0xharib/xword1 · Datasets at Hugging Face

instruction stringclasses 1 value	input stringlengths 16 143	output stringlengths 40 1.17k
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Special old city to make submission (9)	### Answer: SURRENDER ### Explanation: Definition: submission S(special) UR(old city) RENDER(to make, as in "to render harmless")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Deliveries are to some extent controversial (5)	### Answer: OVERS ### Explanation: Definition: Deliveries Hidden in(are to some extent) in contrOVERSial Defn: In cricket, an over is a set of six consecutive balls bowled,delivered from one end of the pitch.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Comedian receives rare summons (4)	### Answer: WRIT ### Explanation: Definition: summons WIT(comedian) containing(receives) R($$r$$are)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Network initially given free (4)	### Answer: GRID ### Explanation: Definition: Network G(first letter,initially of the word "given") RID(to free of, as in "to get rid of pests")
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 quartet in speech with a model prediction (8)	### Answer: FORECAST ### Explanation: Definition: prediction FORE{homophone of(in speech) quartet,four} plus(with) CAST(after casting from a mould of an object, you would get a model)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Avoid cut after escape (6)	### Answer: ESCHEW ### Explanation: Definition: Avoid HEW(cut,chop) placed after(after) ESC(what's stamped on the Escape button on your computer keyboard)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Boat on lake's broad and slow (5)	### Answer: LARGO ### Explanation: Definition: broad and slow ARGO(legendary boat,ship even, on which Jason, our setter's namesake, and company sailed in search of the Golden Fleece) placed after(on) L($$l$$ake) Defn: A musical instruction to play the passage slow in a broad and dignified manner.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pontificate on English test centre? It's complicated (9)	### Answer: ELABORATE ### Explanation: Definition: complicated ORATE(depending on how and what you say, could mean "pontificate") placed after(on) [E($$E$$nglish) LAB(short for $$lab$$oratory,test centre)]
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 awkward subject breaking news before King Edward? (3,6)	### Answer: HOT POTATO ### Explanation: Definition: An awkward subject HOT(descriptive of up-to-the-minute,breaking news) placed before(before) POTATO(an example,?, of which is the King 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: European runs in anorak? (5)	### Answer: GREEK ### Explanation: Definition: European R($$r$$uns, as in cricket) contained in(in) GEEK("anorak" used metaphorically for "nerds","geeks", because they wore such clothing in pursuit of their hobbies. But now the anorak is associated with more dangerous elements of society). Got stalled here by first entering CROAT, taking the literal meaning of "anorak".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Popular loch also away from the coast (6)	### Answer: INLAND ### Explanation: Definition: away from the coast IN(popular, as in the in-thing, the in-crowd) L($$l$$och,Scottish lake) AND(also,too)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Guy's securing correct pet with gent (4,3)	### Answer: TENT PEG ### Explanation: Definition: Guy's securing Anagram of(correct) [PET plus(with) GENT] Defn: What is securing the guy,rope to the ground when you put up your tent
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cartoonist's bloomers? (7)	### Answer: DRAWERS ### Explanation: Definition: bloomers DRAWER(cartoonist)'S. I think the singular form discounts it from being a double definition. Defn: An undergarment with legs covering the lower part of the body. The word "bloomers" is more interesting etymologically than I thought – originated with a women's costume advocated, not created, by American Amelia Jenks Bloomer, a female activist in her time. The clothing consisted of short skirt, loose trousers gathered and buttoned at the ankles, and a coat and wide hat. Now the term covers loose trousers gathered at the knees, as sportswear; drawers; just the trousers of the original Bloomer costume; or any women's garment with legs gathered at the bottom edge. Thought you might like to know!
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: A jungle with diamonds gets knocked for six (6)	### Answer: AMAZED ### Explanation: Definition: gets knocked for six A MAZE(jungle,confusion,haphazard arrangement of eg. streets) plus(with) D(abbrev. notation in eg. bridge for $$d$$iamonds, the playing cards suit)
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 whiff inside to ban (5)	### Answer: TABOO ### Explanation: Definition: ban A BO(abbrev. for body odour,a smell,whiff) contained in(inside) TO
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Please go in home following thanks (9)	### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Please ENTER(go in) {IN(at home,not out) placed after(following) TA(short for thanks)}
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Colleague locates counters (9)	### Answer: OPPOSITES ### Explanation: Definition: counters OPPO(colleague,associate) SITES(the singular verb of to place,locate)
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 cold ram is to malfunction (3,2)	### Answer: ACT UP ### Explanation: Definition: to malfunction A C($$c$$old) TUP(ram)
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 ignored the aforementioned dive to get down (6)	### Answer: SADDEN ### Explanation: Definition: to get down "Said Den",aforementioned dive,a disreputable club,den, perhaps, of iniquity minus(ignored) I Defn: To become sad,get down in the dumps
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Erotic dances with me first getting spectacular (8)	### Answer: METEORIC ### Explanation: Definition: spectacular Anagram of(dances) EROTIC plus(with) ME placed before(first)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Endless record on your old foul (6)	### Answer: FILTHY ### Explanation: Definition: foul FILE(record,file without its last letter,endless) placed before(on, in a down clue) THY(former word for your,possessive case of thee)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Land of Hope? I ruin a rat on the run (9)	### Answer: RURITANIA ### Explanation: Definition: Land of Hope Anagram of(on the run) I RUIN A RAT Defn: A fictional country,land which was the setting for novels by Anthony Hope (Hawkins). The term is now used to represent a hypothetical country in academic discussions. A passing reference to Land of Hope and Glory?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Reddy-brown deer reported in oily sea foam (9,6)	### Answer: CHOCOLATE MOUSSE ### Explanation: Definition: oily sea foam CHOCOLATE(the colour,reddish brown) MOUSSE{homophone of(reported) "moose", North American mammal of the deer family, occuring in north Europe and Asia as the "elk"} Defn: Having worked in the oil industry, this jargon was familiar to me, having touched, smelled, but definitely not tasted, it. An apt description otherwise for an emulsion,foam that is formed when crude or fuel oil mixes with water and air especially after an oil spill at sea, and then gets washed ashore. Nasty stuff. The meaning doesn't appear to have entered the traditional references?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Official to worry over a road (7)	### Answer: STEWARD ### Explanation: Definition: Official STEW(to worry,fret inside) placed before(over, in a down clue) A RD(abbrev. for road)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Imminent issue forced union (7,8)	### Answer: SHOTGUN MARRIAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Imminent issue forced union Cryptic defn: Scenario where your future father-in-law is behind you and your pregnant bride with a shotgun, literally or figuratively, to force you into a union, so that the results of sowing your wild oats,imminent issue, are legit. 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: Tug's energy in hold (5)	### Answer: HEAVE ### Explanation: Definition: Tug E(notation for $$e$$nergy, especially in physics) contained in(in) HAVE(to hold in your possession)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Specially arranged rag week around clubs remains (8)	### Answer: WRECKAGE ### Explanation: Definition: remains Anagram of(specially arranged) RAG WEEK containing(around) C(abbrev. for $$c$$lubs in playing cards)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Do Morse? A policeman initially involved with spiv (3,3)	### Answer: TAP OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Do Morse A P(first letter,initially of policeman) contained in(involved with) TOUT(spiv,eg. a racetrack tout,also a petty criminal) Defn: What one needs to do on the telegraph key in order to send out a message in Morse code. Nice surface, intertwining the fictional Inspector Morse, a cryptic enthusiast, with the criminal element.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Operetta's spoiled by my libretto? (9)	### Answer: POETASTER ### Explanation: Definition: Operetta's spoiled by my libretto Anagram of(spoiled) OPERETTAS Defn: A poetaster,poor poet would surely spoil an operetta if he/she were to write the libretti for it. My COD. Clever intertwining of definition and 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: Repros inside to get refurbed (8)	### Answer: EDITIONS ### Explanation: Definition: Repros Anagram of(get refurbed) INSIDE TO
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Covering where ships finally moor (6)	### Answer: SHEATH ### Explanation: Definition: Covering S(last letter,finally of ships) HEATH(moor) Defn: The noun, a close-fitting "covering", eg. a dagger's scabbard, or something that might have prevented a 6D.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Trouper in part is terrific (7)	### Answer: ARTISTE ### Explanation: Definition: Trouper Hidden in(in) pART IS TErrific
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 sort of hopeful punt nonspecialist includes (2,4)	### Answer: ON SPEC ### Explanation: Definition: The sort of hopeful punt Hidden in(includes) nONSPECialist Defn: Short for "on speculation",descriptive of eg. a bet,punt, with little or maybe no basis, except hope. A question of degree I would think, as all bets are, to some degree or other, hopeful.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Two-legged beast's tender boxing exercises? (5)	### Answer: BIPED ### Explanation: Definition: Two-legged beast BID(tender,an offer,a quotation) containing(boxing) PE($$p$$hysical $$e$$xercises) Defn: An animal,beast with two feet, but I guess two legs qualifies 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: Make nervous starlet wild after withdrawing her leading part? (6)	### Answer: RATTLE ### Explanation: Definition: Make nervous Anagram of(wild) TARLET(starlet without,after withdrawing its initial letter,her leading part)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: MP, caustic, awkward, when there's no time for fruit (8)	### Answer: CAPSICUM ### Explanation: Definition: fruit Anagram of(awkward) of MP CAUSIC("caustic" without "t",when there's no $$t$$ime) Defn: Fruit of the various plants of the capsicum genus, variously called chili pepper, red or green or sweet pepper, paprika, or bell pepper. Well, some are indeed bell-shaped.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Control movement of bovine creature (5)	### Answer: STEER ### Explanation: Definition: Control movement,bovine creature 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: Left-winger is embraced by stoical revolutionary (9)	### Answer: SOCIALIST ### Explanation: Definition: Left-winger IS contained in(embraced by) anagram of(revolutionary) STOICAL
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 expert, a friend you're texting (7)	### Answer: AMATEUR ### Explanation: Definition: No expert A MATE(friend) [U R](abbrev. for you are,you're in texting jargon)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Sated, regularly missing Blue Peter unfortunately (7)	### Answer: REPLETE ### Explanation: Definition: Sated Anagram of(unfortunately) [LE("blue" minus,missing "b,u" its first and third letters,regularly) *plus* PETER] Defn: Stuffed or gorged or full,sated with food and drink
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Jack, for one, is an amusing character (4)	### Answer: CARD ### Explanation: Definition: Jack, for one,an amusing character Double defn: 1st: One of four Jacks in a deck of playing cards
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Editor, full of interest in Paraguay's teaching theory (8)	### Answer: PEDAGOGY ### Explanation: Definition: teaching theory ED($$ed$$itor) AGOG(full of interest) contained in(in) PY(ISO code for Paraguay) Defn: The principles,theory of teaching – both art and science?
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Extremely staunch worker with international body, good material (8)	### Answer: SHANTUNG ### Explanation: Definition: material SH(first and last letters,extremely of "staunch") ANT(worker) UN($$U$$nited $$N$$ations,international body) G($$g$$ood) Defn: Originally, a coarse (having a knobbly surface) fabric,material woven from raw silk, made in Shantung (Shandong) province in North East China. Nowadays, it also means a cotton or rayon fabric imitating it.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rooms lacking sparkle (4)	### Answer: FLAT ### Explanation: Definition: Rooms,lacking sparkle Double defn: 1st: An apartment of rooms; and 2nd: Descriptive of a fizzy drink gone flat,lacking sparkle)
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 old tin can last to be kicked around (7)	### Answer: ANCIENT ### Explanation: Definition: Very old Anagram of(kicked around) [TIN CAN E(last letter of "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: Fight cut short at party next to Irish lady's place (7)	### Answer: BOUDOIR ### Explanation: Definition: lady's place BOU("bout",fight without its last letter,cut short) DO(party,bash) plus(next to) IR($$Ir$$ish) Defn: A dedicated room,place in a residence set aside for a lady to do, well, lady's things. A concept which most of us can ill-afford in today's residences.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: New tot, weeny, playing game (6-3)	### Answer: TWENTY-ONE ### Explanation: Definition: game Anagram of(playing) N($$n$$ew) TOT WEENY Defn: Aka vingt-et-un or blackjack
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Some of convent rite lacking originality (5)	### Answer: TRITE ### Explanation: Definition: lacking originality Hidden in(some of) convenT RITE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Various hearers start to protest, express in another way (8)	### Answer: REPHRASE ### Explanation: Definition: express in another way Anagram of(various) [HEARERS plus P(initial letter of,start to "protest")]
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 helps to make 25 foul, we hear, after intensive publicity's curtailed? (6)	### Answer: HYPHEN ### Explanation: Definition: It helps to make 25 HEN{fowl,homophone(we hear) of "foul"} placed after(after) HYP(hype,intensive publicity without its last letter,curtailed) Defn: Answer to 25 across would "twentyone" or "twenty one" without it, so it does help.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Study reconstructed cars here (8)	### Answer: RESEARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Study Anagram of(reconstructed) CARS HERE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: House he's included in reference work (9)	### Answer: THESAURUS ### Explanation: Definition: reference work HE'S contained in(included in) TAURUS(in astrology, one of the 12 houses,divisions of the zodiac) Defn: A reference work that is very useful to cryptic crossword solvers.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bird with tail hidden seen above the German store (6)	### Answer: LARDER ### Explanation: Definition: store LAR(a bird,"lark" without its last letter,with tail hidden) placed before(seen above, in a down clue) DER(German for "the")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Near Baltic Sea change can be found (for sure) (13)	### Answer: ASCERTAINABLE ### Explanation: Definition: can be found (for sure) Anagram of(change) NEAR BALTIC SEA Defn: Descriptive of something which definitely can be found, and which can be determined,found definitely,with certainty,for sure
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bogus, that's disgusting, clean-up needed! (7)	### Answer: SHAMPOO ### Explanation: Definition: clean-up needed SHAM(bogus) POO(that's disgusting stuff!)
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 country's cold, they say (5)	### Answer: CHILE ### Explanation: Definition: The country Homophone of(they say) "chilly",cold. Could also have been clued "hot" or "chili", cf 4A.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Contest in water off France is something I'm good at (6)	### Answer: METIER ### Explanation: Definition: something I'm good at TIE(contest,match) contained in(in) MER(the word for sea,water, off France,in the French language) Defn: A field of work which is my forte,something I'm good 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: Clandestine trip suits roué on the move (13)	### Answer: SURREPTITIOUS ### Explanation: Definition: Clandestine Anagram of(on the move) TRIP SUITS ROUE
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 over desire to be somewhat lacking in courage? (9)	### Answer: YELLOWISH ### Explanation: Definition: somewhat lacking in courage? YELL(loud cry) O($$o$$ver, as in cricket) WISH(desire,want) Defn: Whimsy,?, putting the suffix -ish,somewhat,rather to yellow, a colour associated with cowardice,lacking in courage. Apparently the origin of the colour association is unknown, though it could be from sickliness and the consequent lack of force and vigour.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fish from Thailand doctor's seen eating (8)	### Answer: STURGEON ### Explanation: Definition: Fish SURGEON(doctor who cuts up) containing(seen eating) T(Internation Vehicle Registration code for Thailand)
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 helping criminal improved after article's appearance (7)	### Answer: ABETTER ### Explanation: Definition: One helping criminal BETTER(improved) placed after(after…'s appearance) A(the indefinite article) Defn: As in "aiding and abetting", making the helper a criminal himself/herself.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Taking paper in to read upside down? More foolish! (6)	### Answer: DAFTER ### Explanation: Definition: More foolish Reversal of(upside down, in a down clue) READ containing(taking…in) FT(Financial Times,this paper)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Girl's greeting abrupt and outwardly surly (6)	### Answer: CURTSY ### Explanation: Definition: Girl's greeting CURT(abrupt,terse) plus(and) SY(outermost letters,outwardly of "surly") Defn: Also spelled curtsey, a variant of courtesy. Interestingly, it did not start as being an exclusively feminine,girl's greeting
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 inhales drug of poor quality (5)	### Answer: CHEAP ### Explanation: Definition: of poor quality CHAP(man) containing(inhales) E(abbrev. for the drug, Ecstasy)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Against Jack helping holocaust (13)	### Answer: CONFLAGRATION ### Explanation: Definition: holocaust CON(against,opposing,from Latin $$con$$tra) FLAG(a flag, famous example being the Union Jack) RATION(a helping,portion, eg. of food) Defn: A extensive fire causing such destruction,holocaust with a lower-case initial 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: Intern ate stew in harbour (9)	### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: harbour Anagram of(stew) INTERN ATE Defn: To hold, embrace or cherish in the mind, as in "to entertain,harbour thoughts of being famous"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Simple to be the first person in the body of the church (5)	### Answer: NAIVE ### Explanation: Definition: Simple I(first person pronoun) contained in(in) NAVE(the main space,body of a church building).
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Taxidermist initially given rotting body part (5)	### Answer: THIGH ### Explanation: Definition: body part T(first letter,initially of "taxidermist") HIGH(descriptive of meat, especially game, left to decompose,rot before consumption, apparently enhancing the flavour). 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: Meant assembly to go round labyrinth in wonder (9)	### Answer: AMAZEMENT ### Explanation: Definition: wonder Anagram of(assembly) MEANT containing(to go round) MAZE(labyrinth)
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 after no ball when cutting (7)	### Answer: EXTRACT ### Explanation: Definition: cutting CT(caught, as in cricket notation) placed after(after) EXTRA(a run awarded when a "no ball" is delivered) Defn: Noun, a cutting,piece cut from say, a newspaper article. Nice cricketing surface, as a "cut" is also a batting stroke.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Notice attendant dripping (7)	### Answer: SEEPAGE ### Explanation: Definition: dripping SEE(verb, to notice) PAGE(an attendant, eg. in the royal court) Defn: Liquid that comes out of,seeps from a slow leak
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Judge's heroic, if agitated, in Palestine (7)	### Answer: JERICHO ### Explanation: Definition: in Palestine J(a $$j$$udge) plus anagram of(agitated) HEROIC Defn: Biblical city in Palestine.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Startle team leader dropped into a well (7)	### Answer: ASTOUND ### Explanation: Definition: Startle T(initial letter,leader of "team") contained in(dropped into) [A {WELL}(adjective, all right,sound,free from defect)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Blast shy Indian opener's wicket (9)	### Answer: CASTIGATE ### Explanation: Definition: Blast CAST(a quick throw,shy as in a coconut shy at a fair) I(initial letter,opener of "Indian") GATE(wicket, eg. a turnstile, not a cricketing reference this time) Defn: To vigorously scold or criticise,blast, not to be confused with having a good time,blast on a night out.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Pluto gets sunglasses off first (5)	### Answer: HADES ### Explanation: Definition: Pluto "Shades"(slang for sunglasses) minus(off) its first letter. Defn: Hades to the Greeks and Pluto to the Romans, the mythical god of the underworld,hell. Not to be confused with Walt Disney's dog nor the downgraded planet.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Arouse approval in a girl (5)	### Answer: EVOKE ### Explanation: Definition: Arouse OK(okay,alright,approval) contained in(in) EVE(name for a girl)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Notice vehicle in popular church beforehand (2,7)	### Answer: IN ADVANCE ### Explanation: Definition: beforehand [AD($$ad$$vertisement,notice in print media) VAN(a vehicle)] contained in(in) [IN(popular as in the in-place,in-crowd) CE($$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Kind but eccentric theatre legend (6-7)	### Answer: GENTLE-HEARTED ### Explanation: Definition: Kind Anagram of(eccentric) THEATRE LEGEND
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Tailor is abroad, getting more qualified (9)	### Answer: OUTFITTER ### Explanation: Definition: Tailor OUT(abroad,out of the country) plus(getting) FITTER(comparative,more of fit,qualified)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Keep Henry away (5)	### Answer: FORTH ### Explanation: Definition: away FORT(noun, keep,strictly speaking, the innermost and strongest part of a stronghold,castle,fort) H($$H$$enry) Defn: In the direction out and away from one, as in "go forth".
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 person overseeing worker is determined (7)	### Answer: ADAMANT ### Explanation: Definition: determined ADAM(the first human,person) placed before(overseeing, in a down clue) ANT(could be of the worker caste in an ant colony)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Building worker upset about new items for hire (7)	### Answer: RENTALS ### Explanation: Definition: items for hire Reversal of(upset) SLATER(worker,craftsman who tiles,slates your house,building) containing(about) N($$n$$ew)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Rested ten in organisation? Most kind! (9)	### Answer: TENDEREST ### Explanation: Definition: Most kind Anagram of(in organization) RESTED TEN
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Believe person is without a relationship (5)	### Answer: OPINE ### Explanation: Definition: Believe ONE(an individual,person) containing(without) PI(the relationship,ratio = circumference of a circle divided by its diameter, a decimal number that people actually vie to memorise. Guinness record holder has got it to 67890 digits, and there's an unconfirmed feat of 100,000 digits. Talk about single-mindedness. Me, I'm happy with 3.142 or even 22/7)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Hide clothing and grub (13)	### Answer: LEATHERJACKET ### Explanation: Definition: grub LEATHER(material made from the hide,skin of an animal) JACKET(an item of clothing) Defn: The larval young,grub of the crane fly, commonly called daddy-longlegs in the UK.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Cleaner in panic, when harbouring the rudest criminal (7,6)	### Answer: FEATHER DUSTER ### Explanation: Definition: Cleaner FEAR(panic) containing(when harbouring) anagram of(criminal) THE RUDEST. Defn: What the domestic help uses to clean. I recall in my childhood when the non-feathered end made a handy cane to used on naughty children.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Designer makes Catholic dose with ecstasy during play (9)	### Answer: ARCHITECT ### Explanation: Definition: Designer [RC($$R$$oman $$C$$atholic) HIT(slang for a dose of a narcotic drug, eg. Ecstasy) E(the drug, $$E$$cstasy)] contained in(during) ACT(verb, act in,play a role eg. in a play)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Lots roll into a ball (9)	### Answer: ABUNDANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Lots BUN(roll of bread) contained in(into) {A DANCE}(a ball,an event featuring food, drink, and dance). Defn: Noun for plenty,lots.
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 on an inlay that's iridescent (7)	### Answer: OPALINE ### Explanation: Definition: iridescent OP($$op$$us,a work of music or literature) placed before(on, in a down clue) A LINE(a narrow continuous mark cut into a solid surface and then filled by the same or another material of a different colour/texture/etc, the inlay. Though inlays could also be broadly shaped.) Defn: Opaline is the exhibiting of different colours, like in an opal. Iridescence is the range of colours that you see on soap bubbles and oil films. I don't think they're the same phenomenon though, scientifically speaking.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Woman in advancing years becomes mean (7)	### Answer: AVERAGE ### Explanation: Definition: mean VERA(name for a woman) contained in(in) AGE(advancing in years) Defn: Another mathematical relationship = Sum of numbers divided by the number of numbers. Another nice surface, but with apologies to those who don't become mean.
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 about Tory account (5)	### Answer: SCORE ### Explanation: Definition: account SORE(feeling angry at someone/something, like "a bear with a sore nose") containing(about) C($$C$$onservative,Tory) Defn: A reckoning,account, as in "to settle a score".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Bear queen to vacillate (5)	### Answer: HAVER ### Explanation: Definition: vacillate HAVE(to hold,bear eg. a grudge) R($$r$$egina, from Latin for queen)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Place to sleep has floor covering and lock (8)	### Answer: MATTRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Place to sleep MAT(floor covering,rug) TRESS(lock of hair) Defn: I guess an object to sleep on can be stretched to a "place".
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: With no love left, misguided lothario makes boastful speech (3,3)	### Answer: HOT AIR ### Explanation: Definition: boastful speech Anagram of(misguided) THARIO("lothario" without,with no "o",love & "l",left)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Excellent penalty! (4)	### Answer: FINE ### Explanation: Definition: Excellent,penalty Double defn. 1st: Great!
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Fake folio made by a conservative is libellous (10)	### Answer: DEFAMATORY ### Explanation: Definition: libellous Anagram of(fake) [F($$f$$olio) & MADE] plus(by) A TORY(a member of the Conservative party)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Brutus cannily trapping Italian (6)	### Answer: TUSCAN ### Explanation: Definition: Italian Hidden in(trapping) bruTUS CANnily
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Extremely angry to discover affair (8)	### Answer: SEETHING ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely angry SEE(discover) THING(euphemism for an affair as in "to have a thing with somebody", almost always involving the euphemistic "it")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Furious slap received by Pembroke's last earl making pass (6)	### Answer: ELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: pass Anagram of(furious) SLAP contained in(received by) [E(last letter of Pembroke) & E($$e$$arl)] Defn: The verb as in time passes.
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.	### Clue: Accompanist in kinky corset (6)	### Answer: ESCORT ### Explanation: Definition: Accompanist Anagram of(kinky) CORSET Defn: "Accompanist" is a somewhat whimsical defn. of someone who escorts (to accompany and also intended to protect or restrict) you in your travels. The word is properly used for the one who provides musical accompaniment.

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

### Clue: Special old city to make submission (9)

### Answer: SURRENDER ### Explanation: Definition: submission S(special) UR(old city) RENDER(to make, as in "to render harmless")

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### Clue: Deliveries are to some extent controversial (5)

### Answer: OVERS ### Explanation: Definition: Deliveries **Hidden in**(are to some extent) in contrOVERSial Defn: In cricket, an over is a set of six consecutive balls bowled,delivered from one end of the pitch.

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

### Clue: Comedian receives rare summons (4)

### Answer: WRIT ### Explanation: Definition: summons WIT(comedian) **containing**(receives) R($$r$$are)

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### Clue: Network initially given free (4)

### Answer: GRID ### Explanation: Definition: Network G(first letter,initially of the word "given") RID(to free of, as in "to get rid of pests")

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 quartet in speech with a model prediction (8)

### Answer: FORECAST ### Explanation: Definition: prediction FORE{**homophone of**(in speech) quartet,four} **plus**(with) CAST(after casting from a mould of an object, you would get a model)

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

### Clue: Avoid cut after escape (6)

### Answer: ESCHEW ### Explanation: Definition: Avoid HEW(cut,chop) **placed after**(after) ESC(what's stamped on the Escape button on your computer keyboard)

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### Clue: Boat on lake's broad and slow (5)

### Answer: LARGO ### Explanation: Definition: broad and slow ARGO(legendary boat,ship even, on which Jason, our setter's namesake, and company sailed in search of the Golden Fleece) **placed after**(on) L($$l$$ake) Defn: A musical instruction to play the passage slow in a broad and dignified manner.

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### Clue: Pontificate on English test centre? It's complicated (9)

### Answer: ELABORATE ### Explanation: Definition: complicated ORATE(depending on how and what you say, could mean "pontificate") **placed after**(on) [E($$E$$nglish) LAB(short for $$lab$$oratory,test centre)]

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 awkward subject breaking news before King Edward? (3,6)

### Answer: HOT POTATO ### Explanation: Definition: An awkward subject HOT(descriptive of up-to-the-minute,breaking news) **placed before**(before) POTATO(an example,?, of which is the King Edward)

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### Clue: European runs in anorak? (5)

### Answer: GREEK ### Explanation: Definition: European R($$r$$uns, as in cricket) **contained in**(in) GEEK("anorak" used metaphorically for "nerds","geeks", because they wore such clothing in pursuit of their hobbies. But now the anorak is associated with more dangerous elements of society). Got stalled here by first entering CROAT, taking the literal meaning of "anorak".

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### Clue: Popular loch also away from the coast (6)

### Answer: INLAND ### Explanation: Definition: away from the coast IN(popular, as in the in-thing, the in-crowd) L($$l$$och,Scottish lake) AND(also,too)

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### Clue: Guy's securing correct pet with gent (4,3)

### Answer: TENT PEG ### Explanation: Definition: Guy's securing **Anagram of**(correct) [PET **plus**(with) GENT] Defn: What is securing the guy,rope to the ground when you put up your tent

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### Clue: Cartoonist's bloomers? (7)

### Answer: DRAWERS ### Explanation: Definition: bloomers DRAWER(cartoonist)'S. I think the singular form discounts it from being a double definition. Defn: An undergarment with legs covering the lower part of the body. The word "bloomers" is more interesting etymologically than I thought – originated with a women's costume advocated, not created, by American Amelia Jenks Bloomer, a female activist in her time. The clothing consisted of short skirt, loose trousers gathered and buttoned at the ankles, and a coat and wide hat. Now the term covers loose trousers gathered at the knees, as sportswear; drawers; just the trousers of the original Bloomer costume; or any women's garment with legs gathered at the bottom edge. Thought you might like to know!

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### Clue: A jungle with diamonds gets knocked for six (6)

### Answer: AMAZED ### Explanation: Definition: gets knocked for six A MAZE(jungle,confusion,haphazard arrangement of eg. streets) **plus**(with) D(abbrev. notation in eg. bridge for $$d$$iamonds, the playing cards suit)

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 whiff inside to ban (5)

### Answer: TABOO ### Explanation: Definition: ban A BO(abbrev. for body odour,a smell,whiff) **contained in**(inside) TO

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### Clue: Please go in home following thanks (9)

### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: Please ENTER(go in) {IN(at home,not out) **placed after**(following) TA(short for thanks)}

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### Clue: Colleague locates counters (9)

### Answer: OPPOSITES ### Explanation: Definition: counters OPPO(colleague,associate) SITES(the singular verb of to place,locate)

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### Clue: A cold ram is to malfunction (3,2)

### Answer: ACT UP ### Explanation: Definition: to malfunction A C($$c$$old) TUP(ram)

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### Clue: I ignored the aforementioned dive to get down (6)

### Answer: SADDEN ### Explanation: Definition: to get down "Said Den",aforementioned dive,a disreputable club,den, perhaps, of iniquity **minus**(ignored) I Defn: To become sad,get down in the dumps

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

### Clue: Erotic dances with me first getting spectacular (8)

### Answer: METEORIC ### Explanation: Definition: spectacular **Anagram of**(dances) EROTIC **plus**(with) ME **placed before**(first)

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### Clue: Endless record on your old foul (6)

### Answer: FILTHY ### Explanation: Definition: foul FILE(record,file without its last letter,endless) **placed before**(on, in a down clue) THY(former word for your,possessive case of thee)

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### Clue: Land of Hope? I ruin a rat on the run (9)

### Answer: RURITANIA ### Explanation: Definition: Land of Hope **Anagram of**(on the run) I RUIN A RAT Defn: A fictional country,land which was the setting for novels by Anthony Hope (Hawkins). The term is now used to represent a hypothetical country in academic discussions. A passing reference to Land of Hope and Glory?

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### Clue: Reddy-brown deer reported in oily sea foam (9,6)

### Answer: CHOCOLATE MOUSSE ### Explanation: Definition: oily sea foam CHOCOLATE(the colour,reddish brown) MOUSSE{**homophone of**(reported) "moose", North American mammal of the deer family, occuring in north Europe and Asia as the "elk"} Defn: Having worked in the oil industry, this jargon was familiar to me, having touched, smelled, but definitely not tasted, it. An apt description otherwise for an emulsion,foam that is formed when crude or fuel oil mixes with water and air especially after an oil spill at sea, and then gets washed ashore. Nasty stuff. The meaning doesn't appear to have entered the traditional references?

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### Clue: Official to worry over a road (7)

### Answer: STEWARD ### Explanation: Definition: Official STEW(to worry,fret inside) **placed before**(over, in a down clue) A RD(abbrev. for road)

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### Clue: Imminent issue forced union (7,8)

### Answer: SHOTGUN MARRIAGE ### Explanation: Definition: Imminent issue forced union Cryptic defn: Scenario where your future father-in-law is behind you and your pregnant bride with a shotgun, literally or figuratively, to force you into a union, so that the results of sowing your wild oats,imminent issue, are legit. Nice surface.

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### Clue: Tug's energy in hold (5)

### Answer: HEAVE ### Explanation: Definition: Tug E(notation for $$e$$nergy, especially in physics) **contained in**(in) HAVE(to hold in your possession)

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### Clue: Specially arranged rag week around clubs remains (8)

### Answer: WRECKAGE ### Explanation: Definition: remains **Anagram of**(specially arranged) RAG WEEK **containing**(around) C(abbrev. for $$c$$lubs in playing cards)

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### Clue: Do Morse? A policeman initially involved with spiv (3,3)

### Answer: TAP OUT ### Explanation: Definition: Do Morse A P(first letter,initially of policeman) **contained in**(involved with) TOUT(spiv,eg. a racetrack tout,also a petty criminal) Defn: What one needs to do on the telegraph key in order to send out a message in Morse code. Nice surface, intertwining the fictional Inspector Morse, a cryptic enthusiast, with the criminal element.

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### Clue: Operetta's spoiled by my libretto? (9)

### Answer: POETASTER ### Explanation: Definition: Operetta's spoiled by my libretto **Anagram of**(spoiled) OPERETTAS Defn: A poetaster,poor poet would surely spoil an operetta if he/she were to write the libretti for it. My COD. Clever intertwining of definition and wordplay.

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### Clue: Repros inside to get refurbed (8)

### Answer: EDITIONS ### Explanation: Definition: Repros **Anagram of**(get refurbed) INSIDE TO

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### Clue: Covering where ships finally moor (6)

### Answer: SHEATH ### Explanation: Definition: Covering S(last letter,finally of ships) HEATH(moor) Defn: The noun, a close-fitting "covering", eg. a dagger's scabbard, or something that might have prevented a 6D.

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### Clue: Trouper in part is terrific (7)

### Answer: ARTISTE ### Explanation: Definition: Trouper **Hidden in**(in) pART IS TErrific

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### Clue: The sort of hopeful punt nonspecialist includes (2,4)

### Answer: ON SPEC ### Explanation: Definition: The sort of hopeful punt **Hidden in**(includes) nONSPECialist Defn: Short for "on speculation",descriptive of eg. a bet,punt, with little or maybe no basis, except hope. A question of degree I would think, as all bets are, to some degree or other, hopeful.

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### Clue: Two-legged beast's tender boxing exercises? (5)

### Answer: BIPED ### Explanation: Definition: Two-legged beast BID(tender,an offer,a quotation) **containing**(boxing) PE($$p$$hysical $$e$$xercises) Defn: An animal,beast with two feet, but I guess two legs qualifies as well.

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### Clue: Make nervous starlet wild after withdrawing her leading part? (6)

### Answer: RATTLE ### Explanation: Definition: Make nervous **Anagram of**(wild) TARLET(starlet without,after withdrawing its initial letter,her leading part)

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### Clue: MP, caustic, awkward, when there's no time for fruit (8)

### Answer: CAPSICUM ### Explanation: Definition: fruit **Anagram of**(awkward) of MP CAUSIC("caustic" without "t",when there's no $$t$$ime) Defn: Fruit of the various plants of the capsicum genus, variously called chili pepper, red or green or sweet pepper, paprika, or bell pepper. Well, some are indeed bell-shaped.

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### Clue: Control movement of bovine creature (5)

### Answer: STEER ### Explanation: Definition: Control movement,bovine creature Double defn.

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### Clue: Left-winger is embraced by stoical revolutionary (9)

### Answer: SOCIALIST ### Explanation: Definition: Left-winger IS **contained in**(embraced by) **anagram of**(revolutionary) STOICAL

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### Clue: No expert, a friend you're texting (7)

### Answer: AMATEUR ### Explanation: Definition: No expert A MATE(friend) [U R](abbrev. for you are,you're in texting jargon)

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### Clue: Sated, regularly missing Blue Peter unfortunately (7)

### Answer: REPLETE ### Explanation: Definition: Sated **Anagram of**(unfortunately) [LE("blue" **minus**,missing "b,u" its first and third letters,regularly) ***plus*** PETER] Defn: Stuffed or gorged or full,sated with food and drink

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### Clue: Jack, for one, is an amusing character (4)

### Answer: CARD ### Explanation: Definition: Jack, for one,an amusing character Double defn: 1st: One of four Jacks in a deck of playing cards

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### Clue: Editor, full of interest in Paraguay's teaching theory (8)

### Answer: PEDAGOGY ### Explanation: Definition: teaching theory ED($$ed$$itor) AGOG(full of interest) **contained in**(in) PY(ISO code for Paraguay) Defn: The principles,theory of teaching – both art and science?

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### Clue: Extremely staunch worker with international body, good material (8)

### Answer: SHANTUNG ### Explanation: Definition: material SH(first and last letters,extremely of "staunch") ANT(worker) UN($$U$$nited $$N$$ations,international body) G($$g$$ood) Defn: Originally, a coarse (having a knobbly surface) fabric,material woven from raw silk, made in Shantung (Shandong) province in North East China. Nowadays, it also means a cotton or rayon fabric imitating it.

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### Clue: Rooms lacking sparkle (4)

### Answer: FLAT ### Explanation: Definition: Rooms,lacking sparkle Double defn: 1st: An apartment of rooms; and 2nd: Descriptive of a fizzy drink gone flat,lacking sparkle)

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### Clue: Very old tin can last to be kicked around (7)

### Answer: ANCIENT ### Explanation: Definition: Very old **Anagram of**(kicked around) [TIN CAN E(last letter of "be")]

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### Clue: Fight cut short at party next to Irish lady's place (7)

### Answer: BOUDOIR ### Explanation: Definition: lady's place BOU("bout",fight without its last letter,cut short) DO(party,bash) **plus**(next to) IR($$Ir$$ish) Defn: A dedicated room,place in a residence set aside for a lady to do, well, lady's things. A concept which most of us can ill-afford in today's residences.

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### Clue: New tot, weeny, playing game (6-3)

### Answer: TWENTY-ONE ### Explanation: Definition: game **Anagram of**(playing) N($$n$$ew) TOT WEENY Defn: Aka vingt-et-un or blackjack

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### Clue: Some of convent rite lacking originality (5)

### Answer: TRITE ### Explanation: Definition: lacking originality **Hidden in**(some of) convenT RITE

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### Clue: Various hearers start to protest, express in another way (8)

### Answer: REPHRASE ### Explanation: Definition: express in another way **Anagram of**(various) [HEARERS **plus** P(initial letter of,start to "protest")]

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### Clue: It helps to make 25 foul, we hear, after intensive publicity's curtailed? (6)

### Answer: HYPHEN ### Explanation: Definition: It helps to make 25 HEN{fowl,homophone(we hear) of "foul"} **placed after**(after) HYP(hype,intensive publicity without its last letter,curtailed) Defn: Answer to 25 across would "twentyone" or "twenty one" without it, so it does help.

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### Clue: Study reconstructed cars here (8)

### Answer: RESEARCH ### Explanation: Definition: Study **Anagram of**(reconstructed) CARS HERE

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### Clue: House he's included in reference work (9)

### Answer: THESAURUS ### Explanation: Definition: reference work HE'S **contained in**(included in) TAURUS(in astrology, one of the 12 houses,divisions of the zodiac) Defn: A reference work that is very useful to cryptic crossword solvers.

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### Clue: Bird with tail hidden seen above the German store (6)

### Answer: LARDER ### Explanation: Definition: store LAR(a bird,"lark" without its last letter,with tail hidden) **placed before**(seen above, in a down clue) DER(German for "the")

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### Clue: Near Baltic Sea change can be found (for sure) (13)

### Answer: ASCERTAINABLE ### Explanation: Definition: can be found (for sure) **Anagram of**(change) NEAR BALTIC SEA Defn: Descriptive of something which definitely can be found, and which can be determined,found definitely,with certainty,for sure

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### Clue: Bogus, that's disgusting, clean-up needed! (7)

### Answer: SHAMPOO ### Explanation: Definition: clean-up needed SHAM(bogus) POO(that's disgusting stuff!)

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### Clue: The country's cold, they say (5)

### Answer: CHILE ### Explanation: Definition: The country **Homophone of**(they say) "chilly",cold. Could also have been clued "hot" or "chili", cf 4A.

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### Clue: Contest in water off France is something I'm good at (6)

### Answer: METIER ### Explanation: Definition: something I'm good at TIE(contest,match) **contained in**(in) MER(the word for sea,water, off France,in the French language) Defn: A field of work which is my forte,something I'm good at

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### Clue: Clandestine trip suits roué on the move (13)

### Answer: SURREPTITIOUS ### Explanation: Definition: Clandestine **Anagram of**(on the move) TRIP SUITS ROUE

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### Clue: Cry over desire to be somewhat lacking in courage? (9)

### Answer: YELLOWISH ### Explanation: Definition: somewhat lacking in courage? YELL(loud cry) O($$o$$ver, as in cricket) WISH(desire,want) Defn: Whimsy,?, putting the suffix -ish,somewhat,rather to yellow, a colour associated with cowardice,lacking in courage. Apparently the origin of the colour association is unknown, though it could be from sickliness and the consequent lack of force and vigour.

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### Clue: Fish from Thailand doctor's seen eating (8)

### Answer: STURGEON ### Explanation: Definition: Fish SURGEON(doctor who cuts up) **containing**(seen eating) T(Internation Vehicle Registration code for Thailand)

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### Clue: One helping criminal improved after article's appearance (7)

### Answer: ABETTER ### Explanation: Definition: One helping criminal BETTER(improved) **placed after**(after…'s appearance) A(the indefinite article) Defn: As in "aiding and abetting", making the helper a criminal himself/herself.

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### Clue: Taking paper in to read upside down? More foolish! (6)

### Answer: DAFTER ### Explanation: Definition: More foolish **Reversal of**(upside down, in a down clue) READ **containing**(taking…in) FT(Financial Times,this paper)

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### Clue: Girl's greeting abrupt and outwardly surly (6)

### Answer: CURTSY ### Explanation: Definition: Girl's greeting CURT(abrupt,terse) **plus**(and) SY(outermost letters,outwardly of "surly") Defn: Also spelled curtsey, a variant of courtesy. Interestingly, it did not start as being an exclusively feminine,girl's greeting

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 inhales drug of poor quality (5)

### Answer: CHEAP ### Explanation: Definition: of poor quality CHAP(man) **containing**(inhales) E(abbrev. for the drug, Ecstasy)

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### Clue: Against Jack helping holocaust (13)

### Answer: CONFLAGRATION ### Explanation: Definition: holocaust CON(against,opposing,from Latin $$con$$tra) FLAG(a flag, famous example being the Union Jack) RATION(a helping,portion, eg. of food) Defn: A extensive fire causing such destruction,holocaust with a lower-case initial letter.

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### Clue: Intern ate stew in harbour (9)

### Answer: ENTERTAIN ### Explanation: Definition: harbour **Anagram of**(stew) INTERN ATE Defn: To hold, embrace or cherish in the mind, as in "to entertain,harbour thoughts of being famous"

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### Clue: Simple to be the first person in the body of the church (5)

### Answer: NAIVE ### Explanation: Definition: Simple I(first person pronoun) **contained in**(in) NAVE(the main space,body of a church building).

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### Clue: Taxidermist initially given rotting body part (5)

### Answer: THIGH ### Explanation: Definition: body part T(first letter,initially of "taxidermist") HIGH(descriptive of meat, especially game, left to decompose,rot before consumption, apparently enhancing the flavour). Nice surface.

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### Clue: Meant assembly to go round labyrinth in wonder (9)

### Answer: AMAZEMENT ### Explanation: Definition: wonder **Anagram of**(assembly) MEANT **containing**(to go round) MAZE(labyrinth)

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### Clue: Caught after no ball when cutting (7)

### Answer: EXTRACT ### Explanation: Definition: cutting CT(caught, as in cricket notation) **placed after**(after) EXTRA(a run awarded when a "no ball" is delivered) Defn: Noun, a cutting,piece cut from say, a newspaper article. Nice cricketing surface, as a "cut" is also a batting stroke.

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### Clue: Notice attendant dripping (7)

### Answer: SEEPAGE ### Explanation: Definition: dripping SEE(verb, to notice) PAGE(an attendant, eg. in the royal court) Defn: Liquid that comes out of,seeps from a slow leak

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### Clue: Judge's heroic, if agitated, in Palestine (7)

### Answer: JERICHO ### Explanation: Definition: in Palestine J(a $$j$$udge) **plus** **anagram of**(agitated) HEROIC Defn: Biblical city in Palestine.

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### Clue: Startle team leader dropped into a well (7)

### Answer: ASTOUND ### Explanation: Definition: Startle T(initial letter,leader of "team") **contained in**(dropped into) [A {WELL}(adjective, all right,sound,free from defect)]

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### Clue: Blast shy Indian opener's wicket (9)

### Answer: CASTIGATE ### Explanation: Definition: Blast CAST(a quick throw,shy as in a coconut shy at a fair) I(initial letter,opener of "Indian") GATE(wicket, eg. a turnstile, not a cricketing reference this time) Defn: To vigorously scold or criticise,blast, not to be confused with having a good time,blast on a night out.

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### Clue: Pluto gets sunglasses off first (5)

### Answer: HADES ### Explanation: Definition: Pluto "Shades"(slang for sunglasses) **minus**(off) its first letter. Defn: Hades to the Greeks and Pluto to the Romans, the mythical god of the underworld,hell. Not to be confused with Walt Disney's dog nor the downgraded planet.

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### Clue: Arouse approval in a girl (5)

### Answer: EVOKE ### Explanation: Definition: Arouse OK(okay,alright,approval) **contained in**(in) EVE(name for a girl)

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### Clue: Notice vehicle in popular church beforehand (2,7)

### Answer: IN ADVANCE ### Explanation: Definition: beforehand [AD($$ad$$vertisement,notice in print media) VAN(a vehicle)] **contained in**(in) [IN(popular as in the in-place,in-crowd) CE($$C$$hurch of $$E$$ngland)]

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

### Clue: Kind but eccentric theatre legend (6-7)

### Answer: GENTLE-HEARTED ### Explanation: Definition: Kind **Anagram of**(eccentric) THEATRE LEGEND

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### Clue: Tailor is abroad, getting more qualified (9)

### Answer: OUTFITTER ### Explanation: Definition: Tailor OUT(abroad,out of the country) **plus**(getting) FITTER(comparative,more of fit,qualified)

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### Clue: Keep Henry away (5)

### Answer: FORTH ### Explanation: Definition: away FORT(noun, keep,strictly speaking, the innermost and strongest part of a stronghold,castle,fort) H($$H$$enry) Defn: In the direction out and away from one, as in "go forth".

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 person overseeing worker is determined (7)

### Answer: ADAMANT ### Explanation: Definition: determined ADAM(the first human,person) **placed before**(overseeing, in a down clue) ANT(could be of the worker caste in an ant colony)

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

### Clue: Building worker upset about new items for hire (7)

### Answer: RENTALS ### Explanation: Definition: items for hire **Reversal of**(upset) SLATER(worker,craftsman who tiles,slates your house,building) **containing**(about) N($$n$$ew)

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### Clue: Rested ten in organisation? Most kind! (9)

### Answer: TENDEREST ### Explanation: Definition: Most kind **Anagram of**(in organization) RESTED TEN

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### Clue: Believe person is without a relationship (5)

### Answer: OPINE ### Explanation: Definition: Believe ONE(an individual,person) **containing**(without) PI(the relationship,ratio = circumference of a circle divided by its diameter, a decimal number that people actually vie to memorise. Guinness record holder has got it to 67890 digits, and there's an unconfirmed feat of 100,000 digits. Talk about single-mindedness. Me, I'm happy with 3.142 or even 22/7)

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### Clue: Hide clothing and grub (13)

### Answer: LEATHERJACKET ### Explanation: Definition: grub LEATHER(material made from the hide,skin of an animal) JACKET(an item of clothing) Defn: The larval young,grub of the crane fly, commonly called daddy-longlegs in the UK.

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### Clue: Cleaner in panic, when harbouring the rudest criminal (7,6)

### Answer: FEATHER DUSTER ### Explanation: Definition: Cleaner FEAR(panic) **containing**(when harbouring) **anagram of**(criminal) THE RUDEST. Defn: What the domestic help uses to clean. I recall in my childhood when the non-feathered end made a handy cane to used on naughty children.

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### Clue: Designer makes Catholic dose with ecstasy during play (9)

### Answer: ARCHITECT ### Explanation: Definition: Designer [RC($$R$$oman $$C$$atholic) HIT(slang for a dose of a narcotic drug, eg. Ecstasy) E(the drug, $$E$$cstasy)] **contained in**(during) ACT(verb, act in,play a role eg. in a play)

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### Clue: Lots roll into a ball (9)

### Answer: ABUNDANCE ### Explanation: Definition: Lots BUN(roll of bread) **contained in**(into) {A DANCE}(a ball,an event featuring food, drink, and dance). Defn: Noun for plenty,lots.

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### Clue: Work on an inlay that's iridescent (7)

### Answer: OPALINE ### Explanation: Definition: iridescent OP($$op$$us,a work of music or literature) **placed before**(on, in a down clue) A LINE(a narrow continuous mark cut into a solid surface and then filled by the same or another material of a different colour/texture/etc, the inlay. Though inlays could also be broadly shaped.) Defn: Opaline is the exhibiting of different colours, like in an opal. Iridescence is the range of colours that you see on soap bubbles and oil films. I don't think they're the same phenomenon though, scientifically speaking.

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### Clue: Woman in advancing years becomes mean (7)

### Answer: AVERAGE ### Explanation: Definition: mean VERA(name for a woman) **contained in**(in) AGE(advancing in years) Defn: Another mathematical relationship = Sum of numbers divided by the number of numbers. Another nice surface, but with apologies to those who don't become mean.

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### Clue: Angry about Tory account (5)

### Answer: SCORE ### Explanation: Definition: account SORE(feeling angry at someone/something, like "a bear with a sore nose") **containing**(about) C($$C$$onservative,Tory) Defn: A reckoning,account, as in "to settle a score".

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### Clue: Bear queen to vacillate (5)

### Answer: HAVER ### Explanation: Definition: vacillate HAVE(to hold,bear eg. a grudge) R($$r$$egina, from Latin for queen)

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### Clue: Place to sleep has floor covering and lock (8)

### Answer: MATTRESS ### Explanation: Definition: Place to sleep MAT(floor covering,rug) TRESS(lock of hair) Defn: I guess an object to sleep on can be stretched to a "place".

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### Clue: With no love left, misguided lothario makes boastful speech (3,3)

### Answer: HOT AIR ### Explanation: Definition: boastful speech **Anagram of**(misguided) THARIO("lothario" without,with no "o",love & "l",left)

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### Clue: Excellent penalty! (4)

### Answer: FINE ### Explanation: Definition: Excellent,penalty Double defn. 1st: Great!

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### Clue: Fake folio made by a conservative is libellous (10)

### Answer: DEFAMATORY ### Explanation: Definition: libellous **Anagram of**(fake) [F($$f$$olio) & MADE] **plus**(by) A TORY(a member of the Conservative party)

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### Clue: Brutus cannily trapping Italian (6)

### Answer: TUSCAN ### Explanation: Definition: Italian **Hidden in**(trapping) bruTUS CANnily

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### Clue: Extremely angry to discover affair (8)

### Answer: SEETHING ### Explanation: Definition: Extremely angry SEE(discover) THING(euphemism for an affair as in "to have a thing with somebody", almost always involving the euphemistic "it")

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### Clue: Furious slap received by Pembroke's last earl making pass (6)

### Answer: ELAPSE ### Explanation: Definition: pass **Anagram of**(furious) SLAP **contained in**(received by) [E(last letter of Pembroke) & E($$e$$arl)] Defn: The verb as in time passes.

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### Clue: Accompanist in kinky corset (6)

### Answer: ESCORT ### Explanation: Definition: Accompanist **Anagram of**(kinky) CORSET Defn: "Accompanist" is a somewhat whimsical defn. of someone who escorts (to accompany and also intended to protect or restrict) you in your travels. The word is properly used for the one who provides musical accompaniment.