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: A few cut? Everyone's cut! (7)	### Answer: SEVERAL ### Explanation: Definition: A few SEVER(cut) + AL["all"(Everyone) minus its last letter(cut)]. Answer: A contradiction of "A few", hence the "?".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Almost beheaded at dawn? (5)	### Answer: EARLY ### Explanation: Definition: at dawn "nearly"(Almost) minus(beheaded) its initial letter(beheaded). Answer: An example, of which is "at dawn ". Apt surface as executions usually took/take place at dawn?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Space shuttle leaving base for difficult task (9)	### Answer: CHALLENGE ### Explanation: Definition: difficult task "Challenger"(one of the US Space shuttles) minus(leaving) its last letter(base, in a down 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: Link continued briefly to have an effect (7)	### Answer: CONTACT ### Explanation: Definition: Link CONT["continued" abbreviated(briefly)], + ACT(to impact on,to have an effect).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Avoiding indecency but ultimately lacking manners (5)	### Answer: MODES ### Explanation: Definition: manners "modest"(Avoiding indecency) minus its last letter(but ultimately lacking). Answer: Plural of mode,manner, as in "to do it in this manner".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Genders at variance, no longer friendly (9)	### Answer: ESTRANGED ### Explanation: Definition: no longer friendly Anagram of(variance) GENDERS AT.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Wayward queen's tirade (6)	### Answer: ERRANT ### Explanation: Definition: Wayward ER(abbrev. for Elizabeth Regina,current British queen) plus('s) RANT(tirade). Nice surface, but the tirade is more likely aimed at the wayward press these days.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Quick-thinking doctor jumps into river (6)	### Answer: NIMBLE ### Explanation: Definition: Quick-thinking MB(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Medicine",a doctor) contained in(jumps into) NILE(river).
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 holds things ancient or new (9)	### Answer: CONTAINER ### Explanation: Definition: It holds things Anagram of(new) ANCIENT OR.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rude picture showing model (9)	### Answer: BLUEPRINT ### Explanation: BLUE(Rude,slightly obscene, off-colour – as if blue wasn't a colour?) + PRINT(hard copy of a picture,photo). As seen/almost seen in some of the tabloids. Answer: A representation,model of something to be constructed.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Poorly pirates walk wearily (7)	### Answer: TRAIPSE ### Explanation: Definition: walk wearily Anagram of(Poorly) PIRATES.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Agent crossing river flowing backwards fast (6)	### Answer: SPEEDY ### Explanation: Definition: fast SPY(a secret Agent) containing(crossing) reversal of(flowing backwards) DEE(name of a few rivers in the UK, not to mention Australia).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Answer one puts on internet during scripture (7)	### Answer: RIPOSTE ### Explanation: Definition: Answer I(Roman numeral for one) + POST(puts on internet, such as a comment on this blog) contained in(during) RE(abbrev. for "religious education",learning based on scriptures).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Take ages to fit in (6)	### Answer: BELONG ### Explanation: Definition: to fit in BE LONG(to Take a long time,ages – as in one telling the spouse: "Don't be long in dressing/the bathroom/the pub, dear"). Answer: To have a sense of belonging,to fit in within a group or gang
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Nixon in China perhaps seeing first half of military manoeuvres (5)	### Answer: OPERA ### Explanation: Definition: Nixon in China perhaps First 4 letters(first half) of "operations",military manoeuvres. Answer: An example,perhaps of which is "Nixon in China", based on former US President's significant visit to China.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Dupe and depose leaders and cause huge change (5)	### Answer: UPEND ### Explanation: Definition: huge change "Dupe","and" minus(depose) their respective initial letters(leaders). Nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Deliberately wicked exercises on Rimbaud's earliest poetry (8)	### Answer: PERVERSE ### Explanation: Definition: Deliberately wicked PE(physical education,exercises) plus(on) R[initial letter of(…'s earliest) "Rimbaud"] + VERSE(poetry) – Arthur Rimbaud being the French versifier.
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 close to Blunkett's heart taking marijuana as a writing aid (6)	### Answer: INKPOT ### Explanation: Definition: a writing aid I(Roman numeral for "One") plus(close to) NK[middle letters of (…'s heart) Blunkett] plus(taking) POT(slang for the drug marijuana). Answer: Not many of these around nowadays.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Went about in twos (8)	### Answer: REPAIRED ### Explanation: Definition: Went RE(about,relating to,with reference to, from the Latin) + PAIRED(grouped together in twos). Answer: Gone to, as in "after dinner the men repaired to the study", in pre-feminist days – nowadays they're more likely to repair to the kitchen to help wash up 🙂 The word, interestingly, has etymological links to "repatriate".
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 items for discussion by a military commander includes death (6)	### Answer: AGENDA ### Explanation: Definition: List of items for discussion AGA(in Turkey and Muslim countries, a general,a military commander) containing(includes) END(the final one,death).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Distorted representation of a device for carrying around underwear (8)	### Answer: TRAVESTY ### Explanation: Definition: Distorted representation TRAY(a device for carrying all sorts of things, usually by butlers, maids and waiters, and self-service diners) containing(around) VEST(underwear to be worn under the shirt).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Former PM featured in Seattle exhibition (6)	### Answer: ATTLEE ### Explanation: Definition: Former PM Hidden in(featured in) SeATTLE Exhibition. Answer: Clement, Former Labour PM of the UK from 1945-1951.
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 easy for the Foreign Office to return girl involved in plots (3,2,5)	### Answer: BED OF ROSES ### Explanation: Definition: It's easy [Reversal of(to return) FO(abbrev. for the Foreign Office) + ROSE(name of a girl)] contained in(involved in) BEDS(plots in your garden, 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: Lee and Maria to develop and improve (10)	### Answer: AMELIORATE ### Explanation: Definition: improve Anagram of(develop) ["LEE" and "MARIA TO "].
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 centre of Liebnitz occupied by British soldiers (6)	### Answer: BREMEN ### Explanation: Definition: City B,N[central letters(centre) of Liebnitz] containing(occupied by) REME(abbrev. for the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers,British soldiers). Answer: The City in northwestern Germany.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Extremely fastidious about Irish volunteers needing ID to provide medical assistance (5,3)	### Answer: FIRST AID ### Explanation: Definition: medical assistance F,S[the outermost letters of,(Extremely) "fastidious"] containing(about) IR(abbrev. for "Irish") + TA(abbrev. for the Territorial Army consisting of volunteers) + ID.
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 to Indiana to retire (4,2)	### Answer: TURN IN ### Explanation: Definition: to retire TURN(Go, in games of 2 or more people) plus(to) IN(abbrev. for the US state of Indiana). Answer: To call it a night,go to bed,to retire.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Father crossing river on small piece of furniture is certain to succeed (4-4)	### Answer: SURE-FIRE ### Explanation: Definition: is certain to succeed SIRE(Father, as a noun, the male parent usually of a horse or other domestic animal, and, as a verb, to procreate as the male partner) containing(crossing) [URE(the river in N. Yorkshire, England, which becomes the Ouse further downstream) plus(on) F(initial letter,small piece of furniture)].
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 to receive one thousand roubles for a pound (6)	### Answer: NICKER ### Explanation: Definition: a pound NICE(descriptive of something that makes you feel Good) plus(to receive) K(symbol for "one thousand " in the metric system) + R(abbrev. for the rouble). Answer: Slang for a,one British pound sterling.
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 best not to shoot one in colour before daybreak (3,5)	### Answer: RED LIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: It's best not to shoot one RED(a colour) placed before(before) LIGHT(daybreak). Answer: Refers to the "one" in the defn.,a traffic light It's best, if not downright dangerous, to shoot,go past at high speed.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Private investigator to consider operating illegally (6)	### Answer: PIRATE ### Explanation: Definition: operating illegally PI(abbrev. for Private investigator) + RATE(to consider, as in "we consider/rate him as one of the best…").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It's not supposed to contain a record of annulment (6)	### Answer: REPEAL ### Explanation: Definition: annulment REAL(in contrast to,It's not something that is supposed) contained in(to contain) EP(abbrev. for a record with $$e$$xtended $$p$$lay vs. the single, something before the digital age). Answer: An annulment of a law or decree.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Left for dead after exactly what is needed is found in river (6)	### Answer: EXITED ### Explanation: Definition: Left D(abbrev. for dead) placed after(after) [IT(exactly what is needed,a desirable quality, as in "either you have it or you don't") contained in(is found in) EXE(another river in England)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Juliet had one second to tweet her answer surprisingly (10)	### Answer: SWEETHEART ### Explanation: Definition: Juliet had one S(abbrev. for second as in "h:m:s") plus(to) anagram of(surprisingly) [TWEET HER] + A(abbrev. for answer)]. Answer: What Juliet had in Romeo, or Juliet was one herself to Romeo, depending on whether one puts the "one" in the defn. or the wordplay.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Worthless piece about a Conservative (8)	### Answer: NUGATORY ### Explanation: Definition: Worthless Reversal of(about) GUN(refered to in slang as a piece) + A + TORY(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: An optimist's explanation in support of God (8)	### Answer: PANGLOSS ### Explanation: Definition: An optimist GLOSS(one of several types of explanation, eg. one in the margin of a manuscript, a verbal one, a deliberately misleading one, or as a short form for glossary) placed below(in support of, in a down clue) PAN(the Greek mythological God of the fields, woods, shepherds and flocks represented as half man and half goat, and playing the pipes). Answer: From the optimist Dr. Pangloss, mentor to start with of the main character in Voltaire's satire, Candide. The good Dr's mantra was "all is for the best in the "
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Leave at the end after playwright gets cross (8)	### Answer: TRAVERSE ### Explanation: Definition: cross E(last letter(at the end) "Leave "] placed after(after, in a down clue) TRAVERS(Ben, English playwright, renown for his farces) Answer: Something that crosses over between 2 points.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Be partly responsible for Conservative statement expressing approbation (10)	### Answer: CONTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: Be partly responsible for CON(abbrev. for the Conservative Party and its members) + TRIBUTE(a commendation,a statement expressing approbation,approval).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Religious fellow not brought up to talk at length (6,2)	### Answer: RABBIT ON ### Explanation: Definition: to talk at length RABBI(a Religious fellow, learned in Judaism) + TON[reversal of(brought up, in a down clue) "not"].
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: The second half of some erotic novel by Swift (8)	### Answer: METEORIC ### Explanation: Definition: Swift ME(The second half of the letters of "some") + anagram of(novel) EROTIC – Jonathan Swift being the English author, but not of erotic novels (as far as I know).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Be fond of having knowledge too (8)	### Answer: LIKEWISE ### Explanation: Definition: too LIKE(Be fond of) WISE(having knowledge). A very compact 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: Appropriate for a toff (2,4)	### Answer: AS WELL ### Explanation: Definition: Appropriate A + SWELL(British slang for a toff,itself slang for a stylish well-dressed man). Answer: As in "If you're going to be late, it's as well/Appropriate that you don't come at all".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Newspaper collecting money for a sailor (6)	### Answer: RATING ### Explanation: Definition: a sailor RAG(a somewhat derogatory term for a Newspaper) containing(collecting) TIN(British slang for money). Answer: A sailor, and in some navies, the ordinary seaman, ie. one with the lowest rating.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Opening after Bill's arrival (6)	### Answer: ADVENT ### Explanation: Definition: arrival VENT(an Opening to let out undesirable gases, anatomy excepted 🙂 ) placed after(after) AD(short for an advertisement; one that's written and distributed is a Bill or handbill)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Number to facilitate and inspire truce (5,4)	### Answer: CEASE FIRE ### Explanation: Definition: truce C(Roman numeral for 100) + EASE(to facilitate) plus(and) FIRE(to inspire as in "all fired up by his rhetoric").
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Criticism directed at military aircraft? (4)	### Answer: FLAK ### Explanation: Definition: Criticism Cryptic defn: Anti-aircraft fire during military combat, the word coming from the abbrev. for the German phrase for "aircraft defence cannon". Answer: Of the adverse sort, nothing constructive.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: House sound as a bell outside and fine inside (8)	### Answer: DWELLING ### Explanation: Definition: House DING(sound as a bell) containing(outside and … inside) WELL(fine). Answer: As a noun.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: In the team, on the wing, not breaking the rules (6)	### Answer: ONSIDE ### Explanation: Definition: not breaking the rules Double wordplay: 1st: If one takes "on" = "In "; and 2nd: On the side,not at the centre,on the wing. Defn. and answer: In games like football and rugby, not breaking the offside rule. Nice surface of a winger on the playing field.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sayings of modern times (6)	### Answer: ADAGES ### Explanation: Definition: Sayings Cryptic defn: "AD",Anno Domini, attached to any year in modern times, (or, even, any year after the birth of Christ), and thus "modern times" = A.D. Ages.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It suffers periodic reversals in the kitchen (3,5)	### Answer: EGG TIMER ### Explanation: Definition: It suffers periodic reversals in the kitchen Cryptic defn: The old fashioned device in the kitchen like a small hour-glass, which is periodically overturned, reversed.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Order still from photographer? (4,2)	### Answer: HOLD IT ### Explanation: Definition: Order still from photographer Cryptic defn: An instruction,Order from a photographer to keep still, in order not to have a blurred photo – assuming he/she is holding the camera still also.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Anti-Mass movement? (8)	### Answer: SATANISM ### Explanation: Definition: movement Anagram of(movement) Anti-Mass. A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue, as Satanism may surely be considered a movement against,Anti Mass, the religious service.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Slip into debt, having fallen ill once more (8)	### Answer: RELAPSED ### Explanation: Definition: having fallen ill once more LAPSE(a Slip,error, as in "a lapse of memory" – especially for me 🙂 containing(into) RED(in the, signifying one is in debt).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: We hear wickedness has the advantage in church councils (6)	### Answer: SYNODS ### Explanation: Definition: church councils Homophone of(We hear) "sin"( wickedness) + "odds"(the advantage one side has against another in a contest, as in "the odds are on my side"). Answer: church councils formed to discuss ecclesiastical affairs.
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 chaps ashore, since they're no sailors (8)	### Answer: LANDSMEN ### Explanation: Definition: they're no sailors LANDS(Puts … ashore)+ MEN(chaps). Answer: People who live or work on, well, land, no sailors by any means.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Investigate in depth (6)	### Answer: FATHOM ### Explanation: Definition: Investigate,depth Double defn: 1st: As a verb, to discover,Investigate; and 2nd: As a noun, as in "Full fathom five thy father lies…"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Ring back a number of soldiers (6)	### Answer: SIGNET ### Explanation: Definition: Ring Reversal of(back) [TEN(a number) of GI'S(abbrev. for American soldiers)]. Answer: A small seal, as part of a finger-Ring.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rose might arrange a date with men (8)	### Answer: EMANATED ### Explanation: Definition: Rose Anagram of(might arrange) [a date plus(with) men]. Answer: Originated from,Rose.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sounds an unfavourable bet (4)	### Answer: ANTE ### Explanation: Definition: bet Homophone of(Sounds) "anti"(against,unfavourable). Answer: The stake in a bet.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Worker strikes result in restriction on movement (9)	### Answer: HANDCUFFS ### Explanation: Definition: result in restriction on movement HAND(a Worker, especially of manual labour or general duties) + CUFFS(blows,strikes, especially with the open hand). Answer: What are used to secure,result in restriction on movement, eg. to prevent the restricted from cuffing someone. Nice surface.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Intimidated firm to form a union (5)	### Answer: COWED ### Explanation: Definition: Intimidated CO(abbrv. for a business company,firm) + WED(to marry,to form a union).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Declared as supporter in possible deal (7)	### Answer: ALLEGED ### Explanation: Definition: Declared LEG(a supporter, eg. of the human body) contained in(in) anagram of(possible) DEAL.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Prepares to publish working diets (5)	### Answer: EDITS ### Explanation: Definition: Prepares to publish Anagram of(working) DIETS.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Entrance signs switched round about (7)	### Answer: INGRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Entrance Anagram of(switched) SIGNS containing(round) RE(abbrev. for with reference to,about)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Use of sole agent lengthens the process (9)	### Answer: ELONGATES ### Explanation: Definition: lengthens the process Anagram of(Use of) SOLE AGENT.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Create trend (7)	### Answer: FASHION ### Explanation: Definition: Create,trend Double defn: 1st: As a verb, to Create,make into the desired shape; and 2nd: 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: Spoke to a number in uniform (9)	### Answer: ADDRESSED ### Explanation: Definition: Spoke to A + D(Roman numeral for 500) + DRESSED(in uniform)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Relation seen in public performance (9)	### Answer: OPERATION ### Explanation: Definition: performance RATIO(the Relation between two similar magnitudes, equal to the number of times one contains the other) contained in(seen in) OPEN(descriptive of something public).
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 out striker in international game (4,5)	### Answer: TEST MATCH ### Explanation: Definition: international game TEST(to Try) + MATCH(one that provides fire after striking, usually against an abrasive). Answer: An international game, especially in cricket or rugby.
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-slow that could be at an end? (7)	### Answer: ANDANTE ### Explanation: Definition: Go-slow Anagram of(could be) AT AN END. Answer: A musical direction to play slowly,Go-slow.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Prison for old debt collector who has gone astray (7)	### Answer: DUNGEON ### Explanation: Definition: Prison DUN(a person who duns,tries to collect a debt) plus(who has) anagram of(astray) gone. Nice surface. Answer: A Prison in the old days.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Certainly less than 50% (3,4)	### Answer: NOT HALF ### Explanation: Definition: Certainly,less than 50% Double defn: 1st: Indeed,surely,Certainly, as in "I agree he's not half stupid". But "not half" also means "not really", as in "he's not half clever enough to do that". One of those Janus (two-faced god of war) words/phrases that can take opposite meanings.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Managed football club without money from abroad (5)	### Answer: FRANC ### Explanation: Definition: money from abroad RAN(Managed, a team, say) contained in(… without) FC(abbrev. for a football club in Britain, eg. MUFC).
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 as one is told — ring the Turkish officials (5)	### Answer: OBEYS ### Explanation: Definition: Does as one is told O(looks like a ring) + BEYS(provincial governors,Turkish officials of the old Ottoman Empire). Edit.Note: Solutions: Pic #1 ; Pic #2 ; Pic #3 ; Pic #4
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 suggestion to take occasional income from shillings and rand as cover (9)	### Answer: INSURANCE ### Explanation: Definition: cover I(in physics, the symbol for Current) + NUANCE(a subtle suggestion) containing(to take … income from) separately(occasional) [S(abbrev. for shillings) and R(likewise for rand)]. Answer: The cover you take against calamities happening to you.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Husband to writer from the religious community (5)	### Answer: AMISH ### Explanation: Definition: from the religious community H(abbrev. for Husband) placed after(to) AMIS(Kingsley or son Martin, English writers, take your pick). Answer: One from the strictly religious community.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Barclays thought him such a geezer – for a time (7)	### Answer: DIAMOND ### Explanation: Definition: Barclays thought him such a geezer – for a time Cryptic defn: Robert Diamond was the CEO of Barclays, which company thought he was such a "diamond geezer ",a precious chap for a time, until he, and Barclays, got into trouble.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: An ancient European, I live right next door to Scotsman (7)	### Answer: IBERIAN ### Explanation: Definition: An ancient European I + BE(exist,live) + R(abbrev. for right) plus(next door to) IAN(crosswordland's archetypical Scotsman). Answer: One of one of the ancient peoples that inhabited the Iberian peninsula.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: For Inquisition, the One Priest (3)	### Answer: ELI ### Explanation: Definition: Priest EL(the definite article "the" in the language, presumably, used by,For the Spanish Inquisition) + I(Roman numeral for One).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Man who wouldn't be left on the shelf? (6,5)	### Answer: MISTER RIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Man who wouldn't be left on the shelf? Cryptic defn: The Man whom everyone woman wants, and therefore who wouldn't be left on the shelf.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Material from tomb at Ikatan (5)	### Answer: BATIK ### Explanation: Definition: Material Hidden in(from) tomb at Ikatan.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Military commander finds range (3)	### Answer: AGA ### Explanation: Definition: Military commander,range Double defn: 1st: An old Turkish Military commander; and 2nd: The trademarked cooker range.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cameron in South of France to return in melancholic state (5)	### Answer: DUMPS ### Explanation: Definition: melancholic state Reversal of(to return) [PM(which is what David Cameron currently is) + containing(in) SUD("South " in France).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rude writer is to the point (11)	### Answer: IMPERTINENT ### Explanation: I'M(contraction of I am,the writer is) + PERTINENT(relevant,to the point).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Government, Republican, mirrored German affirmation (3)	### Answer: RAJ ### Explanation: Definition: Government R(abbrev. for Republican) + reversal of(mirrored) JA(German for yes,affirmation). Answer: From Sanskrit for rule,Government. As used with "The" and a capitalised initial, it stood for the British government in India before partition in 1947.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Resolution on pound 6 Barclays were 7 (7)	### Answer: LENDING ### Explanation: Definition: 6 Barclays were 7 ENDING(how a matter is finally resolved,the Resolution) plus(on) L(£,the symbol for pound sterling). Answer: The type of rate(answer to 6down), specifically the interbank lending rates that, together with other banks, Barclays were fixing(answer to 7down).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rich old girl to make bet (7)	### Answer: DOWAGER ### Explanation: Definition: Rich old girl [DO WAGER](to make bet). Answer: An elderly woman with title and/or property, especially the widow of a king, duke, emperor, 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: Rand given back to French for the antelope (5)	### Answer: NYALA ### Explanation: Definition: antelope Reversal of(back) AYN(Rand, author and philosopher) plus(given … to) LA(French for "the ", the definite article).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Oddly able to enter one country or another (9)	### Answer: AUSTRALIA ### Explanation: Definition: another A,L(odd letters,Oddly of "able ") contained in(to enter) AUSTRIA(one country). Answer: another country, a bit further south.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Theologian in box in play (6)	### Answer: FIDDLE ### Explanation: Definition: play DD(abbrev. for a Doctor of Divinity,a Theologian) contained in(in) FILE(a box in which documents are kept, could be called a file).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Betrayer Mark takes out dunce's daughter (8)	### Answer: ISCARIOT ### Explanation: Definition: Betrayer SCAR(a , of a healed wound, literally or figuratively) ci( ) IIOT("idiot", minus( ) "d",abbrev. for " "). Answer: Additional name to Judas, Betrayer of Jesus.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fletcher shows resistance in an argument with (5,5)	### Answer: ARROW MAKER ### Explanation: Definition: Fletcher R(in physics, the symbol for electrical "resistance ") contained in(in) [A ROW]( an argument) plus(with) MAKER(The, another epithet for God). Answer: A common noun – the capital letter was a good misdirection.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Arthurian wife to have food sent over (4)	### Answer: ENID ### Explanation: Definition: Arthurian wife Reversal of(sent over) DINE(to have food). Answer: The wife of Sir Geraint, one of the the Arthurian Knights of the Round Table.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: It's prudent to consider carefully (10)	### Answer: DELIBERATE ### Explanation: Definition: It's prudent,to consider carefully Double defn: 1st: Slowly, not done quickly or rashly,prudently, I suppose as a result of the 2nd defn.; and 2nd: What committees do, or, usually, overdo, or don't do.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cross into Nigeria with FT as arranged for Barclays 1 (4,6)	### Answer: RATE FIXING ### Explanation: Definition: Barclays 1 X(a Cross) contained in(into) anagram of(as arranged) [Nigeria plus(with) FT]. Answer: The "fiddle"(answer to 1across) that Barclays did on inter-bank interest, or lending, rates.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hot Satan perhaps brings death to Greeks (8)	### Answer: THANATOS ### Explanation: Definition: death to Greeks Anagram of(perhaps) Hot Satan. Answer: In Greek mythology,to Greeks the spirit personifying "death ".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Heather in famous commercial battle (10)	### Answer: STALINGRAD ### Explanation: Definition: battle LING(the Heather) contained in(in) STAR(famous, as in "a star performer") + AD(short for advertisement,a commercial). Answer: Now Volgograd, scene of a decisive WWII battle between Nazi Germany and its allies against the Soviets.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Singer sticks on wet tar – that's messy (3,7)	### Answer: ROD STEWART ### Explanation: Definition: Singer RODS(sticks) placed above(on, in a down clue) anagram of(that's messy) wet tar.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: There's no time for standing up Norwegian swimmer (8)	### Answer: BRISLING ### Explanation: Definition: Norwegian swimmer "bristling"(standing up, stiffly like the bristles on an animal) minus(There's no … for) "t"(abbrev. for "time"). Answer: A small marine food fish of the herring family.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Flower from French husband so proverbially good (8)	### Answer: MARIGOLD ### Explanation: Definition: Flower MARI("husband " in French) + GOLD(as is traditionally,proverbially considered the epitome of goodness in "as good as gold").

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 few cut? Everyone's cut! (7)

### Answer: SEVERAL ### Explanation: Definition: A few SEVER(cut) + AL["all"(Everyone)** minus** its last letter(cut)]. Answer: A contradiction of "A few", hence the "?".

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

### Clue: Almost beheaded at dawn? (5)

### Answer: EARLY ### Explanation: Definition: at dawn "nearly"(Almost) **minus**(beheaded) its initial letter(beheaded). Answer: An example, of which is "at dawn ". Apt surface as executions usually took/take place at dawn?

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

### Clue: Space shuttle leaving base for difficult task (9)

### Answer: CHALLENGE ### Explanation: Definition: difficult task "Challenger"(one of the US Space shuttles) **minus**(leaving) its last letter(base, in a down 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: Link continued briefly to have an effect (7)

### Answer: CONTACT ### Explanation: Definition: Link CONT["continued" **abbreviated**(briefly)], + ACT(to impact on,to have an effect).

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

### Clue: Avoiding indecency but ultimately lacking manners (5)

### Answer: MODES ### Explanation: Definition: manners "modest"(Avoiding indecency) **minus** its last letter(but ultimately lacking). Answer: Plural of mode,manner, as in "to do it in this manner".

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

### Clue: Genders at variance, no longer friendly (9)

### Answer: ESTRANGED ### Explanation: Definition: no longer friendly **Anagram of**(variance) GENDERS AT.

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

### Clue: Wayward queen's tirade (6)

### Answer: ERRANT ### Explanation: Definition: Wayward ER(abbrev. for Elizabeth Regina,current British queen) **plus**('s) RANT(tirade). Nice surface, but the tirade is more likely aimed at the wayward press these days.

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

### Clue: Quick-thinking doctor jumps into river (6)

### Answer: NIMBLE ### Explanation: Definition: Quick-thinking MB(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Medicine",a doctor) **contained in**(jumps into) NILE(river).

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 holds things ancient or new (9)

### Answer: CONTAINER ### Explanation: Definition: It holds things **Anagram of**(new) ANCIENT OR.

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

### Clue: Rude picture showing model (9)

### Answer: BLUEPRINT ### Explanation: BLUE(Rude,slightly obscene, off-colour – as if blue wasn't a colour?) + PRINT(hard copy of a picture,photo). As seen/almost seen in some of the tabloids. Answer: A representation,model of something to be constructed.

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

### Clue: Poorly pirates walk wearily (7)

### Answer: TRAIPSE ### Explanation: Definition: walk wearily **Anagram of**(Poorly) PIRATES.

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

### Clue: Agent crossing river flowing backwards fast (6)

### Answer: SPEEDY ### Explanation: Definition: fast SPY(a secret Agent) **containing**(crossing) **reversal of**(flowing backwards) DEE(name of a few rivers in the UK, not to mention Australia).

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

### Clue: Answer one puts on internet during scripture (7)

### Answer: RIPOSTE ### Explanation: Definition: Answer I(Roman numeral for one) + POST(puts on internet, such as a comment on this blog) **contained in**(during) RE(abbrev. for "religious education",learning based on scriptures).

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

### Clue: Take ages to fit in (6)

### Answer: BELONG ### Explanation: Definition: to fit in BE LONG(to Take a long time,ages – as in one telling the spouse: "Don't be long in dressing/the bathroom/the pub, dear"). Answer: To have a sense of belonging,to fit in within a group or gang

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

### Clue: Nixon in China perhaps seeing first half of military manoeuvres (5)

### Answer: OPERA ### Explanation: Definition: Nixon in China perhaps First 4 letters(first half) of "operations",military manoeuvres. Answer: An example,perhaps of which is "Nixon in China", based on former US President's significant visit to China.

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

### Clue: Dupe and depose leaders and cause huge change (5)

### Answer: UPEND ### Explanation: Definition: huge change "Dupe","and" **minus**(depose) their respective initial letters(leaders). Nice surface.

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

### Clue: Deliberately wicked exercises on Rimbaud's earliest poetry (8)

### Answer: PERVERSE ### Explanation: Definition: Deliberately wicked PE(physical education,exercises) **plus**(on) R[initial letter of(…'s earliest) "Rimbaud"] + VERSE(poetry) – Arthur Rimbaud being the French versifier.

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 close to Blunkett's heart taking marijuana as a writing aid (6)

### Answer: INKPOT ### Explanation: Definition: a writing aid I(Roman numeral for "One") **plus**(close to) NK[middle letters of (…'s heart) Blunkett] **plus**(taking) POT(slang for the drug marijuana). Answer: Not many of these around nowadays.

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

### Clue: Went about in twos (8)

### Answer: REPAIRED ### Explanation: Definition: Went RE(about,relating to,with reference to, from the Latin) + PAIRED(grouped together in twos). Answer: Gone to, as in "after dinner the men repaired to the study", in pre-feminist days – nowadays they're more likely to repair to the kitchen to help wash up 🙂 The word, interestingly, has etymological links to "repatriate".

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 items for discussion by a military commander includes death (6)

### Answer: AGENDA ### Explanation: Definition: List of items for discussion AGA(in Turkey and Muslim countries, a general,a military commander) **containing**(includes) END(the final one,death).

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

### Clue: Distorted representation of a device for carrying around underwear (8)

### Answer: TRAVESTY ### Explanation: Definition: Distorted representation TRAY(a device for carrying all sorts of things, usually by butlers, maids and waiters, and self-service diners) **containing**(around) VEST(underwear to be worn under the shirt).

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

### Clue: Former PM featured in Seattle exhibition (6)

### Answer: ATTLEE ### Explanation: Definition: Former PM **Hidden in**(featured in) SeATTLE Exhibition. Answer: Clement, Former Labour PM of the UK from 1945-1951.

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 easy for the Foreign Office to return girl involved in plots (3,2,5)

### Answer: BED OF ROSES ### Explanation: Definition: It's easy [**Reversal of**(to return) FO(abbrev. for the Foreign Office) + ROSE(name of a girl)] **contained in**(involved in) BEDS(plots in your garden, 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: Lee and Maria to develop and improve (10)

### Answer: AMELIORATE ### Explanation: Definition: improve **Anagram of**(develop) ["LEE" and "MARIA TO "].

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 centre of Liebnitz occupied by British soldiers (6)

### Answer: BREMEN ### Explanation: Definition: City B,N[central letters(centre) of Liebnitz] **containing**(occupied by) REME(abbrev. for the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers,British soldiers). Answer: The City in northwestern Germany.

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

### Clue: Extremely fastidious about Irish volunteers needing ID to provide medical assistance (5,3)

### Answer: FIRST AID ### Explanation: Definition: medical assistance F,S[the outermost letters of,(Extremely) "fastidious"] **containing**(about) IR(abbrev. for "Irish") + TA(abbrev. for the Territorial Army consisting of volunteers) + ID.

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 to Indiana to retire (4,2)

### Answer: TURN IN ### Explanation: Definition: to retire TURN(Go, in games of 2 or more people) **plus**(to) IN(abbrev. for the US state of Indiana). Answer: To call it a night,go to bed,to retire.

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

### Clue: Father crossing river on small piece of furniture is certain to succeed (4-4)

### Answer: SURE-FIRE ### Explanation: Definition: is certain to succeed SIRE(Father, as a noun, the male parent usually of a horse or other domestic animal, and, as a verb, to procreate as the male partner) **containing**(crossing) [URE(the river in N. Yorkshire, England, which becomes the Ouse further downstream) **plus**(on) F(initial letter,small piece of furniture)].

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 to receive one thousand roubles for a pound (6)

### Answer: NICKER ### Explanation: Definition: a pound NICE(descriptive of something that makes you feel Good) **plus**(to receive) K(symbol for "one thousand " in the metric system) + R(abbrev. for the rouble). Answer: Slang for a,one British pound sterling.

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 best not to shoot one in colour before daybreak (3,5)

### Answer: RED LIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: It's best not to shoot one RED(a colour) **placed before**(before) LIGHT(daybreak). Answer: Refers to the "one" in the defn.,a traffic light It's best, if not downright dangerous, to shoot,go past at high speed.

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

### Clue: Private investigator to consider operating illegally (6)

### Answer: PIRATE ### Explanation: Definition: operating illegally PI(abbrev. for Private investigator) + RATE(to consider, as in "we consider/rate him as one of the best…").

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

### Clue: It's not supposed to contain a record of annulment (6)

### Answer: REPEAL ### Explanation: Definition: annulment REAL(in contrast to,It's not something that is supposed) **contained in**(to contain) EP(abbrev. for a record with $$e$$xtended $$p$$lay vs. the single, something before the digital age). Answer: An annulment of a law or decree.

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

### Clue: Left for dead after exactly what is needed is found in river (6)

### Answer: EXITED ### Explanation: Definition: Left D(abbrev. for dead) **placed after**(after) [IT(exactly what is needed,a desirable quality, as in "either you have it or you don't") **contained in**(is found in) EXE(another river in England)]

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

### Clue: Juliet had one second to tweet her answer surprisingly (10)

### Answer: SWEETHEART ### Explanation: Definition: Juliet had one S(abbrev. for second as in "h:m:s") **plus**(to) **anagram of**(surprisingly) [TWEET HER] + A(abbrev. for answer)]. Answer: What Juliet had in Romeo, or Juliet was one herself to Romeo, depending on whether one puts the "one" in the defn. or the wordplay.

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

### Clue: Worthless piece about a Conservative (8)

### Answer: NUGATORY ### Explanation: Definition: Worthless **Reversal of**(about) GUN(refered to in slang as a piece) + A + TORY(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: An optimist's explanation in support of God (8)

### Answer: PANGLOSS ### Explanation: Definition: An optimist GLOSS(one of several types of explanation, eg. one in the margin of a manuscript, a verbal one, a deliberately misleading one, or as a short form for glossary) **placed below**(in support of, in a down clue) PAN(the Greek mythological God of the fields, woods, shepherds and flocks represented as half man and half goat, and playing the pipes). Answer: From the optimist Dr. Pangloss, mentor to start with of the main character in Voltaire's satire, Candide. The good Dr's mantra was "all is for the best in the "

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

### Clue: Leave at the end after playwright gets cross (8)

### Answer: TRAVERSE ### Explanation: Definition: cross E(last letter(at the end) "Leave "] **placed after**(after, in a down clue) TRAVERS(Ben, English playwright, renown for his farces) Answer: Something that crosses over between 2 points.

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

### Clue: Be partly responsible for Conservative statement expressing approbation (10)

### Answer: CONTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: Be partly responsible for CON(abbrev. for the Conservative Party and its members) + TRIBUTE(a commendation,a statement expressing approbation,approval).

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

### Clue: Religious fellow not brought up to talk at length (6,2)

### Answer: RABBIT ON ### Explanation: Definition: to talk at length RABBI(a Religious fellow, learned in Judaism) + TON[**reversal of**(brought up, in a down clue) "not"].

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

### Clue: The second half of some erotic novel by Swift (8)

### Answer: METEORIC ### Explanation: Definition: Swift ME(The second half of the letters of "some") + **anagram of**(novel) EROTIC – Jonathan Swift being the English author, but not of erotic novels (as far as I know).

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

### Clue: Be fond of having knowledge too (8)

### Answer: LIKEWISE ### Explanation: Definition: too LIKE(Be fond of) WISE(having knowledge). A very compact 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: Appropriate for a toff (2,4)

### Answer: AS WELL ### Explanation: Definition: Appropriate A + SWELL(British slang for a toff,itself slang for a stylish well-dressed man). Answer: As in "If you're going to be late, it's as well/Appropriate that you don't come at all".

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

### Clue: Newspaper collecting money for a sailor (6)

### Answer: RATING ### Explanation: Definition: a sailor RAG(a somewhat derogatory term for a Newspaper) **containing**(collecting) TIN(British slang for money). Answer: A sailor, and in some navies, the ordinary seaman, ie. one with the lowest rating.

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

### Clue: Opening after Bill's arrival (6)

### Answer: ADVENT ### Explanation: Definition: arrival VENT(an Opening to let out undesirable gases, anatomy excepted 🙂 ) **placed after**(after) AD(short for an advertisement; one that's written and distributed is a Bill or handbill)

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

### Clue: Number to facilitate and inspire truce (5,4)

### Answer: CEASE FIRE ### Explanation: Definition: truce C(Roman numeral for 100) + EASE(to facilitate) **plus**(and) FIRE(to inspire as in "all fired up by his rhetoric").

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

### Clue: Criticism directed at military aircraft? (4)

### Answer: FLAK ### Explanation: Definition: Criticism Cryptic defn: Anti-aircraft fire during military combat, the word coming from the abbrev. for the German phrase for "aircraft defence cannon". Answer: Of the adverse sort, nothing constructive.

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

### Clue: House sound as a bell outside and fine inside (8)

### Answer: DWELLING ### Explanation: Definition: House DING(sound as a bell) **containing**(outside and … inside) WELL(fine). Answer: As a noun.

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

### Clue: In the team, on the wing, not breaking the rules (6)

### Answer: ONSIDE ### Explanation: Definition: not breaking the rules Double wordplay: 1st: If one takes "on" = "In "; and 2nd: On the side,not at the centre,on the wing. Defn. and answer: In games like football and rugby, not breaking the offside rule. Nice surface of a winger on the playing field.

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

### Clue: Sayings of modern times (6)

### Answer: ADAGES ### Explanation: Definition: Sayings Cryptic defn: "AD",Anno Domini, attached to any year in modern times, (or, even, any year after the birth of Christ), and thus "modern times" = A.D. Ages.

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

### Clue: It suffers periodic reversals in the kitchen (3,5)

### Answer: EGG TIMER ### Explanation: Definition: It suffers periodic reversals in the kitchen Cryptic defn: The old fashioned device in the kitchen like a small hour-glass, which is periodically overturned, reversed.

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

### Clue: Order still from photographer? (4,2)

### Answer: HOLD IT ### Explanation: Definition: Order still from photographer Cryptic defn: An instruction,Order from a photographer to keep still, in order not to have a blurred photo – assuming he/she is holding the camera still also.

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

### Clue: Anti-Mass movement? (8)

### Answer: SATANISM ### Explanation: Definition: movement **Anagram of**(movement) Anti-Mass. A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue, as Satanism may surely be considered a movement against,Anti Mass, the religious service.

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

### Clue: Slip into debt, having fallen ill once more (8)

### Answer: RELAPSED ### Explanation: Definition: having fallen ill once more LAPSE(a Slip,error, as in "a lapse of memory" – especially for me 🙂 **containing**(into) RED(in the, signifying one is in debt).

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

### Clue: We hear wickedness has the advantage in church councils (6)

### Answer: SYNODS ### Explanation: Definition: church councils **Homophone of**(We hear) "sin"( wickedness) + "odds"(the advantage one side has against another in a contest, as in "the odds are on my side"). Answer: church councils formed to discuss ecclesiastical affairs.

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 chaps ashore, since they're no sailors (8)

### Answer: LANDSMEN ### Explanation: Definition: they're no sailors LANDS(Puts … ashore)+ MEN(chaps). Answer: People who live or work on, well, land, no sailors by any means.

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

### Clue: Investigate in depth (6)

### Answer: FATHOM ### Explanation: Definition: Investigate,depth Double defn: 1st: As a verb, to discover,Investigate; and 2nd: As a noun, as in "Full fathom five thy father lies…"

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

### Clue: Ring back a number of soldiers (6)

### Answer: SIGNET ### Explanation: Definition: Ring **Reversal of**(back) [TEN(a number) of GI'S(abbrev. for American soldiers)]. Answer: A small seal, as part of a finger-Ring.

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

### Clue: Rose might arrange a date with men (8)

### Answer: EMANATED ### Explanation: Definition: Rose **Anagram of**(might arrange) [a date **plus**(with) men]. Answer: Originated from,Rose.

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

### Clue: Sounds an unfavourable bet (4)

### Answer: ANTE ### Explanation: Definition: bet **Homophone of**(Sounds) "anti"(against,unfavourable). Answer: The stake in a bet.

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

### Clue: Worker strikes result in restriction on movement (9)

### Answer: HANDCUFFS ### Explanation: Definition: result in restriction on movement HAND(a Worker, especially of manual labour or general duties) + CUFFS(blows,strikes, especially with the open hand). Answer: What are used to secure,result in restriction on movement, eg. to prevent the restricted from cuffing someone. Nice surface.

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

### Clue: Intimidated firm to form a union (5)

### Answer: COWED ### Explanation: Definition: Intimidated CO(abbrv. for a business company,firm) + WED(to marry,to form a union).

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

### Clue: Declared as supporter in possible deal (7)

### Answer: ALLEGED ### Explanation: Definition: Declared LEG(a supporter, eg. of the human body) **contained in**(in) **anagram of**(possible) DEAL.

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

### Clue: Prepares to publish working diets (5)

### Answer: EDITS ### Explanation: Definition: Prepares to publish **Anagram of**(working) DIETS.

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

### Clue: Entrance signs switched round about (7)

### Answer: INGRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Entrance **Anagram of**(switched) SIGNS **containing**(round) RE(abbrev. for with reference to,about)

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

### Clue: Use of sole agent lengthens the process (9)

### Answer: ELONGATES ### Explanation: Definition: lengthens the process **Anagram of**(Use of) SOLE AGENT.

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

### Clue: Create trend (7)

### Answer: FASHION ### Explanation: Definition: Create,trend Double defn: 1st: As a verb, to Create,make into the desired shape; and 2nd: 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: Spoke to a number in uniform (9)

### Answer: ADDRESSED ### Explanation: Definition: Spoke to A + D(Roman numeral for 500) + DRESSED(in uniform)

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

### Clue: Relation seen in public performance (9)

### Answer: OPERATION ### Explanation: Definition: performance RATIO(the Relation between two similar magnitudes, equal to the number of times one contains the other) **contained in**(seen in) OPEN(descriptive of something public).

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 out striker in international game (4,5)

### Answer: TEST MATCH ### Explanation: Definition: international game TEST(to Try) + MATCH(one that provides fire after striking, usually against an abrasive). Answer: An international game, especially in cricket or rugby.

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-slow that could be at an end? (7)

### Answer: ANDANTE ### Explanation: Definition: Go-slow **Anagram of**(could be) AT AN END. Answer: A musical direction to play slowly,Go-slow.

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

### Clue: Prison for old debt collector who has gone astray (7)

### Answer: DUNGEON ### Explanation: Definition: Prison DUN(a person who duns,tries to collect a debt) **plus**(who has) **anagram of**(astray) gone. Nice surface. Answer: A Prison in the old days.

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

### Clue: Certainly less than 50% (3,4)

### Answer: NOT HALF ### Explanation: Definition: Certainly,less than 50% Double defn: 1st: Indeed,surely,Certainly, as in "I agree he's not half stupid". But "not half" also means "not really", as in "he's not half clever enough to do that". One of those Janus (two-faced god of war) words/phrases that can take opposite meanings.

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

### Clue: Managed football club without money from abroad (5)

### Answer: FRANC ### Explanation: Definition: money from abroad RAN(Managed, a team, say) **contained in**(… without) FC(abbrev. for a football club in Britain, eg. MUFC).

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 as one is told — ring the Turkish officials (5)

### Answer: OBEYS ### Explanation: Definition: Does as one is told O(looks like a ring) + BEYS(provincial governors,Turkish officials of the old Ottoman Empire). Edit.Note: Solutions: Pic #1 ; Pic #2 ; Pic #3 ; Pic #4

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 suggestion to take occasional income from shillings and rand as cover (9)

### Answer: INSURANCE ### Explanation: Definition: cover I(in physics, the symbol for Current) + NUANCE(a subtle suggestion) **containing**(to take … income from) **separately**(occasional) [S(abbrev. for shillings) and R(likewise for rand)]. Answer: The cover you take against calamities happening to you.

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

### Clue: Husband to writer from the religious community (5)

### Answer: AMISH ### Explanation: Definition: from the religious community H(abbrev. for Husband) **placed after**(to) AMIS(Kingsley or son Martin, English writers, take your pick). Answer: One from the strictly religious community.

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

### Clue: Barclays thought him such a geezer – for a time (7)

### Answer: DIAMOND ### Explanation: Definition: Barclays thought him such a geezer – for a time Cryptic defn: Robert Diamond was the CEO of Barclays, which company thought he was such a "diamond geezer ",a precious chap for a time, until he, and Barclays, got into trouble.

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

### Clue: An ancient European, I live right next door to Scotsman (7)

### Answer: IBERIAN ### Explanation: Definition: An ancient European I + BE(exist,live) + R(abbrev. for right) **plus**(next door to) IAN(crosswordland's archetypical Scotsman). Answer: One of one of the ancient peoples that inhabited the Iberian peninsula.

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

### Clue: For Inquisition, the One Priest (3)

### Answer: ELI ### Explanation: Definition: Priest EL(the definite article "the" in the language, presumably, used by,For the Spanish Inquisition) + I(Roman numeral for One).

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

### Clue: Man who wouldn't be left on the shelf? (6,5)

### Answer: MISTER RIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Man who wouldn't be left on the shelf? Cryptic defn: The Man whom everyone woman wants, and therefore who wouldn't be left on the shelf.

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

### Clue: Material from tomb at Ikatan (5)

### Answer: BATIK ### Explanation: Definition: Material **Hidden in**(from) tomb at Ikatan.

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

### Clue: Military commander finds range (3)

### Answer: AGA ### Explanation: Definition: Military commander,range Double defn: 1st: An old Turkish Military commander; and 2nd: The trademarked cooker range.

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

### Clue: Cameron in South of France to return in melancholic state (5)

### Answer: DUMPS ### Explanation: Definition: melancholic state **Reversal of**(to return) [PM(which is what David Cameron currently is) + **containing**(in) SUD("South " in France).

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

### Clue: Rude writer is to the point (11)

### Answer: IMPERTINENT ### Explanation: I'M(contraction of I am,the writer is) + PERTINENT(relevant,to the point).

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

### Clue: Government, Republican, mirrored German affirmation (3)

### Answer: RAJ ### Explanation: Definition: Government R(abbrev. for Republican) + **reversal of**(mirrored) JA(German for yes,affirmation). Answer: From Sanskrit for rule,Government. As used with "The" and a capitalised initial, it stood for the British government in India before partition in 1947.

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

### Clue: Resolution on pound 6 Barclays were 7 (7)

### Answer: LENDING ### Explanation: Definition: 6 Barclays were 7 ENDING(how a matter is finally resolved,the Resolution) **plus**(on) L(£,the symbol for pound sterling). Answer: The type of rate(answer to 6down), specifically the interbank lending rates that, together with other banks, Barclays were fixing(answer to 7down).

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

### Clue: Rich old girl to make bet (7)

### Answer: DOWAGER ### Explanation: Definition: Rich old girl [DO WAGER](to make bet). Answer: An elderly woman with title and/or property, especially the widow of a king, duke, emperor, 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: Rand given back to French for the antelope (5)

### Answer: NYALA ### Explanation: Definition: antelope **Reversal of**(back) AYN(Rand, author and philosopher) **plus**(given … to) LA(French for "the ", the definite article).

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

### Clue: Oddly able to enter one country or another (9)

### Answer: AUSTRALIA ### Explanation: Definition: another A,L(odd letters,Oddly of "able ") **contained in**(to enter) AUSTRIA(one country). Answer: another country, a bit further south.

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

### Clue: Theologian in box in play (6)

### Answer: FIDDLE ### Explanation: Definition: play DD(abbrev. for a Doctor of Divinity,a Theologian) **contained in**(in) FILE(a box in which documents are kept, could be called a file).

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

### Clue: Betrayer Mark takes out dunce's daughter (8)

### Answer: ISCARIOT ### Explanation: Definition: Betrayer SCAR(a , of a healed wound, literally or figuratively) ci( ) IIOT("idiot", **minus**( ) "d",abbrev. for " "). Answer: Additional name to Judas, Betrayer of Jesus.

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

### Clue: Fletcher shows resistance in an argument with (5,5)

### Answer: ARROW MAKER ### Explanation: Definition: Fletcher R(in physics, the symbol for electrical "resistance ") **contained in**(in) [A ROW]( an argument) **plus**(with) MAKER(The, another epithet for God). Answer: A common noun – the capital letter was a good misdirection.

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

### Clue: Arthurian wife to have food sent over (4)

### Answer: ENID ### Explanation: Definition: Arthurian wife **Reversal of**(sent over) DINE(to have food). Answer: The wife of Sir Geraint, one of the the Arthurian Knights of the Round Table.

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

### Clue: It's prudent to consider carefully (10)

### Answer: DELIBERATE ### Explanation: Definition: It's prudent,to consider carefully Double defn: 1st: Slowly, not done quickly or rashly,prudently, I suppose as a result of the 2nd defn.; and 2nd: What committees do, or, usually, overdo, or don't do.

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

### Clue: Cross into Nigeria with FT as arranged for Barclays 1 (4,6)

### Answer: RATE FIXING ### Explanation: Definition: Barclays 1 X(a Cross) **contained in**(into) **anagram of**(as arranged) [Nigeria **plus**(with) FT]. Answer: The "fiddle"(answer to 1across) that Barclays did on inter-bank interest, or lending, rates.

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

### Clue: Hot Satan perhaps brings death to Greeks (8)

### Answer: THANATOS ### Explanation: Definition: death to Greeks **Anagram of**(perhaps) Hot Satan. Answer: In Greek mythology,to Greeks the spirit personifying "death ".

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

### Clue: Heather in famous commercial battle (10)

### Answer: STALINGRAD ### Explanation: Definition: battle LING(the Heather) **contained in**(in) STAR(famous, as in "a star performer") + AD(short for advertisement,a commercial). Answer: Now Volgograd, scene of a decisive WWII battle between Nazi Germany and its allies against the Soviets.

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

### Clue: Singer sticks on wet tar – that's messy (3,7)

### Answer: ROD STEWART ### Explanation: Definition: Singer RODS(sticks) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) **anagram of**(that's messy) wet tar.

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

### Clue: There's no time for standing up Norwegian swimmer (8)

### Answer: BRISLING ### Explanation: Definition: Norwegian swimmer "bristling"(standing up, stiffly like the bristles on an animal) **minus**(There's no … for) "t"(abbrev. for "time"). Answer: A small marine food fish of the herring family.

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

### Clue: Flower from French husband so proverbially good (8)

### Answer: MARIGOLD ### Explanation: Definition: Flower MARI("husband " in French) + GOLD(as is traditionally,proverbially considered the epitome of goodness in "as good as gold").