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: Addict found in substance-abuse rehabilitation (4)	### Answer: USER ### Explanation: Definition: Addict Hidden in(found in) substance-abUSE Rehabilitation.
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 can be used to strike a sovereign (5)	### Answer: RULER ### Explanation: Definition: It can be used to strike,sovereign Double defn:.1st: In use during those days when teachers were allowed to inflict corporal punishment.
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 back in place to control the nation (9)	### Answer: REINSTATE ### Explanation: Definition: Put back in place REIN(to control,restrain, literally, as with a horse, or figuratively) + STATE(a nation).
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 induced trance (6)	### Answer: NECTAR ### Explanation: Definition: Drink Anagram of(induced) TRANCE.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Entice one round summit of volcano (8)	### Answer: COTOPAXI ### Explanation: Definition: volcano [COAX(to entice,tempt, one way of coaxing somebody) + I(Roman numeral for one)] containing(round) TOP(the summit,peak). Answer: A volcano in the Andes in Ecuador.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Closure is imminent when project leader goes (6)	### Answer: ENDING ### Explanation: Definition: Closure "pending"(not happening yet but imminent) minus(goes) "p"{initial letter(leader) of "project"}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Gemstone makes them stay (8)	### Answer: AMETHYST ### Explanation: Definition: Gemstone Anagram of(makes) THEM STAY.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Record and preserve an impasse (6)	### Answer: LOGJAM ### Explanation: Definition: impasse LOG(a record of events) plus(and) JAM(a preserve, the type you spread on your bread).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cause irritation right on the joint (6)	### Answer: RANKLE ### Explanation: Definition: Cause irritation R(abbrev. for $$r$$ight) placed above(on, in a down clue) ANKLE(joint in your leg)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Tailor has fitting interrupted by attorney (5)	### Answer: ADAPT ### Explanation: Definition: Tailor APT(fitting,appropriate) containing(interrupted by) DA(abbrev. for $$d$$istrict $$a$$ttorney,prosecutor 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: Old book of narcotics (7)	### Answer: NUMBERS ### Explanation: Definition: Old book,narcotics Double defn: 1st: The book in the Old Testament; and 2nd: The class of substances that blunt,numb the senses.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Alec never misrepresented suitability (9)	### Answer: RELEVANCE ### Explanation: Definition: suitability Anagram of(misrepresented) ALEC NEVER.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Painter overseen by arrangement (8)	### Answer: VERONESE ### Explanation: Definition: Painter Anagram of(by arrangement) OVERSEEN. Answer: Paolo, 16C Venetian painter.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Peer under berth for letter (8)	### Answer: LANDLORD ### Explanation: Definition: letter LORD(a peer) *placed under*(under, in a down clue) LAND(as when a ship goes into berth). Answer: One who lets out his property,letter.
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 man has a cry when put away (4)	### Answer: STOW ### Explanation: Definition: put away {ST(abbrev. for "saint"(a good man)} plus(has) OW(a cry expressing pain).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Set down reservists in harbour (9)	### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: harbour [ENTER IN](to write or copy a record in writing,to set down) containing(…in) TA(abbrev. for $$T$$erritorial $$A$$rmy, the volunteer reserve force). Answer: To have in mind,harbour, eg. thoughts of being President.
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 steady when assimilating an oriental dance (8)	### Answer: COURANTE ### Explanation: Definition: dance [COURT(go steady,date someone exclusively) containing(AN)] + E(abbrev. for eastern,oriental). Answer: A dance dating from the 17C.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Trot round area that's made good (8)	### Answer: REPLACED ### Explanation: Definition: made good RED(a communist, who could be a Trotskyite, abbreviated to Trot, a follower of Leon Trotsky, Russian revolutionary) containing(round) PLACE(an area,locality). Answer: If something is defective, it could be made good by being replaced.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Usual time to say goodbye (4)	### Answer: PART ### Explanation: Definition: say goodbye PAR(the usual,standard) + T(abbrev. for 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: Even a place of higher education has class (7)	### Answer: UNIFORM ### Explanation: Definition: Even UNI(short for "university", a place of higher education) plus(has) FORM(a class in school).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Virginia Cooper's caprice (6)	### Answer: VAGARY ### Explanation: Definition: caprice VA(abbrev. for Virginia, US state) + GARY(Cooper, American actor, star of many Westerns). Answer: A capricious, whimsical or unusual idea, desire or action.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Forgo sleep when touring island (6)	### Answer: RESIST ### Explanation: Definition: Forgo REST(sleep) containing(when touring) IS(abbrev. for island). Answer: Not to accept,forgo.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Wanting queen in the picture (5)	### Answer: SHORT ### Explanation: Definition: Wanting R(abbrev. for Regina, Queen) contained in(in) SHOT(the photograph,picture). Answer: Lack of,wanting, usually money.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Read about a Northern city beginning to waive church rules (5,3)	### Answer: CANON LAW ### Explanation: Definition: church rules CON(to read,to study attentively) containing(about) [A + N(abbrev. for northern)] + LA(abbrev. for the city of Los Angels, USA) + W{initial letter of(beginning to) "waive"}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chance certainly to tuck into some meat (4-2)	### Answer: LOOK-IN ### Explanation: Definition: Chance OK(certainly,sure, as when agreeing with what someone says) contained in(to tuck into) LOIN(a cut,piece of,some meat). Answer: A chance to be chosen,participate in,etc.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Playing area abandoned by college? That's nub of matter (4)	### Answer: PITH ### Explanation: Definition: nub of matter "pitch"(playing area,field in some sporting games) minus(abandoned by) "c"(abbrev. for college). Answer: The core,nub of matter, substance (literally) or, an issue (figuratively).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Signal shown in flat, perhaps, by mayor (10)	### Answer: NOTEWORTHY ### Explanation: Definition: Signal NOTE(in music, an example of which,perhaps, is the "flat", in contrast to a natural or sharp) plus(by) WORTHY(a person of eminent worth, merit or position, of which a mayor is presumably one). Answer: As an adjective of someone,something notable, outstanding. Almost same in meaning to the adjective, worthy, in fact.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hooligan loitering initially behind museum (6)	### Answer: VANDAL ### Explanation: Definition: Hooligan L{initial letter of(initially) "loitering"} *placed after*(behind) [V AND A] (the abbrev. for the Victoria and Albert Museum 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: Female bully delivering a tirade (not half) about incomplete journey (8)	### Answer: HARRIDAN ### Explanation: Definition: Female bully HARAN{"haranguing"(delivering a tirade) minus the latter half of its letters(not half)} containing(about) RID{"ride"(journey) minus its last letter(incomplete)}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fine vision I match when dolled up? Yes and no! (7,6)	### Answer: FASHION VICTIM ### Explanation: Definition: no F(abbrev. for fine) + anagram of(when dolled up) VISION I MATCH. Answer: No! as a negative of "fine vision…when dolled up". A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: My new canine is by part of cage in agricultural store (8)	### Answer: CORNCRIB ### Explanation: Definition: agricultural store COR!(an exclamation of surprise,amazement or admiration, roughly equivalent to My! or My! My!) + N(abbrev. for new) + C(abbrev. for canine, as would be used in dentistry) plus(is by) RIB(a part of your rib cage). Answer: A ventilated building for storage of unhusked corn.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cold device used by couch potato? (6)	### Answer: REMOTE ### Explanation: Definition: Cold,device used by couch potato Double defn: 1st: As in aloof,cold; and 2nd: Short for the TV remote control device.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Around home, get fun in altering late adjustments? (4-6)	### Answer: FINE-TUNING ### Explanation: Definition: late adjustments Anagram of(altering) GET FUN IN containing(around) IN(at home,not out).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Expression in banter misjudged (4)	### Answer: TERM ### Explanation: Definition: Expression Hidden in(in) banTER Misjudged.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sun leaders in lurid excess always zealously expose such? (6)	### Answer: SLEAZE ### Explanation: Definition: such S(abbrev. for sun) + initial letters of(leaders in) Lurid Excess Always Zealously Expose. Answer: The "such" refering to lurid excess displayed,exposed by tabloid papers, including the Sun. A WIWD clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: A lucky charm man ignored in paper? He accepts whatever (8)	### Answer: FATALIST ### Explanation: Definition: He accepts whatever A + TALIS{"talisman"(lucky charm, something to ward off evil) minus(ignored) "man"} contained in(in) FT(the Financial Times paper).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Affectedly genteel inspector in foreign car (2-2-2)	### Answer: LA-DI-DA ### Explanation: Definition: Affectedly genteel DI(abbrev. for $$D$$etective $$I$$nspector) contained in(in) LADA(the Russian manufactured,foreign car – if you're not Russian, that is).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Recipe with good nosh concocted around yard for manager (3,7)	### Answer: ROY HODGSON ### Explanation: Definition: manager R(recipe, as used in medical prescriptions, from the Latin, meaning take, as an imperative) plus(with) [anagram of(concocted) GOOD NOSH containing(around) Y(abbrev. for yard, unit of measurement)]. Answer: The current national English football team manager.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Latin woman in trouble reared in Welsh place (8)	### Answer: LLANELLI ### Explanation: Definition: Welsh place Reversal of(reared) {[L(abbrev. for $$L$$atin) + LENA(a woman's name)] contained in(in) ILL(as a noun for trouble,distress,misfortune)}. Answer: An industrial town in S.Wales – easier to spell than to pronounce properly (for me, at 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: Fierce look in old cricketer securing 50 (6)	### Answer: GLOWER ### Explanation: Definition: Fierce look GOWER(David, English cricketer of the late 70's through the early 90s) containing(securing) L(Roman numeral for 50).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: By the sound of it, painful area's to rise dramatically (4)	### Answer: SOAR ### Explanation: Definition: to rise dramatically Homophone of(by the sound of it) "sore"(painful area,spot on the body).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sports body holding quiet jolly in place of breeding? (4,4)	### Answer: FISH FARM ### Explanation: Definition: place of breeding [FIFA(abbrev. for Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the governing international body for football) containing(holding) SH(imperative to keep quiet)] + RM(abbrev. for $$R$$oyal $$M$$arines, a slang word for the singular is a "jolly").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hands are found on this fine brig at sea getting observational responsibility (8,5)	### Answer: WATCHING BRIEF ### Explanation: Definition: observational responsibility WATCH(something on which hands are found) + anagram of(at sea) FINE BRIG. Answer: Instructions to someone to take the responsibility of observing a situation carefully, but not to become involved in it, eg. in a court of law.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Favoured still a US college from the south occupied by lecturer in a familiar way (10)	### Answer: INTIMATELY ### Explanation: Definition: in a familiar way IN(favoured,popular,in fashion) + [reversal of(from the south, in a down clue) YET(still, as in yet/still to come) + A + MIT(abbrev. for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the famed US college) containing(occupied by) L(abbrev. for lecturer)].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Current requiring means for steering, we hear, in a set of boats (8)	### Answer: FLOTILLA ### Explanation: Definition: a set of boats Homophone of(we hear) "flow"(a current) plus(requiring) "tiller"(a means for steering a boat). A WIWD clue.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Irish label in Ireland largely promoted water (8)	### Answer: IRRIGATE ### Explanation: Definition: water IR(abbrev. for "Irish") + reversal of(promoted, in a down clue) [TAG(a label) contained in(in) EIR{"Eire"(the Irish name for Ireland) minus its last letter(largely)}]. Answer: As a verb, to water.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: List of duties for all to see obscuring small computing device (6)	### Answer: ROUTER ### Explanation: Definition: computing device U(the certification for films which do not have restricted viewing,ie for all to see) replacing(obscuring) the letter "s"(abbrev. for small) in "roster"(a list of duties for personnel).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Health organisation accepting hard force in argument (6)	### Answer: THRUST ### Explanation: Definition: force in argument TRUST(in the UK, an organisation charged with providing health services under the NHS) containing(accepting) H(abbrev. for hard).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Characters held up in terminal alerted airline (2,2)	### Answer: EL AL ### Explanation: Definition: airline Reversal of(held up, in a down clue) and hidden in(characters…in) terminaL ALErted. Answer: The Israeli state airline.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Politician involved in smear goes to earth in usual hangout (8,6)	### Answer: STAMPING GROUND ### Explanation: Definition: usual hangout MP(abbrev. for Member of Parliament,politician) contained in(involved in) STAIN(smear) plus(goes to) GROUND(the earth below you). I could be missing something (eg. "g" as an abbrev. for "goes"), but if not, there isn't an indication for the first "g" in the answer.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Artist with US band has trademark shirt (9)	### Answer: REMBRANDT ### Explanation: Definition: Artist REM(alternative rock band, formed in 1980 in the US) plus(has) BRAND(trademark, as in "designer brands") + T(short for a tee-shirt, collarless and buttonless). Answer: van Rijn, Dutch artist, famous for portraits.
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 doctor's bitten by oddly mean snake (5)	### Answer: MAMBA ### Explanation: Definition: snake A + MB(abbrev. for Bachelor of Medicine,a doctor) contained in(…'s bitten by) [M+A]{first and third letters of(oddly) "mean"}. Answer: A highly poisonous and aggressive African snake.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Knock up cradle with hardwood (5)	### Answer: BIRCH ### Explanation: Definition: wood Reversal of(knock up) CRIB(an infant's cradle) plus(with) H(abbrev. for hard). Answer: The wood from such a tree.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Animals long kept in pens hate going out (9)	### Answer: ELEPHANTS ### Explanation: Definition: Animals L(abbrev. for long) *contained in(kept in) anagram of*(going out) [PENS HATE].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: I'd take on student having seen disastrous results ending in laziness (8)	### Answer: IDLENESS ### Explanation: Definition: laziness I'D containing(take on) L(abbrev. for learner,student) plus(having) anagram of(disastrous) SEEN + S{last letter(ending) of "results"}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Poor Master Brook (6)	### Answer: STREAM ### Explanation: Definition: Brook Anagram of(poor) 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: Bother to come back and fire French foreman (6)	### Answer: GAFFER ### Explanation: Definition: foreman I got the answer, but the wordplay has beaten 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: Biscuit Mum takes Joey in prison (8)	### Answer: MACAROON ### Explanation: Definition: Biscuit MA(another name for mum,mother) plus(takes) [ROO(short for kangaroo, a young one is called a joey) *contained in*(in) CAN(slang for prison)].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Demoted Socialist member dined in (9)	### Answer: RELEGATED ### Explanation: Definition: Demoted RED(socialist,communist) containing(….in) [LEG(a member,limb) + ATE(dined)].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Ready to fight (3-2)	### Answer: SET-TO ### Explanation: Definition: fight SET(ready to start) + TO. Defn: As a noun.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Task I've managed partly to get out of doing (5)	### Answer: SKIVE ### Explanation: Definition: to get out of doing Hidden in(partly) taSK I'VE. Answer: To shirk work or responsibility, an art by itself.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: River is liability without oxygen, being full of toxins (9)	### Answer: POISONOUS ### Explanation: Definition: being full of toxins PO(the river in Italy) + IS + [ONUS(liability,responsibility) containing(without,not inside) O(chemical symbol for oxygen)]
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 Tate, for example, has painting and really good sculpture (7,7)	### Answer: PICTURE GALLERY ### Explanation: Definition: The Tate, for example PICTURE(a painting) plus(and) anagram of(sculpture) [REALLY + G(abbrev. for good)]. Answer: Of which the Tate in London is an example. An almost perfect 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: BBC bring us production on career for cleaner (9,5)	### Answer: SCRUBBING BRUSH ### Explanation: Definition: cleaner Anagram of(production) BBC BRING US placed above(on, in a down clue) RUSH(to career, at high speed, and sometimes uncontrollably).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Senior officer takes Russian vehicle up to orbit space station (7)	### Answer: ADMIRAL ### Explanation: Definition: Senior officer Reversal of(up, in a down clue) LADA(a Russian brand of car,vehicle) containing(to orbit,circle round) MIR(from the Russian for peace, the Russian-launched manned space station from 1986-2001). Nice surface. Answer: Senior officer in the navy, equivalent to a general in the army.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Change coming over arch-criminal, perhaps? (9)	### Answer: PERCHANCE ### Explanation: Definition: perhaps PENCE(plural of penny,change you get from bigger denomination money) containing(coming over) anagram of(criminal) ARCH. Answer: Maybe,possibly,perhaps, often literary, as in "To be or not to be…….To sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there's the rub….."
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 point having feeling without meaning (8)	### Answer: NONSENSE ### Explanation: Definition: without meaning NO + N(abbrev. for north,compass point) plus(having) SENSE(a feeling, as in of touch,taste).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: About time! Pull up at the side of the road (6)	### Answer: GUTTER ### Explanation: Definition: at the side of the road Reversal of(up, in a down clue) [RE(about,with reference to, from the Latin res) + T(abbrev. for time) + TUG(to pull)]. Answer: The drain,channel at the side of the road.
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 up and go very fast, heading off (5)	### Answer: OOMPH ### Explanation: Definition: Get up and go "100 mph", which is a very fast speed, minus the first character(heading off). Answer: Energy and vitality, get-up-and-go.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chosen one's born without honour at home (7)	### Answer: NOMINEE ### Explanation: Definition: Chosen one NEE(born, as an adjective, used as an introduction to a married woman's maiden surname) containing(without) [OM(a title,honour bestowed on deserving citizens of the Commonwealth by the Sovereign of the Commonwealth, ie. the British monarch) + IN(at home, not out). Answer: One nominated,chosen to stand as a candidate or to fill a position.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Average man with debt gets crafty in a mean way (14)	### Answer: PARSIMONIOUSLY ### Explanation: Definition: in a mean way PAR(average,norm) + SIMON(a man's name) plus(with) IOU(a written acknowledgement of a debt) plus(gets) SLY(crafty,wily). Answer: In a stingy,mean way.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dodgy mushroom with toast's keeping daughter bent over toilet (9)	### Answer: TOADSTOOL ### Explanation: Definition: Dodgy mushroom TOAST containing(keeping) D(abbrev. for daughter) + reversal of(bent over) LOO(slang for toilet). A nice surface, if somewhat gruesome image. Answer: It would be dodgy,risky to eat one as it's likely to be poisonous.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hanging back to see old bird get fish after diving, initially (8)	### Answer: DAWDLING ### Explanation: Definition: Hanging back DAW(archaic,old term for a jackdaw, a bird of the crow family) + [LING(a food fish) placed below(after) D{first letter of(initially) "diving"}].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pitched to cool independent film director (7)	### Answer: FELLINI ### Explanation: Definition: film director FELL(pitched,plunged or fell forward or headlong) plus(to) IN(popular,fashionable,cool) + I(abbrev. for "independent", eg. in elections). Answer: Federico, Italian film director (and scriptwriter) of "La Dolce Vita", "8½", and others.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Open University book includes chapter as a result (7)	### Answer: OUTCOME ### Explanation: Definition: a result OU(abbrev. for the Open University) + [TOME(a book, especially a heavy, large or learned one) *containing*(includes) C(abbrv. for chapter, as in a book)].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Puts active alternative to lethargy (6)	### Answer: STUPOR ### Explanation: Definition: lethargy Anagram of(active) PUTS + OR(used as an introduction to 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: Welcome to get soldiers in (5)	### Answer: GREET ### Explanation: Definition: Welcome GET containing(….in) RE(abbrev. for the Royal Engineers,soldiers in the British Army).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Astonishment over American priest discovered in tower (8)	### Answer: SURPRISE ### Explanation: Definition: Astonishment *Reversal of(over) US(American) PR(abbrev. for priest) contained in*(discovered in) RISE(to tower, extend upward).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Chapter on compassion cut by Conservative supporter (6)	### Answer: CRUTCH ### Explanation: Definition: supporter C(abbrev. for chapter, as in a book) *plus(on) RUTH(compassion,kindness, usually used in its negative form "ruthless") containing*(cut by) C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Determined to dispel doubts at the outset (8)	### Answer: RESOLVED ### Explanation: Definition: Determined RESOLVE(to clear away,dispel doubts,fears,uncertainties, as in "the issue was resolved to everyone's satisfaction") + D(initial letter of,at the outset of "doubts" – I guess the latter is doubling up)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Shoot Republican on board jet (6)	### Answer: SPROUT ### Explanation: Definition: Shoot R(abbrev. for a member of the Republican Party) *contained in*(on board) SPOUT(a jet, spout from which liquid flows, eg. in a fountain).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Correspond with Mark (5)	### Answer: TALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Correspond with,Mark Double defn: 1st: To match,correspond as in "their figures tally with each other" ; and 2nd: A mark,notch made on a tally-stick to indicate the amount of debt or payment.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bid for a great amount (9)	### Answer: ABUNDANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Bid,a great amount Double defn: 1st: A call,bid in the card game, solo whist, undertaking to make nine tricks.
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 provides evidence of core changes after rector died (6)	### Answer: RECORD ### Explanation: Definition: It provides evidence [*Anagram of(changes) CORE placed after*(after) R(abbrev. for rector)] + D(abbrev. for died).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Offensively obtrusive and pointless complaint by social worker (7)	### Answer: BLATANT ### Explanation: Definition: Offensively obtrusive BLAT{"bleat",a complaint *minus* "e"(abbrev. for East,compass point) (pointless) } *plus*(by) ANT(a social insect, one of whose castes is the worker). Answer: Offensively obtrusive, as with loud noises, loud clothes, etc
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Edges of racket clamped by exceptional Asian craftsman (7)	### Answer: ARTISAN ### Explanation: Definition: craftsman [R + T](the outer letters,edges of "racket") *contained in(clamped by) anagram of*(exceptional) ASIAN.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Drawing of group outside Knutsford's earliest church (6)	### Answer: SKETCH ### Explanation: Definition: Drawing SET(group of things,people) *containing*(outside) K{Knutsford's initial letter(earliest)} + CH(abbrev. for $$ch$$urch)
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 isn't accepting insolence from a government opponent (9)	### Answer: DISSIDENT ### Explanation: Definition: a government opponent D(abbrev. for duke) + [ISN'T *containing*(accepting) SIDE(British slang for insolence,arrogance).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Success after actor's debut in French film (5)	### Answer: FARGO ### Explanation: Definition: film GO(a success, as in "to make a go of a new venture") * placed after(after) [A{actor's initial letter(debut)} contained in*(in) FR(abbrev. for $$Fr$$ench)]. Answer: Award winning 1996 quirky film produced, directed and written by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan.
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 show finally taken in by girl at the end of May (6)	### Answer: NORWAY ### Explanation: Definition: Country [W{last latter of(finally) "show"} *contained in(taken in by) NORA(a girl's name)] plus*(at) Y{last letter of(end of) "May"}.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lack of time after Rex appears in photo (8)	### Answer: SHORTAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Lack AGE(a time period) placed after(after) [{R(abbrev. for Rex,Latin for king, as in G(VI) R} *contained in*(appears in) SHOT(a photo)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Remain behind border to protect German queen (6)	### Answer: LINGER ### Explanation: Definition: Remain behind [LINE(a border, as in "the thin line between right and wrong" or "the county line") *containing*(to protect) G(abbrev. for Germany)] + R{abbrev. for Regina,Latin for queen, as in E(II)R}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Female meeting city fellows at company dance (8)	### Answer: FLAMENCO ### Explanation: Definition: dance F(abbrev. for female) *plus(meeting) LA(abbrev. for the city of Los Angeles) + MEN(fellows) plus*(at) CO(abbrev. for $$co$$mpany).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fairy finding prince in position (6)	### Answer: SPRITE ### Explanation: Definition: Fairy PR(abbrev. for prince) *contained in*(in) SITE(a position,where something, eg. a building sits).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Soldiers, by not speaking about it at first, able to withstand disappointment (9)	### Answer: RESILIENT ### Explanation: Definition: able to withstand disappointment RE($$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineers,soldiers in the British army) *plus(by) [SILENT(mute,not speaking) containing*(about) I{initial letter of(at first) "it"}]. Answer: Able to bounce back after,withstand disappointment.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Revive Redwood's principal supporter (5)	### Answer: RALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Revive R{Redwood's initial letter(principal)} + ALLY(a supporter) Answer: To improve,revive after a near defeat,collapse.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Straw spread around the finish by key racecourse official (7)	### Answer: STEWARD ### Explanation: Definition: racecourse official [*Anagram of(spread) STRAW containing(around) E{last letter(finish) of "the"}] plus*(by) D(one of the musical keys from A to G).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Refuse to accept general opinion over help from the south (9)	### Answer: REPUDIATE ### Explanation: Definition: Refuse to accept REPUTE(what others think,general opinion of person or something) *containing(over) reversal of*(from the south, in a down clue) AID(help).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: God facing new source of irritation (5)	### Answer: THORN ### Explanation: Definition: source of irritation THOR(the Scandinavian god of thunder, rain and farming) *plus*(facing) N(abbrev. for new). Answer: Literally or figuratively, as in "the thorn in your side".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Woman against supporting strike until now (8)	### Answer: HITHERTO ### Explanation: Definition: until now [HER(pronoun for woman) + TO(against, as in "a punch to the jaw")] *placed below*(supporting, in a down clue) HIT(strike).

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

### Clue: Addict found in substance-abuse rehabilitation (4)

### Answer: USER ### Explanation: Definition: Addict **Hidden in**(found in) substance-abUSE Rehabilitation.

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 can be used to strike a sovereign (5)

### Answer: RULER ### Explanation: Definition: It can be used to strike,sovereign Double defn:.1st: In use during those days when teachers were allowed to inflict corporal punishment.

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 back in place to control the nation (9)

### Answer: REINSTATE ### Explanation: Definition: Put back in place REIN(to control,restrain, literally, as with a horse, or figuratively) + STATE(a nation).

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 induced trance (6)

### Answer: NECTAR ### Explanation: Definition: Drink **Anagram of**(induced) TRANCE.

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

### Clue: Entice one round summit of volcano (8)

### Answer: COTOPAXI ### Explanation: Definition: volcano [COAX(to entice,tempt, one way of coaxing somebody) + I(Roman numeral for one)] **containing**(round) TOP(the summit,peak). Answer: A volcano in the Andes in Ecuador.

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

### Clue: Closure is imminent when project leader goes (6)

### Answer: ENDING ### Explanation: Definition: Closure "pending"(not happening yet but imminent) **minus**(goes) "p"{initial letter(leader) of "project"}.

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

### Clue: Gemstone makes them stay (8)

### Answer: AMETHYST ### Explanation: Definition: Gemstone **Anagram of**(makes) THEM STAY.

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

### Clue: Record and preserve an impasse (6)

### Answer: LOGJAM ### Explanation: Definition: impasse LOG(a record of events) **plus**(and) JAM(a preserve, the type you spread on your bread).

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

### Clue: Cause irritation right on the joint (6)

### Answer: RANKLE ### Explanation: Definition: Cause irritation R(abbrev. for $$r$$ight) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) ANKLE(joint in your leg)

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

### Clue: Tailor has fitting interrupted by attorney (5)

### Answer: ADAPT ### Explanation: Definition: Tailor APT(fitting,appropriate) **containing**(interrupted by) DA(abbrev. for $$d$$istrict $$a$$ttorney,prosecutor 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: Old book of narcotics (7)

### Answer: NUMBERS ### Explanation: Definition: Old book,narcotics Double defn: 1st: The book in the Old Testament; and 2nd: The class of substances that blunt,numb the senses.

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

### Clue: Alec never misrepresented suitability (9)

### Answer: RELEVANCE ### Explanation: Definition: suitability **Anagram of**(misrepresented) ALEC NEVER.

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

### Clue: Painter overseen by arrangement (8)

### Answer: VERONESE ### Explanation: Definition: Painter **Anagram of**(by arrangement) OVERSEEN. Answer: Paolo, 16C Venetian painter.

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

### Clue: Peer under berth for letter (8)

### Answer: LANDLORD ### Explanation: Definition: letter LORD(a peer) ***placed under***(under, in a down clue) LAND(as when a ship goes into berth). Answer: One who lets out his property,letter.

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 man has a cry when put away (4)

### Answer: STOW ### Explanation: Definition: put away {ST(abbrev. for "saint"(a good man)} **plus**(has) OW(a cry expressing pain).

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

### Clue: Set down reservists in harbour (9)

### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: harbour [ENTER IN](to write or copy a record in writing,to set down) **containing**(…in) TA(abbrev. for $$T$$erritorial $$A$$rmy, the volunteer reserve force). Answer: To have in mind,harbour, eg. thoughts of being President.

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 steady when assimilating an oriental dance (8)

### Answer: COURANTE ### Explanation: Definition: dance [COURT(go steady,date someone exclusively) **containing**(AN)] + E(abbrev. for eastern,oriental). Answer: A dance dating from the 17C.

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

### Clue: Trot round area that's made good (8)

### Answer: REPLACED ### Explanation: Definition: made good RED(a communist, who could be a Trotskyite, abbreviated to Trot, a follower of Leon Trotsky, Russian revolutionary) **containing**(round) PLACE(an area,locality). Answer: If something is defective, it could be made good by being replaced.

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

### Clue: Usual time to say goodbye (4)

### Answer: PART ### Explanation: Definition: say goodbye PAR(the usual,standard) + T(abbrev. for 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: Even a place of higher education has class (7)

### Answer: UNIFORM ### Explanation: Definition: Even UNI(short for "university", a place of higher education) **plus**(has) FORM(a class in school).

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

### Clue: Virginia Cooper's caprice (6)

### Answer: VAGARY ### Explanation: Definition: caprice VA(abbrev. for Virginia, US state) + GARY(Cooper, American actor, star of many Westerns). Answer: A capricious, whimsical or unusual idea, desire or action.

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

### Clue: Forgo sleep when touring island (6)

### Answer: RESIST ### Explanation: Definition: Forgo REST(sleep) **containing**(when touring) IS(abbrev. for island). Answer: Not to accept,forgo.

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

### Clue: Wanting queen in the picture (5)

### Answer: SHORT ### Explanation: Definition: Wanting R(abbrev. for Regina, Queen) **contained in**(in) SHOT(the photograph,picture). Answer: Lack of,wanting, usually money.

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

### Clue: Read about a Northern city beginning to waive church rules (5,3)

### Answer: CANON LAW ### Explanation: Definition: church rules CON(to read,to study attentively) **containing**(about) [A + N(abbrev. for northern)] + LA(abbrev. for the city of Los Angels, USA) + W{initial letter of(beginning to) "waive"}.

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

### Clue: Chance certainly to tuck into some meat (4-2)

### Answer: LOOK-IN ### Explanation: Definition: Chance OK(certainly,sure, as when agreeing with what someone says) **contained in**(to tuck into) LOIN(a cut,piece of,some meat). Answer: A chance to be chosen,participate in,etc.

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

### Clue: Playing area abandoned by college? That's nub of matter (4)

### Answer: PITH ### Explanation: Definition: nub of matter "pitch"(playing area,field in some sporting games) **minus**(abandoned by) "c"(abbrev. for college). Answer: The core,nub of matter, substance (literally) or, an issue (figuratively).

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

### Clue: Signal shown in flat, perhaps, by mayor (10)

### Answer: NOTEWORTHY ### Explanation: Definition: Signal NOTE(in music, an example of which,perhaps, is the "flat", in contrast to a natural or sharp) **plus**(by) WORTHY(a person of eminent worth, merit or position, of which a mayor is presumably one). Answer: As an adjective of someone,something notable, outstanding. Almost same in meaning to the adjective, worthy, in fact.

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

### Clue: Hooligan loitering initially behind museum (6)

### Answer: VANDAL ### Explanation: Definition: Hooligan L{initial letter of(initially) "loitering"} ***placed after***(behind) [V AND A] (the abbrev. for the Victoria and Albert Museum 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: Female bully delivering a tirade (not half) about incomplete journey (8)

### Answer: HARRIDAN ### Explanation: Definition: Female bully HARAN{"haranguing"(delivering a tirade) **minus** the latter half of its letters(not half)} **containing**(about) RID{"ride"(journey) **minus** its last letter(incomplete)}.

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

### Clue: Fine vision I match when dolled up? Yes and no! (7,6)

### Answer: FASHION VICTIM ### Explanation: Definition: no F(abbrev. for fine) + **anagram of**(when dolled up) VISION I MATCH. Answer: No! as a negative of "fine vision…when dolled up". A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue.

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

### Clue: My new canine is by part of cage in agricultural store (8)

### Answer: CORNCRIB ### Explanation: Definition: agricultural store COR!(an exclamation of surprise,amazement or admiration, roughly equivalent to My! or My! My!) + N(abbrev. for new) + C(abbrev. for canine, as would be used in dentistry) **plus**(is by) RIB(a part of your rib cage). Answer: A ventilated building for storage of unhusked corn.

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

### Clue: Cold device used by couch potato? (6)

### Answer: REMOTE ### Explanation: Definition: Cold,device used by couch potato Double defn: 1st: As in aloof,cold; and 2nd: Short for the TV remote control device.

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

### Clue: Around home, get fun in altering late adjustments? (4-6)

### Answer: FINE-TUNING ### Explanation: Definition: late adjustments **Anagram of**(altering) GET FUN IN **containing**(around) IN(at home,not out).

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

### Clue: Expression in banter misjudged (4)

### Answer: TERM ### Explanation: Definition: Expression **Hidden in**(in) banTER Misjudged.

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

### Clue: Sun leaders in lurid excess always zealously expose such? (6)

### Answer: SLEAZE ### Explanation: Definition: such S(abbrev. for sun) + initial letters of(leaders in) Lurid Excess Always Zealously Expose. Answer: The "such" refering to lurid excess displayed,exposed by tabloid papers, including the *Sun*. A WIWD clue.

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

### Clue: A lucky charm man ignored in paper? He accepts whatever (8)

### Answer: FATALIST ### Explanation: Definition: He accepts whatever A + TALIS{"talisman"(lucky charm, something to ward off evil) **minus**(ignored) "man"} **contained in**(in) FT(the Financial Times paper).

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

### Clue: Affectedly genteel inspector in foreign car (2-2-2)

### Answer: LA-DI-DA ### Explanation: Definition: Affectedly genteel DI(abbrev. for $$D$$etective $$I$$nspector) **contained in**(in) LADA(the Russian manufactured,foreign car – if you're not Russian, that is).

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

### Clue: Recipe with good nosh concocted around yard for manager (3,7)

### Answer: ROY HODGSON ### Explanation: Definition: manager R(recipe, as used in medical prescriptions, from the Latin, meaning take, as an imperative) **plus**(with) [**anagram of**(concocted) GOOD NOSH **containing**(around) Y(abbrev. for yard, unit of measurement)]. Answer: The current national English football team manager.

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

### Clue: Latin woman in trouble reared in Welsh place (8)

### Answer: LLANELLI ### Explanation: Definition: Welsh place **Reversal of**(reared) {[L(abbrev. for $$L$$atin) + LENA(a woman's name)] **contained in**(in) ILL(as a noun for trouble,distress,misfortune)}. Answer: An industrial town in S.Wales – easier to spell than to pronounce properly (for me, at 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: Fierce look in old cricketer securing 50 (6)

### Answer: GLOWER ### Explanation: Definition: Fierce look GOWER(David, English cricketer of the late 70's through the early 90s) **containing**(securing) L(Roman numeral for 50).

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

### Clue: By the sound of it, painful area's to rise dramatically (4)

### Answer: SOAR ### Explanation: Definition: to rise dramatically **Homophone of**(by the sound of it) "sore"(painful area,spot on the body).

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

### Clue: Sports body holding quiet jolly in place of breeding? (4,4)

### Answer: FISH FARM ### Explanation: Definition: place of breeding [FIFA(abbrev. for Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the governing international body for football) **containing**(holding) SH(imperative to keep quiet)] + RM(abbrev. for $$R$$oyal $$M$$arines, a slang word for the singular is a "jolly").

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

### Clue: Hands are found on this fine brig at sea getting observational responsibility (8,5)

### Answer: WATCHING BRIEF ### Explanation: Definition: observational responsibility WATCH(something on which hands are found) + **anagram of**(at sea) FINE BRIG. Answer: Instructions to someone to take the responsibility of observing a situation carefully, but not to become involved in it, eg. in a court of law.

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

### Clue: Favoured still a US college from the south occupied by lecturer in a familiar way (10)

### Answer: INTIMATELY ### Explanation: Definition: in a familiar way IN(favoured,popular,in fashion) + [**reversal of**(from the south, in a down clue) YET(still, as in yet/still to come) + A + MIT(abbrev. for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the famed US college) **containing**(occupied by) L(abbrev. for lecturer)].

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

### Clue: Current requiring means for steering, we hear, in a set of boats (8)

### Answer: FLOTILLA ### Explanation: Definition: a set of boats **Homophone of**(we hear) "flow"(a current) **plus**(requiring) "tiller"(a means for steering a boat). A WIWD clue.

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

### Clue: Irish label in Ireland largely promoted water (8)

### Answer: IRRIGATE ### Explanation: Definition: water IR(abbrev. for "Irish") + **reversal of**(promoted, in a down clue) [TAG(a label) **contained in**(in) EIR{"Eire"(the Irish name for Ireland) **minus** its last letter(largely)}]. Answer: As a verb, to water.

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

### Clue: List of duties for all to see obscuring small computing device (6)

### Answer: ROUTER ### Explanation: Definition: computing device U(the certification for films which do not have restricted viewing,ie for all to see) **replacing**(obscuring) the letter "s"(abbrev. for small) in "roster"(a list of duties for personnel).

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

### Clue: Health organisation accepting hard force in argument (6)

### Answer: THRUST ### Explanation: Definition: force in argument TRUST(in the UK, an organisation charged with providing health services under the NHS) **containing**(accepting) H(abbrev. for hard).

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

### Clue: Characters held up in terminal alerted airline (2,2)

### Answer: EL AL ### Explanation: Definition: airline **Reversal of**(held up, in a down clue) and **hidden in**(characters…in) terminaL ALErted. Answer: The Israeli state airline.

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

### Clue: Politician involved in smear goes to earth in usual hangout (8,6)

### Answer: STAMPING GROUND ### Explanation: Definition: usual hangout MP(abbrev. for Member of Parliament,politician) **contained in**(involved in) STAIN(smear) **plus**(goes to) GROUND(the earth below you). I could be missing something (eg. "g" as an abbrev. for "goes"), but if not, there isn't an indication for the first "g" in the answer.

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

### Clue: Artist with US band has trademark shirt (9)

### Answer: REMBRANDT ### Explanation: Definition: Artist REM(alternative rock band, formed in 1980 in the US) **plus**(has) BRAND(trademark, as in "designer brands") + T(short for a tee-shirt, collarless and buttonless). Answer: van Rijn, Dutch artist, famous for portraits.

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 doctor's bitten by oddly mean snake (5)

### Answer: MAMBA ### Explanation: Definition: snake A + MB(abbrev. for Bachelor of Medicine,a doctor) **contained in**(…'s bitten by) [M+A]{first and third letters of(oddly) "mean"}. Answer: A highly poisonous and aggressive African snake.

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

### Clue: Knock up cradle with hardwood (5)

### Answer: BIRCH ### Explanation: Definition: wood **Reversal of**(knock up) CRIB(an infant's cradle) **plus**(with) H(abbrev. for hard). Answer: The wood from such a tree.

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

### Clue: Animals long kept in pens hate going out (9)

### Answer: ELEPHANTS ### Explanation: Definition: Animals L(abbrev. for long) ***contained in***(kept in) **anagram of**(going out) [PENS HATE].

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

### Clue: I'd take on student having seen disastrous results ending in laziness (8)

### Answer: IDLENESS ### Explanation: Definition: laziness I'D **containing**(take on) L(abbrev. for learner,student) **plus**(having) **anagram of**(disastrous) SEEN + S{last letter(ending) of "results"}.

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

### Clue: Poor Master Brook (6)

### Answer: STREAM ### Explanation: Definition: Brook **Anagram of**(poor) 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: Bother to come back and fire French foreman (6)

### Answer: GAFFER ### Explanation: Definition: foreman I got the answer, but the wordplay has beaten 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: Biscuit Mum takes Joey in prison (8)

### Answer: MACAROON ### Explanation: Definition: Biscuit MA(another name for mum,mother) **plus**(takes) [ROO(short for kangaroo, a young one is called a joey) ***contained in***(in) CAN(slang for prison)].

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

### Clue: Demoted Socialist member dined in (9)

### Answer: RELEGATED ### Explanation: Definition: Demoted RED(socialist,communist) **containing**(….in) [LEG(a member,limb) + ATE(dined)].

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

### Clue: Ready to fight (3-2)

### Answer: SET-TO ### Explanation: Definition: fight SET(ready to start) + TO. Defn: As a noun.

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

### Clue: Task I've managed partly to get out of doing (5)

### Answer: SKIVE ### Explanation: Definition: to get out of doing **Hidden in**(partly) taSK I'VE. Answer: To shirk work or responsibility, an art by itself.

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

### Clue: River is liability without oxygen, being full of toxins (9)

### Answer: POISONOUS ### Explanation: Definition: being full of toxins PO(the river in Italy) + IS + [ONUS(liability,responsibility) **containing**(without,not inside) O(chemical symbol for oxygen)]

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 Tate, for example, has painting and really good sculpture (7,7)

### Answer: PICTURE GALLERY ### Explanation: Definition: The Tate, for example PICTURE(a painting) **plus**(and) **anagram of**(sculpture) [REALLY + G(abbrev. for good)]. Answer: Of which the Tate in London is an example. An almost perfect 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: BBC bring us production on career for cleaner (9,5)

### Answer: SCRUBBING BRUSH ### Explanation: Definition: cleaner **Anagram of**(production) BBC BRING US **placed above**(on, in a down clue) RUSH(to career, at high speed, and sometimes uncontrollably).

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

### Clue: Senior officer takes Russian vehicle up to orbit space station (7)

### Answer: ADMIRAL ### Explanation: Definition: Senior officer **Reversal of**(up, in a down clue) LADA(a Russian brand of car,vehicle) **containing**(to orbit,circle round) MIR(from the Russian for peace, the Russian-launched manned space station from 1986-2001). Nice surface. Answer: Senior officer in the navy, equivalent to a general in the army.

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

### Clue: Change coming over arch-criminal, perhaps? (9)

### Answer: PERCHANCE ### Explanation: Definition: perhaps PENCE(plural of penny,change you get from bigger denomination money) **containing**(coming over) **anagram of**(criminal) ARCH. Answer: Maybe,possibly,perhaps, often literary, as in "To be or not to be…….To sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there's the rub….."

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 point having feeling without meaning (8)

### Answer: NONSENSE ### Explanation: Definition: without meaning NO + N(abbrev. for north,compass point) **plus**(having) SENSE(a feeling, as in of touch,taste).

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

### Clue: About time! Pull up at the side of the road (6)

### Answer: GUTTER ### Explanation: Definition: at the side of the road **Reversal of**(up, in a down clue) [RE(about,with reference to, from the Latin res) + T(abbrev. for time) + TUG(to pull)]. Answer: The drain,channel at the side of the road.

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 up and go very fast, heading off (5)

### Answer: OOMPH ### Explanation: Definition: Get up and go "100 mph", which is a very fast speed, **minus** the first character(heading off). Answer: Energy and vitality, get-up-and-go.

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

### Clue: Chosen one's born without honour at home (7)

### Answer: NOMINEE ### Explanation: Definition: Chosen one NEE(born, as an adjective, used as an introduction to a married woman's maiden surname) **containing**(without) [OM(a title,honour bestowed on deserving citizens of the Commonwealth by the Sovereign of the Commonwealth, ie. the British monarch) + IN(at home, not out). Answer: One nominated,chosen to stand as a candidate or to fill a position.

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

### Clue: Average man with debt gets crafty in a mean way (14)

### Answer: PARSIMONIOUSLY ### Explanation: Definition: in a mean way PAR(average,norm) + SIMON(a man's name) **plus**(with) IOU(a written acknowledgement of a debt) **plus**(gets) SLY(crafty,wily). Answer: In a stingy,mean way.

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

### Clue: Dodgy mushroom with toast's keeping daughter bent over toilet (9)

### Answer: TOADSTOOL ### Explanation: Definition: Dodgy mushroom TOAST **containing**(keeping) D(abbrev. for daughter) + **reversal of**(bent over) LOO(slang for toilet). A nice surface, if somewhat gruesome image. Answer: It would be dodgy,risky to eat one as it's likely to be poisonous.

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

### Clue: Hanging back to see old bird get fish after diving, initially (8)

### Answer: DAWDLING ### Explanation: Definition: Hanging back DAW(archaic,old term for a jackdaw, a bird of the crow family) + [LING(a food fish) **placed below**(after) D{first letter of(initially) "diving"}].

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

### Clue: Pitched to cool independent film director (7)

### Answer: FELLINI ### Explanation: Definition: film director FELL(pitched,plunged or fell forward or headlong) **plus**(to) IN(popular,fashionable,cool) + I(abbrev. for "independent", eg. in elections). Answer: Federico, Italian film director (and scriptwriter) of "La Dolce Vita", "8½", and others.

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

### Clue: Open University book includes chapter as a result (7)

### Answer: OUTCOME ### Explanation: Definition: a result OU(abbrev. for the Open University) + [TOME(a book, especially a heavy, large or learned one) ***containing***(includes) C(abbrv. for chapter, as in a book)].

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

### Clue: Puts active alternative to lethargy (6)

### Answer: STUPOR ### Explanation: Definition: lethargy **Anagram of**(active) PUTS + OR(used as an introduction to 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: Welcome to get soldiers in (5)

### Answer: GREET ### Explanation: Definition: Welcome GET **containing**(….in) RE(abbrev. for the Royal Engineers,soldiers in the British Army).

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

### Clue: Astonishment over American priest discovered in tower (8)

### Answer: SURPRISE ### Explanation: Definition: Astonishment ***Reversal of***(over) US(American) PR(abbrev. for priest) ***contained in***(discovered in) RISE(to tower, extend upward).

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

### Clue: Chapter on compassion cut by Conservative supporter (6)

### Answer: CRUTCH ### Explanation: Definition: supporter C(abbrev. for chapter, as in a book) ***plus***(on) RUTH(compassion,kindness, usually used in its negative form "ruthless") ***containing***(cut by) C(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party).

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

### Clue: Determined to dispel doubts at the outset (8)

### Answer: RESOLVED ### Explanation: Definition: Determined RESOLVE(to clear away,dispel doubts,fears,uncertainties, as in "the issue was resolved to everyone's satisfaction") + D(initial letter of,at the outset of "doubts" – I guess the latter is doubling up)

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

### Clue: Shoot Republican on board jet (6)

### Answer: SPROUT ### Explanation: Definition: Shoot R(abbrev. for a member of the Republican Party) ***contained in***(on board) SPOUT(a jet, spout from which liquid flows, eg. in a fountain).

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

### Clue: Correspond with Mark (5)

### Answer: TALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Correspond with,Mark Double defn: 1st: To match,correspond as in "their figures tally with each other" ; and 2nd: A mark,notch made on a tally-stick to indicate the amount of debt or payment.

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

### Clue: Bid for a great amount (9)

### Answer: ABUNDANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Bid,a great amount Double defn: 1st: A call,bid in the card game, solo whist, undertaking to make nine tricks.

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 provides evidence of core changes after rector died (6)

### Answer: RECORD ### Explanation: Definition: It provides evidence [***Anagram of***(changes) CORE ***placed after***(after) R(abbrev. for rector)] + D(abbrev. for died).

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

### Clue: Offensively obtrusive and pointless complaint by social worker (7)

### Answer: BLATANT ### Explanation: Definition: Offensively obtrusive BLAT{"bleat",a complaint ***minus*** "e"(abbrev. for East,compass point) (pointless) } ***plus***(by) ANT(a social insect, one of whose castes is the worker). Answer: Offensively obtrusive, as with loud noises, loud clothes, etc

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

### Clue: Edges of racket clamped by exceptional Asian craftsman (7)

### Answer: ARTISAN ### Explanation: Definition: craftsman [R + T](the outer letters,edges of "racket") ***contained in***(clamped by) ***anagram of***(exceptional) ASIAN.

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

### Clue: Drawing of group outside Knutsford's earliest church (6)

### Answer: SKETCH ### Explanation: Definition: Drawing SET(group of things,people) ***containing***(outside) K{Knutsford's initial letter(earliest)} + CH(abbrev. for $$ch$$urch)

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 isn't accepting insolence from a government opponent (9)

### Answer: DISSIDENT ### Explanation: Definition: a government opponent D(abbrev. for duke) + [ISN'T ***containing***(accepting) SIDE(British slang for insolence,arrogance).

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

### Clue: Success after actor's debut in French film (5)

### Answer: FARGO ### Explanation: Definition: film GO(a success, as in "to make a go of a new venture") *** placed after***(after) [A{actor's initial letter(debut)} ***contained in***(in) FR(abbrev. for $$Fr$$ench)]. Answer: Award winning 1996 quirky film produced, directed and written by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan.

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 show finally taken in by girl at the end of May (6)

### Answer: NORWAY ### Explanation: Definition: Country [W{last latter of(finally) "show"} ***contained in***(taken in by) NORA(a girl's name)] ***plus***(at) Y{last letter of(end of) "May"}.

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

### Clue: Lack of time after Rex appears in photo (8)

### Answer: SHORTAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Lack AGE(a time period) **placed after**(after) [{R(abbrev. for Rex,Latin for king, as in G(VI) R} ***contained in***(appears in) SHOT(a photo)]

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

### Clue: Remain behind border to protect German queen (6)

### Answer: LINGER ### Explanation: Definition: Remain behind [LINE(a border, as in "the thin line between right and wrong" or "the county line") ***containing***(to protect) G(abbrev. for Germany)] + R{abbrev. for Regina,Latin for queen, as in E(II)R}

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

### Clue: Female meeting city fellows at company dance (8)

### Answer: FLAMENCO ### Explanation: Definition: dance F(abbrev. for female) ***plus***(meeting) LA(abbrev. for the city of Los Angeles) + MEN(fellows) ***plus***(at) CO(abbrev. for $$co$$mpany).

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

### Clue: Fairy finding prince in position (6)

### Answer: SPRITE ### Explanation: Definition: Fairy PR(abbrev. for prince) ***contained in***(in) SITE(a position,where something, eg. a building sits).

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

### Clue: Soldiers, by not speaking about it at first, able to withstand disappointment (9)

### Answer: RESILIENT ### Explanation: Definition: able to withstand disappointment RE($$R$$oyal $$E$$ngineers,soldiers in the British army) ***plus***(by) [SILENT(mute,not speaking) ***containing***(about) I{initial letter of(at first) "it"}]. Answer: Able to bounce back after,withstand disappointment.

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

### Clue: Revive Redwood's principal supporter (5)

### Answer: RALLY ### Explanation: Definition: Revive R{Redwood's initial letter(principal)} + ALLY(a supporter) Answer: To improve,revive after a near defeat,collapse.

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

### Clue: Straw spread around the finish by key racecourse official (7)

### Answer: STEWARD ### Explanation: Definition: racecourse official [***Anagram of***(spread) STRAW ***containing***(around) E{last letter(finish) of "the"}] ***plus***(by) D(one of the musical keys from A to G).

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

### Clue: Refuse to accept general opinion over help from the south (9)

### Answer: REPUDIATE ### Explanation: Definition: Refuse to accept REPUTE(what others think,general opinion of person or something) ***containing***(over) ***reversal of***(from the south, in a down clue) AID(help).

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

### Clue: God facing new source of irritation (5)

### Answer: THORN ### Explanation: Definition: source of irritation THOR(the Scandinavian god of thunder, rain and farming) ***plus***(facing) N(abbrev. for new). Answer: Literally or figuratively, as in "the thorn in your side".

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

### Clue: Woman against supporting strike until now (8)

### Answer: HITHERTO ### Explanation: Definition: until now [HER(pronoun for woman) + TO(against, as in "a punch to the jaw")] ***placed below***(supporting, in a down clue) HIT(strike).