H(slang abbrev. for heroin).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Sham US cleric seizing power (6)
|
### Answer: MUSCLE
### Explanation: Definition: power
**Hidden in**(…seizing) shaM US CLEric.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Nomadic race yielding measure of land (4)
|
### Answer: ACRE
### Explanation: Definition: measure of land
**Anagram of**(nomadic) RACE.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Sympathetic vibration developed on a screen (9)
|
### Answer: RESONANCE
### Explanation: Definition: Sympathetic vibration
**Anagram of**(developed) ON A SCREEN.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Sound of people singing from sheets of paper, say (5)
|
### Answer: CHOIR
### Explanation: Definition: Sound of people singing
**Homophone of**(say) of "quire"(sheets of paper). I guess the presence of "sound of" is to serve as a misdirecting homophone indicator.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Vehicle for master losing footing on railway (5)
|
### Answer: LORRY
### Explanation: Definition: Vehicle
LOR{"lord"(master) **minus**(losing) its last, bottom-most letter(footing) in a down clue} **plus**(on) RY(abbrev. for railway).
|
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 could be responsible for 13, with a tense pig in sty (8)
|
### Answer: PATHOGEN
### Explanation: Definition: One could be responsible for 13
[A + T(abbrev. for "tense" in linguistics) + HOG(a pig)] **contained in**(in) PEN(an enclosure,sty).
Answer: A disease-causing agent, especially a bacterium, virus or other micro-organism, one that could be responsible for swine flu(answer to 13across).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Supports for instrument of torture surrounded by stakes (8)
|
### Answer: BRACKETS
### Explanation: Definition: Supports
RACK(an instrument of torture) **contained in**(surrounded by) BETS(what you stake In a bet,gamble).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Pigs so upset by tittle-tattle (6)
|
### Answer: GOSSIP
### Explanation: Definition: tittle-tattle
**Anagram of**(upset) PIGS 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: Get the better of fool attending institution for mature students (6)
|
### Answer: OUTWIT
### Explanation: Definition: Get the better of
OU(abbrev. of Open University, a distance learning institution, the majority of whose students are mature, working part-time or fulltime, though apparently the proportion of younger students has been increasing) **plus**(attending) TWIT(fool).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Go down with doctor to operation (4)
|
### Answer: DROP
### Explanation: Definition: Go down
DR(abbrev. for doctor) **plus**(to) OP(short for operation).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Fat and heartless Scottish landlord (4)
|
### Answer: LARD
### Explanation: Definition: Fat
"laird"(Scottish landlord) **minus** its innermost letter(heartless).
|
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