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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: One into peculiar nature of organic compound (7) | ### Answer: TAURINE
### Explanation: Definition: organic compound
I(number *one*=letter I) *into* anagram(*peculiar*) of *NATURE*. Defn: An amino-acid derivative first isolated in ox-bile, and hence named after the adjective for Taurus the bull. |
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 renowned Navy messed up occasionally (5,3,3,4) | ### Answer: EVERY NOW AND THEN
### Explanation: Definition: occasionally
Anagram(*messed up*) of *THE RENOWNED NAVY*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Noun operates differently in composite language (9) | ### Answer: ESPERANTO
### Explanation: Definition: composite language
Anagram(*differently*) of [N(*$$n$$oun*) *OPERATES*]. Defn: The constructed *language*, a *composite* of some other languages |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Boy singer with his rector for excitement (9) | ### Answer: CHORISTER
### Explanation: Definition: Boy singer
Anagram(*for excitement*) of *HIS RECTOR*. The surface (cheekily) points to the relationship between certain clergymen and choir, and other, boys. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Scientist associated with groundbreaking research? (7) | ### Answer: RICHTER
### Explanation: Definition: Scientist
Cryptic defn. of Charles Richter (1900-1985), the *scientist* who studied earthquakes,*groundbreaking research*, and in 1935 developed the Richter scale to compare the intensities of earthquakes. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Wood maintains it is goverment (sic) by chosen group (7) | ### Answer: ELITISM
### Explanation: Definition: goverment (sic) by chosen group
ELM(a type of tree,*wood*) around(*maintains*) *IT 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: Lyttelton's dissatisfied exclamation? (5) | ### Answer: HUMPH
### Explanation: Definition: Lyttelton,dissatisfied exclamation
Double defn: 1st: Nickname for HUMPHrey *Lyttlelton* (1921-2008), jazz musician (trumpet and clarinet), singer, writer, broadcaster. I liked his BBC Radio 2's Best of Jazz, and BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A 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: Man United ditching complete system get three points (5) | ### Answer: EDWIN
### Explanation: Definition: Man
ED(unitED* minus,*ditching* UNIT,*complete system*) +(*get*) WIN(in a football match, that adds *three points* to your tally in the league table). Defn: A *man*'s name. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Former champion has confused an artist with a river, Virginia". (9) | ### Answer: SHARAPOVA
### Explanation: Definition: Former champion
Anagram(*confused*) of *HAS* + RA(practising *artist* who is a member of the Royal Academy, ie. a $$R$$oyal $$A$$cademician) + PO(*river* in northern Italy running from the Alps to the Adriatic) + VA(code for the state of *Virginia*, USA).
Defn: Maria, Russian tennis player, 2004 Wimbledon singles *champion*, seeded 5th in this year's Wimbledon women's singles, through to the quarter-finals. |
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 passes through a prism, a shaft of light overhead (5) | ### Answer: SMASH
### Explanation: Definition: overhead
Hidden(*passes through*) in *priSM, A SHaft*.
Defn: An *overhead* hit of the ball, as would be used by 1A and 23A. ("Overhead" as a noun to equate to "smash"? ) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Block obtained after I took direction (5) | ### Answer: INGOT
### Explanation: Definition: Block
GOT(*obtained*) *after *{*I* +(*took*) N(north, *direction* of)}. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: He's coming in to sign a dictionary (9) | ### Answer: THESAURUS
### Explanation: Definition: a dictionary
*HE'S* into(*in to*) TAURUS(zodiac *sign* of the bull). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Peers mostly right about the quality of viewing (8) | ### Answer: EYESIGHT
### Explanation: Definition: the quality of viewing
EYES(*peers*) + *IGHT*(*right mostly*,without first letter).
Defn: *Quality*,characteristic,property associated with *viewing*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Showing self-confidence that is largely lightweight (6) | ### Answer: BOUNCE
### Explanation: Definition: Showing self-confidence
Much(*largely*) of the answer is OUNCE(*lightweight*,1/16 of a pound weight). (I can't otherwise explain the B, and if I'm not wrong, it's a bit of loose clueing.) The word JOUNCE means the same.
Defn: One with,*showing self-confidence* will show bounce in his/her steps. (A bit uncomfortable with a noun or verb as an answer to an adjectivial definition.) Also what 1A and 23A do to the ball before serving. |
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 note to the police about an imperfection (4) | ### Answer: FLAW
### Explanation: Definition: an imperfection
F(*a* *note*, the fourth tone, Fa, in the C major musical scale) +(*to*) LAW(*the police*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Short teasers designed to make a point at court (4,5) | ### Answer: DROP SHOTS
### Explanation: Definition: Short teasers designed to make a point at court
Cryptic defn: As used by 1A and 23A. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Exaggerate deliveries to the country (9) | ### Answer: OVERSTATE
### Explanation: Definition: Exaggerate
OVER(*deliveries* of balls to the batsman in cricket) +(*to*) STATE(*country*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Donations for weapons by the sound of it (4) | ### Answer: ALMS
### Explanation: Definition: Donations
Homophone(*by the sound of it*) of ARMS(*weapons*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Loyalty may be late in following year (6) | ### Answer: FEALTY
### Explanation: Definition: Loyalty
Anagram(*may be*) of *LATE* in FY(*$$f$$ollowing $$y$$ear*, I think that's what the setter intended, though I'm not familiar with it. I know of fiscal, financial and even full year; and don't ask about FY in texting or Internet chat).
Defn: Fidelity,*loyalty* a vassal swears to a lord. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: One of the favourites started in formal attire alright but has nothing on, Victoria!" (8) | ### Answer: DJOKOVIC
### Explanation: Definition: One of the favourites
DJ($$d$$inner $$j$$acket, what one wears,*attire* to a *formal* function) + OK(*alright*,okay) + O(*nothing*,zero) +(*on*) VIC(abbreviation for *$$Vic$$toria*).
Defn: Novak, Serbian tennis player, seeded 3rd in this year's Wimbledon men's singles, through to the quarter-finals. |
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 wonderful way with deep water (9) | ### Answer: UNDERFLOW
### Explanation: Definition: way with deep water
Anagram(*way*?) of *WONDERFUL*.
Defn: A stream,current in *deep 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: The first cord, figuratively speaking (5) | ### Answer: TROPE
### Explanation: Definition: figuratively speaking
T(first letter of *the*) + ROPE(*cord*). "Cord" is something 1A and 23A want to hit over.
Defn: Any literary form, eg. a metaphor, using words not in their literal, but in their *figurative*, sense. |
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 uniform is cut in a different way (5) | ### Answer: TUNIC
### Explanation: Definition: Military uniform
Anagram(*in a different way*) of *CUT IN*.
Defn: The coat, usually tight-fitting, that is part of *military uniform*. The word also means any of types of garment of various lengths, from those in Grecian times to the modern day tunic. |
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 crazy start by England has the heartless rushed (4,5) | ### Answer: MADE HASTE
### Explanation: Definition: rushed
MAD(*crazy*) + E(*$$E$$ngland*) + *HAS* + TE(*the* without its middle letter,*heartless*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Spin a share (5) | ### Answer: SLICE
### Explanation: Definition: Spin,a share
Double defn: 1st: To impart a (sideways) *spin* to a ball so as make it follow a curved trajectory, a slice. What 1A and 23A would do. 2nd: *A share*, say, of a pizza or pie. |
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 garage to put together total (9) | ### Answer: AGGREGATE
### Explanation: Definition: total
Anagram(*to put together*) of *GET GARAGE*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Achieve something at tennis, first with one in Scotland (6) | ### Answer: ATTAIN
### Explanation: Definition: Achieve something
*AT* + T(*first* letter of *tennis*) +(*with*) AIN(word for *one* in the Scottish tongue). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Charade to produce things with many faces (9) | ### Answer: OCTAHEDRA
### Explanation: Definition: things with many faces
Anagram(*produce*) of *CHARADE TO*.
Defn: Solids,*things* *with* eight *faces*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Declare it's pretty ordinary with age (4) | ### Answer: AVER
### Explanation: Definition: Declare
AVER +(*with*) *age* gives "average"(*pretty ordinary*, nothing to talk 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: As to aces, they may become marginal (3,5) | ### Answer: SEA COAST
### Explanation: Definition: marginal
Anagram(*they may become*) of *AS TO ACES*.
Defn: That line,*margin* between sea and land. (Another noun answer for an adjectivial definition.) |
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 on to protect the stage perhaps (5) | ### Answer: APRON
### Explanation: Definition: Put on to protect,the stage perhaps
Double defn: 1st: What cooks wear,*put on to protect* their clothing while cooking. 2nd: Part of the *stage* floor in front of the curtain line. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Changing shoes sets them up as entertainers (9) | ### Answer: HOSTESSES
### Explanation: Definition: entertainers
Anagram(*changing*) of *SHOE SETS*.
Defn: Women who throw parties and *entertain* guests. Other (professional) hostesses also do entertain – eg. presenters of talk and game shows, and taxi dancers. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Penalty for overstepping the mark (9) | ### Answer: FOOTFAULT
### Explanation: Definition: Penalty for overstepping the mark
Cryptic defn: Point given to your opponent,*penalty* when you *overstep* the baseline,*mark* when serving at tennis. What 1A and 23A try not to 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: Agape, like Belloc's Ponto was (4-5) | ### Answer: OPEN-JAWED
### Explanation: Definition: Agape
*Like* *Ponto* the lion in Jim, a verse by Hilaire *Belloc*, in which Ponto bites off Jim's head after he runs away from his nurse. Terrifyingly gruesome stuff to read to a small child, but then it's supposed to be a cautionary verse, viz. don't let go of your nurse's hand. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Unaware of what's clear about one pound (9) | ### Answer: OBLIVIOUS
### Explanation: Definition: Unaware
OBVIOUS(*clear*) around(*about*) LI(*one pound*,£1) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Mysterious about rice following return to the south-east (8) | ### Answer: ESOTERIC
### Explanation: Definition: Mysterious
Reversal(*about*) of *RICE* after(*following*) reversal(*return*) of *TO* SE(*$$s$$outh-$$e$$ast*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Short account of first sailing vessel (6) | ### Answer: SKETCH
### Explanation: Definition: Short account
S(*first* letter of *sailing*) + KETCH(sailing *vessel*). |
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 extra returns with a show of assent the first two days (3,2) | ### Answer: ADD ON
### Explanation: Definition: An extra
Reversal(*returns*) of {NOD(*show of assent*) + DA(*first two* letters of *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: Civil engineer holds one material and creates another (5) | ### Answer: CREPE
### Explanation: Definition: another
CE(*$$c$$ivil $$e$$ngineer*) around(*holds*) REP(cloth *material*).
Defn: Lightweight fabric. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Criticise a version of 19 (4) | ### Answer: SLAM
### Explanation: Definition: Criticise
Anagram(*a version*) of *19*across,ALMS. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cab heading off to the centre of Rome? It's taken for granted (5) | ### Answer: AXIOM
### Explanation: Definition: It's taken for granted
tAXI(*cab*, taxi without its initial letter,*heading off*) +(*to*) OM(letters in *centre of *the word *Rome*).
Defn: A statement that is *taken* to be self-evident,*for granted*, and thus forms the basis for further arguments and conclusions. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Max may be associated with this space for nuts (8) | ### Answer: HEADROOM
### Explanation: Definition: this space for nuts
Cryptic defn: The ROOM,*space* above people's HEADs,*nuts*, critical with low-ceilings or short doors. The association with *Max* is from the futuristic TV series in the late 80s, Max Headroom, featuring punk rock and things cyberspace. Max Headroom was a computer generated character derived from the brainscan of an investigative reporter, named after the last words the reporter saw before he was knocked off from his motorcycle while pursuing someone into a covered parking lot. My clue of the day. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Does it teach children how to get on? (8,6) | ### Answer: BOARDING SCHOOL
### Explanation: Definition: Does it teach children how to get on
Cryptic defn: Play on "*how to get on*", figuratively how to advance in life, and literally how to get on,BOARD eg. a train, ship, plane, 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: Attractive person concealing wickedness is diabolical (8) | ### Answer: DEVILISH
### Explanation: Definition: diabolical
DISH(*attractive*, in sensual/sexual context, *person*) around(*concealing*) EVIL(*wickedness*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Virgin soldiers accepting assistance? (6) | ### Answer: MAIDEN
### Explanation: Definition: Virgin
MEN(*soldiers*) around(*accepting*) AID(help,*assistance*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Phone box designed by European who fears foreigners? (9) | ### Answer: XENOPHOBE
### Explanation: Definition: who fears foreigners
Anagram(*designed*) of *PHONE BOX* +(*by*) E(*$$E$$uropean*). |
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 beginning to suffer distress (5) | ### Answer: SPAIN
### Explanation: Definition: Country
S(first letter,*beginning* of *suffer*) PAIN(*distress*, usually emotional, but could apply to physical as well). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Revolvers smuggled in somewhere else (5) | ### Answer: REELS
### Explanation: Definition: Revolvers
Hidden(*smuggled*) *in* *somewheRE ELSe. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Written work takes half a month and then correspondence is incomplete (9) | ### Answer: NOVELETTE
### Explanation: Definition: Written work
NOVE(*half* of the word, November,*a month*) +(*and then*) LETTE(*correspondence*,letter without its last letter,*is 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: No longer bound to get involved in duet (6) | ### Answer: UNTIED
### Explanation: Definition: No longer bound
Anagram(*get involved*) of *IN DUET*. |
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 away, having swallowed half of loaf or slice of meat (8) | ### Answer: ESCALOPE
### Explanation: Definition: slice of meat
ESCAPE(*get away*) around(*having swallowed*) LO(*half* of the letters *of* the word *loaf*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: What may be prescribed to remedy tenant's despair (14) | ### Answer: ANTIDEPRESSANT
### Explanation: Definition: What may be prescribed to remedy tenant's despair
Anagram(*remedy*) of *TENANT'S DESPAIR*. Another favourite today, with the definition and wordplay intertwined in sense. (Does it really matter whether one calls it an &lit or semi-&lit, or not call it anything at all, as long as it's intellectually enjoyable?) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Enterprise, perhaps, making celebs groovy (8) | ### Answer: STARSHIP
### Explanation: Definition: Enterprise, perhaps
STARS(*celeb*ritie*s*) HIP(*groovy*,with it).
Defn: The Star Trek spaceship, USS (United Space Ship) *Enterprise*. There was a series of ships of the same name (but not registration number) as the story continues in various TV series and movies. And no, I'm not a Trekkie. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Marked absence of Edward? (5) | ### Answer: NOTED
### Explanation: Definition: Marked
NO(*absence** of*) TED(an abbreviated nominal substitute for *Edward*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bad sex tour I'm organising, having no first-hand experience! (12) | ### Answer: AMBIDEXTROUS
### Explanation: Definition: having no first-hand experience
Anagram(organizing) of *BAD SEX TOUR I'M*.
Defn: Descriptive of those lucky people who are equally adept at using both hands, in contrast to most of us who have a preference for using either the right or left hand. Cryptically, the latter therefore have a "first-hand", the preferred hand, but the former *no first-hand experience*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Going ahead with home loan (2,7) | ### Answer: IN ADVANCE
### Explanation: Definition: Going ahead
IN(*home*,in the house) ADVANCE(as a noun, a *loan* given to you in advance of repayment). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Award for boy brought up by Orlando (5) | ### Answer: MEDAL
### Explanation: Definition: Award
Reversal(*brought up*, in a down clue) of LAD(*boy*) +(*by*) ME(the setter of the crossword, in this case, *Orlando*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Makes bequests with no difficulty at all (5,4) | ### Answer: HANDS DOWN
### Explanation: Definition: Makes bequests,with no difficulty at all
Double defn: 1st: Gives,hands assets,property,belongings,other *bequests* down to the younger or next generation. 2nd: Easily, as to trounce your opponents hands down in a match. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Primate holding first of services in church recess (4) | ### Answer: APSE
### Explanation: Definition: church recess
APE(*primate*) around(*holding*) S(initial letter,*first* *of* the word *services*).
Defn: Semicircular recess in a church, covered with a semi-dome. Also a semi-circular or polygonal termination of the church, covered by a flat, sloping, domed or hemispherical roof. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Show trial? (9) | ### Answer: REHEARSAL
### Explanation: Definition: Show trial
Cryptic defn: A try-out for any of various types of *show* – theatre, parade, etc. Not to be confused with a kangaroo court. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Old and useless like an egg (5) | ### Answer: OVOID
### Explanation: Definition: like an egg
O(*old*) VOID(invalid,*useless*, most common as in "null and void").
Defn: Oval shaped, *like an egg*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Running nude in street, not giving a hoot (12) | ### Answer: UNINTERESTED
### Explanation: Definition: not giving a hoot
Anagram(*running*) of *NUDE IN STREET*.
Defn: *Not giving a* figurative *hoot*. Another favourite, for its imagery: nudes of course don't give a figurative hoot when they're running in the street, nor do they have horns to literally hoot at traffic in the street! |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bill has upset French king? The American ass! (9) | ### Answer: POSTERIOR
### Explanation: Definition: ass
POSTER(*bill*,a poster usually advertising some coming event, could be handed out, or pasted on to a wall or post. I remember the irony of posters on walls, which posters said "Post No Bills") + reversal(upset) of ROI(*French* word for *king*).
Defn: The Commonwealth calls it arse, while the *American*s *ass* (homophonic euphemism?). Speaking of which, I always thought that Madras (in the verses below) rhymes with the Commonwealth version.
There was an Old Man of Madras
Who rode on a cream-coloured ass
But the length of its ears
So promoted his fears
That it killed that Old Man of Madras
– Edward Lear
There was a young girl from Madras
Who had a most beautiful ass
Not rounded and pink
As you probably think
But gray, with long ears, and ate grass
– Anon, after Lear. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Listen secretly, hearing of woman's fall (9) | ### Answer: EAVESDROP
### Explanation: Definition: Listen secretly
Homophone(*hearing*) of EAVES(the *woman's*,Eve's) + DROP(*fall*). |
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 setting out unto a star? (9) | ### Answer: ASTRONAUT
### Explanation: Definition: One setting out unto a star
Anagram(*setting out*) of *UNTO A STAR*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Belief not affected by reversal (5) | ### Answer: TENET
### Explanation: Definition: Belief not affected by reversal
Cryptic defn: The answer is palindromic,*not affected by reversal*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Beheading a clergyman is a serious crime (5) | ### Answer: ARSON
### Explanation: Definition: a serious crime
pARSON(*clergyman* without its initial letter,*beheading*).
Handbook and author. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Last pieces of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth? Sure! (4) | ### Answer: YEAH
### Explanation: Definition: Sure
*Last* letters,*pieces of Henr$$Y$$ Moor$$E$$* and *Barbar$$A$$ Hepwort$$H$$*. |
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 in west coast city selling aromatic shrub (8) | ### Answer: LAVENDER
### Explanation: Definition: aromatic shrub
An LA(Los Angeles,US *west coast city*) VENDER(*one* who is *selling*,vending. An alternative spelling of vendor). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Draw small sailing boat (6) | ### Answer: SKETCH
### Explanation: Definition: Draw
S(*small*, as used for shirt, shoe, etc. sizes) KETCH(*sailing boat*). Déjà vu as this answer appeared in last week's FT which I blogged. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Son with worries first for pets (6) | ### Answer: CARESS
### Explanation: Definition: pets
CARES(concerns,*worries*) before(*first*) S(*$$s$$on*).
Defn: What lovers do to each other. I don't think "pets" can be used as a noun in this sense, so there appears to be a mismatch between the singular verb "pets" and the plural verb "caress". |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Following innovation claim one source of fuel (4,4) | ### Answer: COAL MINE
### Explanation: Definition: source of fuel
Anagram(*following innovation*) of *CLAIM 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: Shown back I find a small food shop (4) | ### Answer: DELI
### Explanation: Definition: a small food shop
Reversal(*back*) of LED(as in "led,*shown* to your seat") *I*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Invitee and one chum give a rough idea (10) | ### Answer: GUESTIMATE
### Explanation: Definition: a rough idea
GUEST(*invitee*) +(*and*) I(=*one*) MATE(*chum*).
Defn: A portmanteau word made up of "guess" and "estimate", in other words, not much better than a guess. Though used quite often for years when I was working, it looks as if it got into Collins only in 2009. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Comical gagster succeeded with rolls (8) | ### Answer: STAGGERS
### Explanation: Definition: rolls
Anagram(*comical*) of *GAGSTER* + S(*$$s$$ucceeded*, as in, I think, notation for the succession of monarchs) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Catch infection finally – bother (4) | ### Answer: NAIL
### Explanation: Definition: Catch
N(last letter,*finally* of *infection*) AIL(verb, to *bother* as in "what's ailing,bothering 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: Very dry bishop with a dull manner hard to shrug off (4) | ### Answer: BRUT
### Explanation: Definition: Very dry
B(*bishop*, as in chess notation) +(*with*) RUT(a boring,*dull* routine from which it is *hard* *to* escape,*shrug off*, not to be confused with the far from boring periodical sexual excitement of deer, goats, sheep, etc.)
Defn: Descriptive of a champagne, not sweet. |
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 daughter being a character (8) | ### Answer: IDENTITY
### Explanation: Definition: character
I(=*one*) D(*daughter*) ENTITY(a *being*,unit,one-ness).
Defn: *Character*,condition as to who/what a person/thing is, eg. a case of mistaken identity. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Foolishly send coward to this entertainment! (5,5) | ### Answer: SWORD DANCE
### Explanation: Definition: entertainment
Anagram(*foolishly*) of *SEND COWARD*. Fine surface reading as a coward may not be able to stomach such entertainment.
There are more sword dances from around the world than you can shake a sword 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: Wine can destroy 50s dress (4) | ### Answer: SACK
### Explanation: Definition: Wine,destroy,50s dress
Triple defn: 1st: Type of wine from Spain and Canary Islands, or any dry white wine from SW Europe; 2nd: Destroy a city after conquest. 3rd: A plain dress that was fashionable in the 50s and looked like its namesake, ie. straight down from shoulder to hem. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sliced beef done with jam intrigues at first (8) | ### Answer: PASTRAMI
### Explanation: Definition: Sliced beef
PAST(*done*,completed,over *with*) + RAM(thrust into,*jam*, with force) + I(initial,*first* letter of *intrigues*). Nice surface: It all depends on what sort of jam it 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: Approach a rendezvous (6) | ### Answer: AVENUE
### Explanation: Definition: Approach
*A* VENUE(place to meet,*rendezvous*).
Defn: A way or means of entering into or *approach*ing a place or objective, eg. "there are various avenues into the Chinese market". |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sort of reggae group backing Tropical Rays (6) | ### Answer: SKATES
### Explanation: Definition: Tropical Rays
SKA(*sort of reggae* music, originating from Jamaica) + reversal(*backing*) of SET(*group*,collection).
Defn: A variety of those flat fish that live in *tropical *waters. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Reportedly quaint monarch is making fine adjustments (8) | ### Answer: TWEAKING
### Explanation: Definition: making fine adjustments
TWEA(Homophone(*reportedly*) of twee,affectedly dainty or *quaint*) + KING(*monarch*). |
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 puzzle to flabbergast (5) | ### Answer: AMAZE
### Explanation: Definition: flabbergast
*A* MAZE(*puzzle*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Venus? All the more in grand celebrity (7,4) | ### Answer: EVENING STAR
### Explanation: Definition: Venus?
EVEN(as an adverb, an intensifier suggesting *all the*,much *more*, as in "this is even better") G(*$$g$$rand*) STAR(*celebrity*)
Defn: The planet that can sometimes be seen as if like a star in the evening sky. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Who draws grid seen in a new light? (8) | ### Answer: DESIGNER
### Explanation: Definition: Who draws
Anagram(*in a new light*) of *GRID SEEN*. |
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 high achiever, I launch farreaching studies (6,9) | ### Answer: ROCKET SCIENTIST
### Explanation: Definition: A high achiever,I launch farreaching studies
Double defn: 1st: Metaphor for someone successful, often used in a backhanded way such as "you don't have to be a rocket scientist to …". Equally ranked with a "brain surgeon"? 2nd: Literally the person responsible for *launch*ing explorers to *study* outer,*farreaching* space,. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Box with gratitude in old city (6) | ### Answer: SPARTA
### Explanation: Definition: old city
SPAR(*box*, often as part of training) TA(short form of saying thanks,showing *gratitude*). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Tree found between hostel and monastery (3) | ### Answer: ELM
### Explanation: Definition: Tree
Letters found between *hostEL* & *Monastery*. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Conned, we hear, following prisoner's squeeze (9) | ### Answer: CONSTRICT
### Explanation: Definition: squeeze
TRICT(homophone(*we hear*) of tricked,*conned*,cheated) after(*following*) CON(abbrev. for convict,*prisoner*).
Defn: The verb "tighten". |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Small cut in fast food (6,5) | ### Answer: MINUTE STEAK
### Explanation: Definition: Small cut in fast food
Cryptic defn: A *small* piece,*cut* of beef that can be quickly cooked. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Return batch work in unsatisfactory state (9) | ### Answer: THROWBACK
### Explanation: Definition: Return
Anagram(*unsatisfactory state*) of *BATCH WORK*.
Defn: A *return* to the past, as in "Flared pants are a throwback to the 70s". |
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 very eager stirring such as a Frappuccino (8) | ### Answer: BEVERAGE
### Explanation: Definition: such as a Frappuccino
*BE* V(*$$v$$ery*) + anagram(*stirring*) of *EAGER*.
Defn: *Frappuccino* – A registered trademark drink concoction from Starbucks, an iced mix of coffee, water, milk, and various syrups, all the more to increase revenue. The word is another portmanteau of "frappe", a thick milkshake often made with cream, and "cappuccino", which I guess everyone knows of. |
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 contracts standards of perfection (6) | ### Answer: IDEALS
### Explanation: Definition: standards of perfection
I(=*one*) DEALS(*contracts*,agreements). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Central heating container is to boil (5) | ### Answer: CHURN
### Explanation: Definition: boil
CH(*$$c$$entral $$h$$eating*) URN(*container*, eg. of tea, cremated ashes). |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Little 'un to toddle those first three steps (3) | ### Answer: TOT
### Explanation: Definition: Little 'un
*First three* letters,*steps*(to maintain the surface reading) of *TO Toddle*.
Defn: *Little* child,*'un*, eg. a toddler, one who is just learning to *toddle*,take his/her *first steps*. |
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 put on a plate in holiday home around France and Germany (6) | ### Answer: GIFTED
### Explanation: Definition: It's put on a plate
GITE(a furnished *holiday home* in France available for rental) *around* F(IVR code for *France*) +(*and*) D(IVR code for *Germany*,Deutschland).
Defn: When something's being given freely to you, at no cost to or effort by you, it's said to be *put*,handed to you *on a plate*. I got 1D first, and was initially reluctant to enter the same 4 letters across. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Frequently ring us and another paper (8) | ### Answer: OFTTIMES
### Explanation: Definition: Frequently
O(*ring*, shape of the letter O) FT($$us$$, the Financial Times who's giving you, the solvers, this crossword) +(*and*) TIMES(*another paper*, THE Times, part of the Murdoch empire. It's the original paper that made "Times" synonymous with "newspaper", with numerous such Times around the world. |
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 a gig unfit could be this (9) | ### Answer: FATIGUING
### Explanation: Definition: could be this
Anagram(*playing*) of *A GIG UNFIT*.
Defn: Excellent surface with wordplay and definition intertwined – try playing *a gig*,giving a performance when *unfit*. |
Subsets and Splits