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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: Model of ineptitude breaking off shutter's opener? (5) | ### Answer: LOSER
### Explanation: Definition: Model of ineptitude
[C]LOSER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Shakespeare's woven together complex suits in what's recorded (12) | ### Answer: ENTERTISSUED
### Explanation: Definition: Shakespeare's woven together
SUITS* in ENTERED |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Shot dominating point being withdrawn (7) | ### Answer: SHYNESS
### Explanation: Definition: being withdrawn
SHY + NESS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Niche that's followed by deerstalker (4) | ### Answer: SLOT
### Explanation: Definition: Niche
Double definition – the second is from the meaning a deer's footprints |
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's left in cup becoming increasingly cold (7) | ### Answer: BLEAKER
### Explanation: Definition: increasingly cold
L in BEAKER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Ties being knotted round head creates link for pedallers (7) | ### Answer: TIRASSE
### Explanation: Definition: link for pedallers
RAS in TIES* – the pedallers here are organists |
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 perks up old wine, substance including last in vat (4) | ### Answer: STUM
### Explanation: Definition: It perks up old wine
[va]T in SUM |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Questions for the Scots about independence press for resolution (6) | ### Answer: SPEIRS
### Explanation: Definition: Questions for the Scots
I in PRESS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cooking pot not once found in place (6) | ### Answer: POSNET
### Explanation: Definition: Cooking pot
NE (archaic "not") in POST |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Rising deposit men dredged in coastal waters (5) | ### Answer: TIDES
### Explanation: Definition: coastal waters
Reverse of SEDIMENT less MEN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Greek conflict with East in historical past (5) | ### Answer: AGONE
### Explanation: Definition: historical past
AGON + E |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Drunken 'aye aye' (does one assume?) including sailor's first attempt (5) | ### Answer: ESSAY
### Explanation: Definition: attempt
S[ailor] in AYES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sharp detectives returned fool to court (8) | ### Answer: DISTINCT
### Explanation: Definition: Sharp
DIS (Detective Inspectors) + reverse of NIT (fool) + CT |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Resilience of black cat (6) | ### Answer: BOUNCE
### Explanation: Definition: Resilience
B + OUNCE (the Snow Leopard) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Prang rear end of jeep (4) | ### Answer: BUMP
### Explanation: Definition: Prang
BUM (bottom, rear) + [jee]P |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Recent sex: cold, messy and unnecessary (10) | ### Answer: EXCRESCENT
### Explanation: Definition: unnecessary
Anagram of RECENT SEX C; the noun form "excresence" is perhaps more common – often used as an insult by Bertie Wooster |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Mix up wet earth with roots of old laurel tree (6) | ### Answer: MUDDLE
### Explanation: Definition: Mix up
MUD (wet earth) + last letters ("roots") of olD laureL treE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Let raven free in wind from the east (8) | ### Answer: LEVANTER
### Explanation: Definition: wind from the east
(LET RAVEN)* – another less-common word, though easily gettable from the anagram and a few crossers |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Powerful ballad captures Beatrice's heart (6) | ### Answer: STRONG
### Explanation: Definition: Powerful
[Bea]TR[ice] in SONG |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Excessively craving grass after good year (6) | ### Answer: GREEDY
### Explanation: Definition: Excessively craving
G + REED (grass) + Y |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: First exam includes one trap (8) | ### Answer: ORIGINAL
### Explanation: Definition: First
I GIN (trap) in ORAL (exam0 |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sample from tesla plant (6) | ### Answer: TASTER
### Explanation: Definition: Sample
T (tesla – unit of magnetic induction) + ASTER; I think the "tesla" in the clue would benefit from a capital T, as the surface is suggesting the car company |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Caught milliner with case for windbag (10) | ### Answer: CHATTERBOX
### Explanation: Definition: windbag
C + HATTER + BOX |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Verbally cross and discourteous (4) | ### Answer: RUDE
### Explanation: Definition: discourteous
Homophone of "rood" – old English name for a cross, supplanted by the Latin/French word we now use |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Creature fell finally during hostilities with America (6) | ### Answer: WALRUS
### Explanation: Definition: Creature
[fe]L in WAR + US |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Affairs where cats entertain ladies regularly (8) | ### Answer: LIAISONS
### Explanation: Definition: Affairs
Alternate letters of lAiDiEs in LIONS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Left squire dancing, having consumed posh drinks (8) | ### Answer: LIQUEURS
### Explanation: Definition: drinks
U (posh) in anagram of L SQUIRE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Stamp stuck to envelope portrayed heads (4) | ### Answer: STEP
### Explanation: Definition: Stamp
First letters ("heads") of Stuck To Envelope Portrayed; I suppose a stamp is a sort of step.. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Start to smoke joints audibly, showing sign of irritation (6) | ### Answer: SNEEZE
### Explanation: Definition: sign of irritation
S[moke] + homophone of "knees" (joints) |
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 boy has computer paper (8) | ### Answer: OBSERVER
### Explanation: Definition: paper
OB + SERVER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Curse can be broken for pirates (10) | ### Answer: BUCCANEERS
### Explanation: Definition: pirates
(CURSE CAN BE) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Voices concerns about candlestick (6) | ### Answer: SCONCE
### Explanation: Definition: candlestick
Hidden in voiceS CONCErn |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Touch hat covering Charlie King (6) | ### Answer: TICKLE
### Explanation: Definition: Touch
C K in TILE (hat) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Embarrassed about own goal, a politician becomes offensive (10) | ### Answer: DEROGATORY
### Explanation: Definition: offensive
Reverse of RED + O.G. + A TORY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Aroma around poles inside of tent is rubbish (8) | ### Answer: NONSENSE
### Explanation: Definition: rubbish
N S (poles) + [t]EN[t] in NOSE (aroma – as in wine) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Diligently ignoring timeline in order to be flexible (8) | ### Answer: YIELDING
### Explanation: Definition: flexible
Anagram of DILIGENTLY less T[ime] and L[ine] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Posh lass hiding fling with general (6) | ### Answer: GLOBAL
### Explanation: Definition: general
LOB (to throw, fling) in GAL (girl, as said by a toff) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Upset after woman rising to increase temperature again (6) | ### Answer: REHEAT
### Explanation: Definition: increase temperature again
Reverse of HER + EAT (to worry, upset) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Volunteers mutant superhero to be one overseeing duty (6) | ### Answer: TAXMAN
### Explanation: Definition: one overseeing duty
TA (Territorial Army) + X-MAN (one of the X-Men) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Smooth surface partly turned over for race (4) | ### Answer: RUSH
### Explanation: Definition: race
Hidden in reverse of smootH 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: Managing to be top (6) | ### Answer: COPING
### Explanation: Definition: Managing
Double definition – coping is a top layer of a brick wall, also seen in "coping-stone" |
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 garments — test out the cloth (8) | ### Answer: MINISTRY
### Explanation: Definition: the cloth
MINIS (miniskirts) + TRY (test out); cloth as in "man of the cloth" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Greek character, sailor, about to cross river — the quickest route? (3,3) | ### Answer: RAT RUN
### Explanation: Definition: the quickest route
R[iver] in NU (Greek letter) + TAR (sailor), all reversed |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Perplexing activity on the cricket field (8) | ### Answer: STUMPING
### Explanation: Definition: Perplexing
Double 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: Support wickedness, bumping off one in proximity (11) | ### Answer: PROPINQUITY
### Explanation: Definition: proximity
PROP (support) + INIQUITY less the second I. The word reminds me of the quip "nothing propinks like propinquity", which (as I think I once knew but had forgotten) is said by Felix Leiter in the James Bond novel *Diamonds are Forever |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bar money in famous wedding location (7) | ### Answer: CANTINA
### Explanation: Definition: Bar
TIN (money) in CANA (site of the wedding where Jesus turns water into wine in John 2) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Perform inadequately as less fancied competitor? Not good (7) | ### Answer: UNDERDO
### Explanation: Definition: Perform inadequately
UNDERDOG less ~~D~~ G – not a common word, but easy to get from the wordplay |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Donkey isn't moving with energy — a hard problem (6,5) | ### Answer: KIDNEY STONE
### Explanation: Definition: a hard problem
(DONKEY ISN'T)* + E |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Messengers and companions wasting time (8) | ### Answer: COURIERS
### Explanation: Definition: Messengers
COURTIERS less T |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Smooth language (6) | ### Answer: POLISH
### Explanation: Definition: Smooth
Another (very familiar) double 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: A gremlin up in the air is a malicious type (8) | ### Answer: MALIGNER
### Explanation: Definition: a malicious type
(A GREMLIN)* – I saw the anagram almost at once, but wasn't sure it was right, asking myself "is there such a word as malig-ner?" Of course it's actually one who maligns |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Hooligans attempted to switch sides (6) | ### Answer: TOUGHS
### Explanation: Definition: Hooligans
SOUGHT (attempted) with the outer letters swapped |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: To cancel, one rings (6) | ### Answer: ANNULI
### Explanation: Definition: rings
ANNUL + 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: Broadcast from underworld with acclaim (10) | ### Answer: DISTRIBUTE
### Explanation: Definition: Broadcast
DIS (Roman underworld) + TRIBUTE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Demoralised, like the Tories with Theresa gone? (8) | ### Answer: DISMAYED
### Explanation: Definition: Demoralised
DIS-MAY-ED, as the Tories were when Theresa May ceased to be leader and PM |
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 cover quickly behind vehicle (8) | ### Answer: CARAPACE
### Explanation: Definition: cover
CAR + APACE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Like a plant in difficulty — spots show this (3-5) | ### Answer: POT-BOUND
### Explanation: Definition: Like a plant in difficulty
POT is "bound" in sPOTs |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Namely, loveless idiot (4) | ### Answer: TWIT
### Explanation: Definition: idiot
TO WIT less O (love) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Immature adult — a Parisian lacking discipline (4) | ### Answer: YOGA
### Explanation: Definition: discipline
YOUNG A less UN (French "a") |
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 in Paris, stars will create difficult situations (10) | ### Answer: QUANDARIES
### Explanation: Definition: difficult situations
QUAND (French "when") + ARIES (constellation). Seems a bit strange to have Parisian/in Paris in consecutive clues |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Slobbering attracted Heather, it's said (8) | ### Answer: DROOLING
### Explanation: Definition: Slobbering
Homophone of "drew ling" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Jewish historian to tease our sort, penning record (8) | ### Answer: JOSEPHUS
### Explanation: Definition: Jewish historian
EP (record) in JOSH US – this was easy for me from the definition, as I don't think I could name another Jewish historian |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Oxford literary group in Cambridge college, entertaining learner (8) | ### Answer: INKLINGS
### Explanation: Definition: Oxford literary group
L in IN KING'S. The Inklings included C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien |
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 that's 5? You've got it! (4,2) | ### Answer: SPOT ON
### Explanation: Definition: You've got it
POT in SON. We have to read "that's" as "that has" for the cryptic meaning |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Being heartless, get away with trick (4) | ### Answer: SCAM
### Explanation: Definition: trick
SCRAM less its middle letter |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Good shot brings oppressor to premature end (4) | ### Answer: BULL
### Explanation: Definition: Good shot
BULL[Y] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sign, say, over vehicle (6) | ### Answer: GEMINI
### Explanation: Definition: Sign
E.G. ("say") reversed + MINI (car), for the astrological "sign" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Park employee called King Edward? (6) | ### Answer: RANGER
### Explanation: Definition: Park employee
RANG (called) + E.R. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Work away, almost leisurely, to get a lot of money (4) | ### Answer: SLOG
### Explanation: Definition: Work away
SLO[W] ("leisurely") + G (grand, 1000 pounds or dollars) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Denouncer's unorthodox antics 'cool' (10) | ### Answer: ICONOCLAST
### Explanation: Definition: Denouncer
(ANTICS COOL) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bit of a mishap: Grand Canal emptied and burning (6) | ### Answer: GLITCH
### Explanation: Definition: Bit of a mishap
G[rand cana]L + ITCH (burning). I spent a while trying to make this out of GC and LIT for "burning" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pull back, being a much-travelled character (8) | ### Answer: GULLIVER
### Explanation: Definition: a much-travelled character
LUG reversed + LIVER (one who lives, a being). Gulliver is a proposed European mission to collect samples from the Martian moon Deimos, so called because *Gulliver's Travels* describes the scientists of Laputa knowing of two moons orbiting Mars, over a century before they were actually found |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Energy-packed NCO material (9) | ### Answer: CORPOREAL
### Explanation: Definition: material
E in CORPORAL |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: World title cracked by amateur (4) | ### Answer: MARS
### Explanation: Definition: World
A[mateur] in MRS (title) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Don Juan's undone and missing a godly partner (4) | ### Answer: JUNO
### Explanation: Definition: a godly partner
Anagram of DON JUAN minus AND. In Roman mythology, Juno is the wife of Jupiter |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Qualifier, Jet, overwhelmed with advice (9) | ### Answer: ADJECTIVE
### Explanation: Definition: Qualifier
(JET ADVICE) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Trials take place here shortly — one has to be still (8) | ### Answer: INACTIVE
### Explanation: Definition: still
Trials taks place IN A C[our]T, + I'VE (I have = one has) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: For example, Sebastian Drive, backing onto ancient city (not eastern) (6) | ### Answer: MARTYR
### Explanation: Definition: For example, Sebastian
Reverse of RAM (to drive) + TYRE less E. St Sebastian was a third-century Christian martyr |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pioneer father secures source of hieroglyphic discovery (10) | ### Answer: PATHFINDER
### Explanation: Definition: Pioneer
H[ieroglyphic} + FIND (discovery) in PATER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Greens getting a conspicuous star (4) | ### Answer: VEGA
### Explanation: Definition: conspicuous star
VEG (vegetables, greens) + A |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Roger, protected by criminal, arrives at low point (6) | ### Answer: TROUGH
### Explanation: Definition: low point
R[oger] in TOUGH (criminal) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Alarm — time to put on slip (6) | ### Answer: TERROR
### Explanation: Definition: Alarm
T + ERROR. The opposite construction (removing T from TERROR to give ERROR) has already appeared twice in FT puzzles this week, so I was primed for this 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: Inquisition victim, young woman associated with international sign (7) | ### Answer: GALILEO
### Explanation: Definition: Inquisition victim
GAL (girl, young woman) + I[nternational] + LEO (another astrological sign) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Force could, possibly (5) | ### Answer: MIGHT
### Explanation: Definition: Force
Double 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: In no case loose the rein (7) | ### Answer: NEITHER
### Explanation: Definition: In no case
(THE REIN) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: God represented by parrot wearing a ring (6) | ### Answer: APOLLO
### Explanation: Definition: God
POLL (parrot) in A O |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Impertinence shown by terrible old ruler — time to run around (9) | ### Answer: GALLIVANT
### Explanation: Definition: to run around
GALL (impertinence) + IVAN (the Terrible) + T |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Artist, British actor and, finally, Francis Bacon (7) | ### Answer: RASHERS
### Explanation: Definition: Bacon
RA (artist) + SHER (Sir Antony Sher, actor) + [Franci]S |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Crude hooligan, Desperate Dan, has cash (5,3,5) | ### Answer: ROUGH AND READY
### Explanation: Definition: Crude
ROUGH (hooligan) + DAN* + READY (cash) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Obvious liar about to cut Chopin composition, Zeus's lover (9) | ### Answer: PINOCCHIO
### Explanation: Definition: Obvious liar
C (circa, about) in CHOPIN* + IO (Greek mythology this time – Io was a mortal lover of Zeus). Pinocchio was an "obvious liar" because of the nose-growing thing |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Vessel on which folk duo member found objects of rubbish (4,3) | ### Answer: JUNK ART
### Explanation: Definition: objects of rubbish
JUNK (vessel) + ART (Garfunkel, as in Simon and..) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Term wasted with eel that's prone to disease (3,4) | ### Answer: ELM TREE
### Explanation: Definition: that's prone to disease
(TERM EEL)* – the British Elm population was devastated by Dutch Elm disease in the 1970s |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Drake versus duck with a grey cast? (7) | ### Answer: VOYAGER
### Explanation: Definition: Drake
V[ersus] O (zero, duck) + (A GREY)* – as a definition-by-example this really needs a "maybe" after "Drake" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Marauding type of short woman married to ruler (6) | ### Answer: VIKING
### Explanation: Definition: Marauding type
VI (woman's name, short for Violet) joined or "married" to KING (ruler). Perhaps a better definition than "pirate", as in Monday's Quiptic |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Dog collar's hem old parson turned up? (5) | ### Answer: ROVER
### Explanation: Definition: Dog
Last letter or "hem" of collaR + O + reverse of REV. I wonder if any dogs are still called Rover (or Fido) these days |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bald eagle: fly off with cold chill around North (8,10) | ### Answer: FOLLICLY CHALLENGED
### Explanation: Definition: Bald
Anagram of EAGLE FLY COLD CHILL N. This facetious or euphemistic phrase isn't in Chambers, but does appear in several online dictionaries |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Teacher's to take one school to collect college books (6) | ### Answer: SCOTCH
### Explanation: Definition: Teacher's to take one
C[ollege] OT (Old Testament) in SCH; "to take one" means that Teacher's is an example of a Scotch whisky |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Gangster stole one (8) | ### Answer: SCARFACE
### Explanation: Definition: Gangster
SCARF + ACE. Scarface was a nickname of Al Capone |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cry as body of collier found in coalface? (6) | ### Answer: SCREAM
### Explanation: Definition: Cry
C[ollie]R in SEAM (coalface). I'm not sure how "body" can mean the outer letters |
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 good sign for workers here (8) | ### Answer: APIARIES
### Explanation: Definition: workers here
A + PI (pious, good) + ARIES (astrological sign); the workers are bees |
Subsets and Splits