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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: A pudding's sent back cold (5)
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### Answer: ALOOF
### Explanation: Definition: cold
*A* + reversal(*sent back*) of FOOL(a dessert,*pudding* made from pureed fruit and cream or custard).
Defn: Cold and distant.
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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: Not many recalled Tory leader's yarn (4)
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### Answer: WEFT
### Explanation: Definition: yarn
Reversal(*recalled*) of FEW(*not many*) T(initial letter,*leader* of *Tory*).
Defn: In a fabric, the *yarn* that is woven across the width, through the lengthwise warp yarn.
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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: Eat pudding, swapping parts for styptic lotion (10)
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### Answer: AFTERSHAVE
### Explanation: Definition: styptic lotion
Exchanging word-place(*swapping parts*) of HAVE AFTERS(have dessert,afters,*eat pudding*).
Defn: *Lotion* that will stop the nicks you might have after shaving from bleeding.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: A devoted fan takes laptop everywhere (3,4)
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### Answer: ALL OVER
### Explanation: Definition: everywhere
*A* LOVER(*devoted fan*,enthusiast) around(*takes*) L(initial letter,*top* of the word *lap*, use of the split-word device).
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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: Filter out more than half of 13, for example (6)
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### Answer: TRIFLE
### Explanation: Definition: more than half of 13, for example
Anagram(*out*) of *FILTER*.
Defn: Slightly cryptic: *Example *of "afters"(*more than half of* the answer for *13*,dessert,what you have in the "after" part of the meal).
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Island power overrun by Persian emperor (6)
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### Answer: CYPRUS
### Explanation: Definition: Island
CYRUS(*Persian emperor* ca 540 BC) around(*overrun*) P(*power*, especially in physics)
Defn: Island in the east Mediterranean.
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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: Women left riots during the endless day of parades (7)
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### Answer: TWELFTH
### Explanation: Definition: day of parades
{W(*women*) + anagram(*riots*) of *LEFT*} in(*during*) TH(word "*the*" without its last letter,*endless*).
Defn: Almost certainly The Twelfth or Orangemen's *Day*, celebrated in North Ireland on 12 July (today!) with *parades*. The definition is also intertwined with the wordplay, since, in the past, there have been resulting *riots*. Presumably things are calmer these days. Also strangely coincidental, is this clue comes after 19A Cyprus, which also has had a history of communal violence.
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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: When pub's closed a female trips over her mobile (5,5)
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### Answer: AFTER HOURS
### Explanation: Definition: When pub's closed
*A* F(*female*) + TOURS(*trips*, as in holiday tours) round(*over*) anagram(*mobile*) of *HER*.
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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: The Chieftains tour only four countries now (4)
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### Answer: EFTA
### Explanation: Definition: only four countries now
Hidden(*tour*) in *chiEFTAins*.
Defn: The European Free Trade Association founded in 1960 by the Outer Seven countries, which did not want to or could not join the European Economic Community (ancestor of the EU). Since then membership has dwindled, hence *only four countries now* – Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
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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: He'll get time if he's busted (5)
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### Answer: THIEF
### Explanation: Definition: He'll get time if he's busted
T(*time*) + anagram(*busted*) of *IF HE*. Another excellent wordplay intertwined with definition.
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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: Hand over proceeds of theft in final match (5,4)
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### Answer: FIFTH TEST
### Explanation: Definition: final match
FIST(closed *hand*, as if to punch) around(*over*) anagram(*proceeds*) of *THEFT*.
Defn: In international cricket, a Test series, at least for the Ashes between England and Australia, consists of 5 *match*es. Wikipedia, though, does say a series may consist of 1 to 6 matches – I leave it to the aficionados.
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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: Computer files stayed instead, 15 (4,4)
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### Answer: DATA SETS
### Explanation: Definition: Computer files
Reversal(*15*,all over) of {SAT(*stayed* in one place) *in STEAD*(splitting "*instead*")}.
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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: He may be accused of lacking fire protection (6)
|
### Answer: FENDER
### Explanation: Definition: fire protection
FENDER("offender"(one who commits an offence and who *may be accused*) minus(*lacking*) the letters *OF*).
Defn: A low metal guard in front of an open fireplace to *protect *your room from being set on *fire *from burning coals.
A different type of Fender.
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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: Parcel and divide fruit up, impressing wife (8)
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### Answer: GIFTWRAP
### Explanation: Definition: Parcel
Reversal(*up*, in a down clue) of {PART(*divide*, split) FIG(*fruit*)} around(*impressing*) W(*wife*).
Defn: In the verbal sense, to make a *parcel*,giftwrap.
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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: Completely ties up loose 25 with decisive results (9)
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### Answer: FATEFULLY
### Explanation: Definition: with decisive results (9)
FULLY(*completely*) around(*ties up*) anagram(*loose*) of EFTA(solution of *25*A).
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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: So removing limits on consumer goods (4)
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### Answer: ERGO
### Explanation: Definition: So
Hidden(*removing limits on*) in *consumER GOods*.
Defn: Hence,therefore,*so*.
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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: Invention suitable for entertaining US agents (7)
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### Answer: FIGMENT
### Explanation: Definition: Invention
FIT(*suitable*,apt) around(*entertaining*) G-MEN(*US* FBI *agents*, G standing for Government).
Defn: Product,fabrication,*invention* of your imagination.
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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: Gobsmacked when fiddling friend's tax (10)
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### Answer: TRANSFIXED
### Explanation: Definition: Gobsmacked
Anagram(*fiddling*) of *FRIEND'S TAX*.
Defn: Adjective describing someone so astonished he/she's rooted to the spot,motionless, perhaps after he/she has clapped,smacked his/her hand over his/her mouth,gob in surprise.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: A weaver raised dough (5)
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### Answer: MOOLA
### Explanation: Definition: dough
Reversal(*raised*) of {A LOOM(a machine that weaves,*a weaver*)}.
Defn: Slang, like *dough*, for money.
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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: Make more plastic in small modern 4 (6)
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### Answer: SOFTEN
### Explanation: Definition: Make more plastic
S(*small*) OFTEN(*modern*,contemporary equivalent of answer to *4*A "ofttimes").
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: It's worn by fitter after going out (6)
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### Answer: TITFER
### Explanation: Definition: It's worn by fitter after going out
Anagram(*after going out*) of *FITTER*.
Defn: Cockney rhyming slang for "hat", "tit for tat" shortened to "titfer". Another excellent wordplay intertwined with definition, though I thought that "after" is superfluous, and its deletion would have made for an even more excellent clue.
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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: Groom drove celebrity up to collect female – they attract interest (10)
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### Answer: OVERDRAFTS
### Explanation: Definition: they attract interest
Anagram(*groom*) of *DROVE* + reversal(*up*, in a down clue) of STAR(*celebrity*) around(*to* *collect*) F(*female*).
Defn: Slightly cryptic. What you have with the bank, and on which outstanding amount you pay moola as *interest*.
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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: Life felt strange and ultimately unconventional (4-5)
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### Answer: LEFT-FIELD
### Explanation: Definition: unconventional
Anagram(*strange*) of *LIFE FELT* + D(last letter,*ultimately* of *and*).
Defn: Outside the mainstream,*unconventional*. An Americanism, from baseball where the left side of the field (or the back side of the batter when in batting position), sees very little action. Of course, this is only true of right-handed batters.
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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: Right half player lost a litre of blood antigen (2,6)
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### Answer: RH FACTOR
### Explanation: Definition: blood antigen
R(*right*) + HF("*half*" minus "a l"(*a litre*)) + ACTOR(*player* on stage).
Defn: The critical *antigen* in *blood *which one either has or doesn't have. Recorded in one's blood group as Rhesus positive or negative.
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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: Mock self-contained man with dyke, thin on top (5,2)
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### Answer: SCOFF AT
### Explanation: Definition: Mock
SC(*self-contained*, as used in SCUBA,sc underwater breathing apparatus, or in accommodation advertisements to indicate that an apartment has got full facilities within) + OFFA(8C Anglo-Saxon king who built a *dyke* between his kingdom and what is now Wales) + T(first letter,*top* of *thin*, I think).
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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: Maritime growth economy (6)
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### Answer: THRIFT
### Explanation: Definition: Maritime growth,economy
Double defn: 1st: A genus of plants, many of which are found on coastlines, especially Armeria maritima; 2nd: Care taken to minimise spending or usage, as in an *economy* of words.
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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: Quietly moved backwards in midweek (6)
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### Answer: WAFTED
### Explanation: Definition: Quietly moved
AFT(*backwards*,towards the rear) in WED(abbreviation for Wednesday, *mid*dle of *week*).
Defn: Smoothly and lightly, therefore *quietly*, travelling, usually through air, as in "music wafted into the room"
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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: This water is so turbulent at first – call in pontoon (5)
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### Answer: TWIST
### Explanation: Definition: call in pontoon
First letters(*at first*) of *This Water Is So Turbulent*.
Defn: A *call in* the card game of *pontoon*, similar to blackjack, where a player tells the dealer to "twist (me one)", ie. to deal another card, face up, to the player. The twisting action comes from taking the top card from the deck and flipping it face up.
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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: disheartened you once (4)
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### Answer: THEE
### Explanation: Definition: you once
THEE(*3*,three *disheartened*,without its middle letter).
Defn: The word for *you*, long ago,*once*.
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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: Maraschino cocktail lacked no ability to impress (8)
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### Answer: CHARISMA
### Explanation: Definition: ability to impress
Anagram(*cocktail*) of MARASCHI(*maraschino* without,*lacked no*).
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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: Seal bone in cupboard (6)
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### Answer: CLOSET
### Explanation: Definition: cupboard
CLOSE(*seal*) + T(T-*bone*, as in the steak).
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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: Without apron, spill head of lime drink (6)
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### Answer: IMBIBE
### Explanation: Definition: drink
*IME*(*lime* without,*spill head*,initial letter) around(*without*) BIB(*apron*).
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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: Cut and paste at a clear menu (1,2,5)
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### Answer: A LA CARTE
### Explanation: Definition: menu
Anagram(*cut and paste*) of *AT A CLEAR*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: It restrains hooligan who has bomb concealed (4)
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### Answer: ASBO
### Explanation: Definition: It restrains hooligan
Hidden(*concealed*) in *hAS BOmb*.
Defn: In the UK, Anti-Social Behaviour Order placed on a *hooligan*, which *restrains* his activities and movements.
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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 used to torture general's army (10)
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### Answer: THUMBSCREW
### Explanation: Definition: One used to torture
THUMB(I think, *General* Tom Thumb, the stage name of a dwarf who was an act in P.T. Barum's circus)*'S* + CREW(a group of armed men,*army*).
Defn: Crude instrument where your thumbs (fingers as well?) are inserted and subjected to extreme pressure.
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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: Draw a straight flush (4,4)
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### Answer: DEAD HEAT
### Explanation: Definition: Draw
DEAD(*straight*,as in dead ahead) + HEAT(a sudden reddening, glow,*flush*).
Defn: Finishing at the same time, ie. no one single winner, ie. a *draw*.
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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: Ogle king during speech (4)
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### Answer: LEER
### Explanation: Definition: Ogle
Homophone(*during speech*) of "Lear", *king* in Shakespeare's tragedy.
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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: Stand up and join lots in alternate positions (4)
|
### Answer: JILT
### Explanation: Definition: Stand up
Letters in *alternate positions* in *JoIn LoTs*.
Defn: To break a promise to meet up with, marry, etc. another person.
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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: Agreed to go back on board ship with headless corpse for adventures (8)
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### Answer: ODYSSEYS
### Explanation: Definition: adventures
Reversal(*to go back*) of YES(*agreed*) in(*on board*) SS(*ship*) +(*with*) ODY("body",*corpse* without initial letter,*headless*).
Defn: *Adventures *over a prolonged period or distance, named after that of the Greek Odysseus aka Ulysses.
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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: I am bound to earn some money in opposition (10)
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### Answer: IMPEDIMENT
### Explanation: Definition: in opposition
IM(*I am*) + PENT(within a pen,*bound*) around(*earn*) DIME(*some* US *money* = 10 cents).
Defn: Something that blocks,*in opposition* to one's progress.
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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: Just above line next to vertical axis (4)
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### Answer: ONLY
### Explanation: Definition: Just
ON(*above*) L(*line*) +(*next to*) Y(*vertical axis* in an x-y graph, as opposed to horizontal x-axis).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Deviant wears leather-tipped gag (8)
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### Answer: STRANGLE
### Explanation: Definition: gag
STRANGE(*deviant*) around(*wears*) L(initial letter,*tip* of the word *leather*).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: In pursuit of unknown amount of liquid crystal (6)
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### Answer: QUARTZ
### Explanation: Definition: crystal
QUART(volume,*amount of liquid* measured in Imperial units = 1/4 of an Imperial gallon) +(*in pursuit of*) Z(*unknown* quantity, especially in algebra, together with x and y).
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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: Outline he sculptured briefly on skirt and angora top (6)
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### Answer: SCHEMA
### Explanation: Definition: Outline
SC(abbreviation,*briefly* of "sculpsit", Latin for "*he sculptured*") + HEM(as a verb, to enclose,circle round, which in a sense could also mean to *skirt*,provide with a border) + A(first letter,*top* of *angora*).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Wild, loud Frenchman had little time to speak (8)
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### Answer: FRENETIC
### Explanation: Definition: Wild
F(*loud*,forte in musical direction) RENE(most popular *Frenchman* in Crosswordland?) +(*had*) TIC(homophone(*to speak*) of "tick", a *little* duration of *time*,a moment,an instant).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Smell American appetiser (5)
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### Answer: HUMUS
### Explanation: Definition: appetiser
HUM(a bad odour,*smell*) + US(*American*).
Defn: The Middle Eastern paste or dip made of chickpeas mashed with oil, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini and usually eaten with pita, as an *appetiser*. Not all dictionaries give this alternate spelling to "hummus". "Humus" commonly refers to soil material produced by decomposed vegetable or animal matter, certainly not appetising.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: These letters could be dreariest, on purpose (6,5)
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### Answer: RAISON D’ETRE
### Explanation: Definition: purpose
Anagram(*these letters could be*) of *DREARIEST ON*.
Defn: From French, reason for existence,a *purpose*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Regal route had mushroom colour (8)
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### Answer: SCEPTRED
### Explanation: Definition: Regal
ST(street,*route*) around(*had*) CEP(*mushroom*, more commonly called by its other name, porcini, in menus) + RED(*colour*).
Defn: Of sovereignty, the scepter being one of the symbols of royalty.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Uncontrollable wolf eats a lone gnu without good camouflage (1,3,4,7)
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### Answer: A LAW UNTO ONESELF
### Explanation: Definition: Uncontrollable
Anagram(*camouflage*) of WOLF EATS A LONE NU(*wolf eats a lone gnu without* "g",*good*)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Temperamental supercomputer captures twp (sic) bytes (6)
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### Answer: CRABBY
### Explanation: Definition: Temperamental
CRAY(*supercomputer*, actually the name of the company that makes them, named after its founder) around(*captures*) BB(*two bytes*, 1 byte = B). I'm quite sure that "twp" is a typo.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Eggs are in round state (3)
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### Answer: OVA
### Explanation: Definition: Eggs
O(*round*) VA(abbreviation for US *state* of Virginia).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Extension to bank carries compiler remarkably (9)
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### Answer: EXTREMELY
### Explanation: Definition: remarkably
EXT(abbreviation for *extension*) RELY(*to bank*,depend on) around(*carries*) ME(*compiler*,setter).
Defn: To be at the extreme end of the spectrum, and hence *remarkably*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Infections run rampant, though confined to refrigerator (4,7)
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### Answer: COLD STORAGE
### Explanation: Definition: refrigerator
COLDS(*infections*) + RAGE(*run rampant*, as with fires, epidemics, emotions through forests, populations, etc) around(*confined*) *TO*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Mysterious variations precede muscular spasm (9)
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### Answer: ENIGMATIC
### Explanation: Definition: Mysterious
ENIGMA(*variations*, compositions by Elgar) before(*precede*) TIC(involuntary *muscular spasm*). A somewhat weak clue, as wordplay and definition are close to each other.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: The charm of Europe is up my street, with intelligence above all (8)
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### Answer: MYSTIQUE
### Explanation: Definition: The charm
MY ST(*street*) +(*with*) IQ(intelligence quotient, measure of *intelligence*) *above* reversal(*up*, in a down clue) of EU(*Europe*).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Lauding missing daughter's cooked tongue (6)
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### Answer: LINGUA
### Explanation: Definition: tongue
Anagram(*cooked*) of LAUING(*lauding* without,*missing* "d",*daughter*).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Stick to Latin greetings (5)
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### Answer: LATHI
### Explanation: Definition: Stick
LAT(*Latin*) HI(*greetings*).
Defn: From Hindi, a *stick *usually used by police.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Otherwise some English people express alarm (3)
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### Answer: AYE
### Explanation: Definition: people express alarm
I think, but not sure, AY(expression of agreement, *otherwise*,opposed to *express*ion of *alarm*,surprise) + E(English).
Defn: An *express*ion of surprise,*alarm*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Property like flats (6)
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### Answer: ASSETS
### Explanation: Definition: Property
AS(*like*, as in "as one") SETS(*flats* as the plural of a piece of scenery in a theatre, also called a set. I'm not sure if this is correct, but I couldn't find another connection between the nouns "flats" and "sets". I think that "flats" can only be a plural noun.)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Bishop has drink with supporter back in the Caribbean (8)
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### Answer: BARBADOS
### Explanation: Definition: in the Caribbean
B(*$$b$$ishop*, as in chess) +(*has*) reversal(*back*) of {SODA(carbonated *drink*) +(*with*) BRA(*supporter* for women's busts)}
Defn: Island *in the Caribbean*.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Private source of information for fruit producer (9)
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### Answer: GRAPEVINE
### Explanation: Definition: Private source of information,fruit producer
Double defn.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Elicit approval in a girl (5)
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### Answer: EVOKE
### Explanation: Definition: Elicit
OK(okay,*approval*) *in* EVE(name of *a girl*)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Greek goddess starts to natter in king's ear (4)
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### Answer: NIKE
### Explanation: Definition: Greek goddess
Initial letters(*starts*) of *$$N$$atter $$I$$n $$K$$ing's $$E$$ar*
Defn: Ancient *Greek goddess* of victory. Also sports foot and other wear telling you to just do it.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Financiers having met unexpectedly round rampart (10)
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### Answer: EMBANKMENT
### Explanation: Definition: rampart
Anagram(*unexpectedly*) of *MET* a*round* BANK MEN(whimsy for *financiers*)
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Scruffy punk met disaster (7)
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### Answer: UNKEMPT
### Explanation: Definition: Scruffy
Anagram(*disaster*) of *PUNK MET
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: I get so agitated no one should ignore me (6)
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### Answer: EGOIST
### Explanation: Definition: no one should ignore me
Anagram(*agitated*) of *I GET SO*
Defn: The "me" who declares "*no one should ignore me*".
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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: Sound batting requires perception (6)
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### Answer: INTACT
### Explanation: Definition: Sound
IN(what the team is who is *batting* in cricket) +(*requires*) TACT(sensitivity,a *perception* of what is appropriate, tasteful)
Defn: Whole, unbroken.
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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: Drinks punch – it'll save a couple of joints (7)
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### Answer: HASSOCK
### Explanation: Definition: it'll save a couple of joints
HAS(*drinks* as a verb, as in "have one on me") SOCK(*punch*,the blow with a fist, not the drink)
Defn: A thick firm cushion used when kneeling, thus *saving* that *couple of* (knee)-*joints* from hurting or worse.
A little good humour
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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: Nevertheless everyone's identical (3,3,4)
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### Answer: ALL THE SAME
### Explanation: Definition: Nevertheless
ALL(*everyone's*) THE SAME(*identical*)
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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: Cover small vessel (4)
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### Answer: SPAN
### Explanation: Definition: Cover
S(*$$s$$mall*) PAN(*vessel*)
Defn: To spread over,*cover* time or space, as in "span decades" or "span the country"
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Catch deer for the table (5)
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### Answer: CHART
### Explanation: Definition: table
C("caught" past tense of *catch*, shortened to "c", as in cricket) HART(a male *deer*)
Defn: There's been discussion before about the distinction between "*table*" and "chart". Both are sources of information, but in the former, the format is columns (and rows), eg. multiplication tables, and the Periodic Table, while in the latter, there's no fixed format, eg. navigation or weather charts.
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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: Wrongly elect any European leader? That's inflammatory (9)
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### Answer: ACETYLENE
### Explanation: Definition: That's inflammatory
Anagram(*wrongly*) of *ELECT ANY* E(initial letter,*leader* of *European*)
Defn: Another one for the scientists. C2H2 burns with a bright and high temperature flame. Before electricity, it was burned in street lamps; now it is mainly for cutting and welding metal, and as a starting compound for polyethylene plastics.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Edward returned hurt and isolated (8)
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### Answer: DETACHED
### Explanation: Definition: isolated
Reversal(*returned*) of TED(shorter version of the name *Edward*) ACHED(*hurt*)
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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: Half-hearted deities taste scandal (6)
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### Answer: GOSSIP
### Explanation: Definition: scandal
GOS(*deities*,"gods" without "d", the one half of its inner letters "od", ie. *half-hearted*) SIP(*taste* a bit of drink)
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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: Rat guano affected legendary sailor (8)
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### Answer: ARGONAUT
### Explanation: Definition: legendary sailor
Anagram(*affected*) of *RAT GUANO*
Defn: One of the heroic crew in Greek mythology who sailed with Jason on the ship, the Argo, in search of the Golden Fleece.
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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: Swindler's relatives make cloth (9)
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### Answer: SHARKSKIN
### Explanation: Definition: cloth
SHARK(*swindler*)*'S* + KIN(*relatives*)
Defn: A lightweight fabric,*cloth* that has a smooth, soft texture, and a two-toned shimmer and sheen appearance. First introduced in the 50s, it became popular in the early 60s.
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
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### Clue: Pour out when match is over (4)
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### Answer: TEEM
### Explanation: Definition: Pour out
Reversal(*over*, in a down clue) of MEET(*match*,satisfy, as in "meet one's requirements"). Last on in, trying to fit "match"="game"="tie".
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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: Maintain senility is common (7)
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### Answer: AVERAGE
### Explanation: Definition: common
AVER(assert,*maintain* a statement is true) AGE(advanced years,old age,*senility*. As used here, "senility" merely means the state of old age, as distinct from the "infirmity" or "weakness" associated with old age. A substitute word, more unambiguous, would have been "senescence".)
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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: Battered hake falls into girl's top? That's novel! (5,5)
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### Answer: BLEAK HOUSE
### Explanation: Definition: novel
Anagram(*battered*) of *HAKE* in(*falls into*) BLOUSE(a *girl's* garment for the upper,*top* half of the body, worn with a skirt)
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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: Forced rebel leader to be accepted by peacemaker (5)
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### Answer: DROVE
### Explanation: Definition: Forced
R(initial letter,*leader* of "*rebel*" in (*accepted by*) DOVE(one who would like to *make peace*, as opposed to a hawk)
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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: Sleep in Elsie's tavern (6)
|
### Answer: SIESTA
### Explanation: Definition: Sleep
Hidden(*in*) in *elSIE'S TAvern
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Destiny of sovereign is fulfilled (6)
|
### Answer: KISMET
### Explanation: Definition: Destiny
K(king,*sovereign*) *IS* MET(*fulfilled*,satisfied)
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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: Understanding it makes one sick when going round course (10)
|
### Answer: EMPATHETIC
### Explanation: Definition: Understanding
EMETIC(medicine to *make one sick*,throw up) going round PATH(*course* that something or one takes, as in the "path of the hurricane")
Defn: Being able to *understand* how someone else feels, to put oneself in someone else's shoes.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Latest news of St Harry (4,5)
|
### Answer: STOP PRESS
### Explanation: Definition: Latest news
*ST* + OPPRESS(*harry*,bully,intimidate)
Defn: The phrase presumably comes from having to temporarily stop the printing presses,machines in order to insert the latest news.
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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: Weep about class being superficial (4-4)
|
### Answer: SKIN-DEEP
### Explanation: Definition: being superficial
SEEP(slow passage of liquid through a porous film, making it look as if it is *weep*ing) *about* KIND(*class*,sort,type)
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Italian opera the French see in proportion (2,5)
|
### Answer: TO SCALE
### Explanation: Definition: in proportion
TOSCA(*Italian opera* by Puccini) LE(the article *the* in *French*)
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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: Hold up basket (6)
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### Answer: HAMPER
### Explanation: Definition: Hold up,basket
Double defn.
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Drove detectives off (6)
|
### Answer: RANCID
### Explanation: Definition: off
RAN(*drove*, as in "he ran his car off the road) CID(British $$C$$riminal $$I$$nvestigation $$D$$epartment of Scotland Yard)
Defn: To go *off*,spoil.
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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 breaking fast time rested (5)
|
### Answer: LEANT
### Explanation: Definition: rested
A(*one*) in(*breaking*) LENT(a period,*time* of *fast*ing before Easter)
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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: Novice in Alpine region? Not quite! (4)
|
### Answer: TYRO
### Explanation: Definition: Novice
TYRO("Tyrol", a region in West Austria, near the *Alps* without its last letter,*not quite*)
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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: People bothered about language in Mass — those devoted to the Virgin (11)
|
### Answer: GRAMMARIANS
### Explanation: Definition: People bothered about language
GRAM(measure of *mass* in the metric system) MARIANS(persons *devoted to the Virgin* Mary, mother of Christ).
Defn: Alas, such *people* who *bother about* the correct usage of *language* and its components, are becoming fewer, and those who do, are being unheeded more and more.
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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: Worker is about to meet Her Maj, becoming more nervy (7)
|
### Answer: ANTSIER
### Explanation: Definition: more nervy
ANT(a *worker* in an ant colony) + reversal(*about*) of IS + ER(*Her Maj*esty, $$E$$lizabeth $$R$$egina)
Defn: A comparative for "antsy", from "ants in your pants", which would definitely make you agitated and nervous or *nervy*. 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: Party men wanting dull, submissive type (7)
|
### Answer: DOORMAT
### Explanation: Definition: submissive type
DO(a function,bash,*party*) OR($$o$$ther $$r$$anks,*men* in the military) +(*wanting*) MAT(matte,matt,with a *dull* surface, one of the options for eg. printed photos)
Defn: A person who passively accepts,*submits* to humiliation and abuse, like how a doormat is literally treated
|
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Wobbly toilet seat half falling off (5)
|
### Answer: LOOSE
### Explanation: Definition: Wobbly
LOO(*toilet*) SE(*seat* with 2nd *half* of the word, "at", deleted,*falling off*). Another 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: Maverick has lost his heart in a dance (4)
|
### Answer: REEL
### Explanation: Definition: a dance
REEL("rebel",*maverick*,non-conformist without,*lost* "b", middle letter,*heart*).
|
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 decants mucky liquid (10)
|
### Answer: CONDENSATE
### Explanation: Definition: liquid
Anagram(*mucky*) of *ONE DECANTS*
Defn: The *liquid* that forms when a hot vapour is sufficiently cooled down.
|
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 to engage with lunatic without saying much (10)
|
### Answer: TACITURNLY
### Explanation: Definition: without saying much
Anagram(*to engage with*) of [*TRY* + *LUNATIC*].
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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: Yield of grass around about farm cut by 75% (5)
|
### Answer: DEFER
### Explanation: Definition: Yield
Reversal(*around*) of REED(tall thin *grass*) round(*about*) F(*farm* with *75%,*3 out of 4 letters deleted,*cut*).
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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
|
### Clue: Angry female's wrath in lively exchange (9)
|
### Answer: CROSSFIRE
### Explanation: Definition: lively exchange
CROSS(*angry*) F(*female*) IRE(*wrath*)
Defn: In addition to material fighting with bullets, and any sort of missiles, could also be verbal *exchange*. Just don't get caught in it, that's all.
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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: Conceited type is to get teased (7)
|
### Answer: EGOTIST
### Explanation: Definition: Conceited type
Anagram(*teased*) of *IS TO GET.
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