0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Male or female first' — person showing prejudice? (6)	SEXIST	Definition: person showing prejudice SEX(gender, ie. male or female) + IST(1st/first with the Roman numeral substitution). Defn: … based on gender.
Retiring nurses fighting authority, provider of shoddy work (6)	COWBOY	Definition: provider of shoddy work COY(retiring/shy or pretending to be shy) containing(nurses) WBO(abbrev. for the World Boxing Organisation, one of the authorities sanctioning professional boxing fights). Defn: A service provider who is dishonest, careless, or unqualified, producing shoddy work.
I walk back on to cold Arctic mass (3,3)	ICE CAP	Definition: Arctic mass I + reversal of(… back) [ PACE(to walk at a steady speed) plus(on to) C(abbrev. for "cold") ].
Mistake caging Irish animal (7)	GIRAFFE	Definition: animal GAFFE(a mistake/a blunder) containing(caging) IR(abbrev. for "Irish").
Circulation of air in primitive dwelling a rare treat? (7)	CAVIARE	Definition: a rare treat Anagram of(Circulation of) AIR contained in(in) CAVE(the dwelling of primitive cavemen).
Jam vessel, brass (10)	BOTTLENECK	Definition: Jam BOTTLE(a vessel/a glass or plastic container with a narrow neck) + NECK(brass/impudence). And, incidentally, "bottle", "neck" and "brass" are synonymous.
A London group who play as well (4)	ALSO	Definition: as well A + LSO(abbrev. for the London Symphony Orchestra, a group of players/musicians based in London).
Still in ecstasy, Ethiopians (2,3)	AS YET	Definition: Still Hidden in(in) "ecstasy, Ethiopians". Defn: …/up to the present or the time mentioned, as in "he is as yet not house-trained".
Worshipper, one addicted to felines? (8)	CATHOLIC	Definition: Worshipper -HOLIC(suffix indicating one with an addiction to something, as in "shopaholic"; in this case to "cats"/felines). Answer: A worshipper of the Roman Catholic faith.
Clean surface originally without pans? (8)	SPOTLESS	Definition: Clean 1st letter of(… originally) "surface" + POTLESS(without pans/pots).
Operation hurt (5)	STING	Definition: Operation,hurt Double defn: 1st: A carefully planned … to deceive; and 2nd: To …/wound with a sting.
Ring circular, as like loop, first of all (4)	CALL	Definition: Ring 1st letters, respectively, of(…, first of all) "circular, as like loop". Defn: …, on the phone, say.
No room to manoeuvre in apartment, as furniture may have arrived? (4-6)	FLAT-PACKED	Definition: as furniture may have arrived FLAT(an apartment consisting of a set of rooms)-PACKED(filled to capacity/with no room to manoeuvre).
Character beginning sentence, type of punishment (7)	CAPITAL	Definition: Character beginning sentence,type of punishment Double defn: 1st: An upper-case character/letter that begins each sentence in text; and 2nd: … that is the legally authorised killing of someone who has committed a crime.
Clear film, thin covering (7)	BLANKET	Definition: thin covering BLANK(clear/bare) + ET(the film/movie, named "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" in full). Presumably, in addition to the usual thick coverings, there are other types of blanket that are thin.
Endless joy in swallow, little bird (6)	EAGLET	Definition: little bird "glee"(joy/delight) minus its last letter(Endless …) contained in(in) EAT(to swallow, usually, food).
Cryptic setter's boulevard (6)	STREET	Definition: boulevard Anagram of(Cryptic) SETTER.
Cotton sock on foot of commando (5)	CHINO	Definition: Cotton CHIN(to sock/to punch someone on the chin) placed above(on, in a down clue) last letter of(foot of, in a down clue) "commando". Defn: Fabric made of cotton.
Loaded question about late manoeuvring (7)	WEALTHY	Definition: Loaded WHY?(a short question) containing(about) anagram of(… manoeuvring) LATE. Defn: …/having loads of money.
Crooked ref often moved to net header for Chelsea (3-6)	OFF-CENTRE	Definition: Crooked Anagram of(… moved) REF OFTEN containing(to net) 1st letter of(header for) "Chelsea".
Handle oddball (5)	CRANK	Definition: Handle,oddball Double defn: 1st: … used to start an engine or motor; and 2nd: …/an eccentric or odd person.
Fine journey south of a US city (7)	CHICAGO	Definition: US city CHIC(fine/elegantly fashionable) + [ GO(to journey/to take a trip) placed below(south of, in a down clue) A ].
Moribund and bitter (9)	PERISHING	Definition: Moribund,bitter 1st: …/dying; and 2nd: Extremely cold/bitter, when referring to the wind or weather.
German diet fatty, male scoffing last of torte (9)	REICHSTAG	Definition: German diet [ RICH(fatty/containing a large amount of fat, when referring to food) + STAG(a male deer) ] containing(scoffing) last letter of(last of) "torte". Defn: …/legislative assembly.
Past peak, supporting amateur actor, bitter leading man (5,4)	ALPHA MALE	Definition: leading man [ ALP(a peak/a high mountain) placed above(Past …, in a down clue) + HAM(an amateur, and hence bad, actor) placed above(supporting …, in a down clue) ] ALE(a bitter beer). My best shot at explaining "past" and "supporting". Defn: …/the dominant male in a particular group.
Challenge one in bed – early riser? (4,5)	TEST PILOT	Definition: early riser TEST(to challenge/to check the characteristics of something) + [ I(Roman numeral for "one") contained in(in) PLOT(a bed/an area of ground) ]. Defn: The first, or one of the first, to fly/rise above in a new aircraft, cryptically described as an …
Decisive action of snitch? (7)	TELLING	Definition: Decisive,action of snitch Double defn: 1st: …/has an definite effect or influence on something; and 2nd: …, one who informs on someone else, to the authorities, say.
Scent anger (7)	INCENSE	Definition: Scent,anger Double defn: 1st: To … using incense/a substance burned to produce a sweet smell; and 2nd: To make very angry.
Fifty musical boxes for sweetheart (5)	FLAME	Definition: sweetheart L(Roman numeral for "fifty") contained in(… boxes) FAME(the stage musical based on the musical film of the same name). Defn: …/a lover.
English opener in competition (5)	EVENT	Definition: competition E(abbrev. for "English") + VENT(an opener, or opening, through which or gas or liquid may flow out.
Country India commended? (8)	DOMINICA	Definition: Country Anagram of(-mended /repaired) INDIA COM-. Defn: …, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, an island in the Caribbean.
Booty I see lying back in bath (3,3)	HOT TUB	Definition: bath Reversal of(… lying back) [ BUTT(one's buttocks/booty in slang) + OH!(like "I see", an expression acknowledging understanding of what someone has just said) ]. … what the clue says.
Hounds gone to the dogs — with bare paws? (6)	UNSHOD	Definition: with bare paws Anagram of(… gone to the dogs) HOUNDS. Defn: …/not wearing shoes and thus having bare feet.
Spare item cut (4)	THIN	Definition: Spare "thing"(an item/object) minus its last letter(cut). Defn: …/with no excess fat.
Fifth in Crufts, I'm amazed obedient dog moped, say (3-7)	TWO-WHEELER	Definition: moped, say 5th letter of(Fifth in) "Crufts" + WOW!(an expression of amazement/I'm amazed!) + HEELER(one, usually an obedient dog, that responds to the command, "Heel!"). Defn: An example of which/say, is the moped. And Crufts, of course, is the largest dog show.
Put out present in elevated position (2,5)	UP THERE	Definition: in elevated position Anagram of(… out) PUT + HERE!(used to indicate that one is present at a roll-call).
African animal, howler gobbling bird with wings pulled off (7)	GIRAFFE	Definition: African animal GAFFE(a howler/a blunder) containing(gobbling) "bird" minus its 1st and last letters(with wings pulled off).
Material popped up three books with real worth initially condemned (6,4)	BUBBLE WRAP	Definition: Material popped Anagram of(… condemned) [UP + BBB(3 x abbrev. for "book") plus(with) REAL + 1st letter of(… initially) "worth" ]. Defn: Packaging material of plastic with air bubbles that can be popped/burst.
Ladies and gentlemen relaxed briefly (4)	LOOS	Definition: Ladies and gentlemen "loose"(relaxed/physically slack) minus its last letter(briefly). Defn: …/the toilets.
You smooth figure! (8)	THOUSAND	Definition: figure THOU(an archaic form of "you") + SAND(to smooth with sandpaper or a mechanical sander). Defn: …/a number.
Hot first of all in equatorial region, opposite then is cold (6)	EROTIC	Definition: Hot 1st letters, respectively, of(first of all in) "equatorial region, opposite then is cold". Defn: …/arousing sexually.
Swear, finding head of pigeon on shelf (6)	PLEDGE	Definition: Swear 1st letter of(head of) "pigeon" plus(on) LEDGE(a shelf/a narrow horizontal projecting surface). Defn: …/to make a solemn promise.
Holding swallow tail in fist, pluck bird (5,3)	GREAT TIT	Definition: bird [ EAT(to swallow, usually food) + last letter of(tail in) "fist" ] contained in(Holding …) GRIT(pluck/courage). … that great tit.
Help out when gold potty lost in bathroom? (4,3,8)	DOWN THE PLUGHOLE	Definition: lost in bathroom Anagram of(… potty) HELP OUT WHEN GOLD. Answer: Figuratively, describing something that has been lost; and literally, how you might lose something small in the bathroom.
Where might one find each, so at least possible? (6,3,6,2,6)	WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF REASON	Definition: so at least possible Cryptic defn:. "ea"(abbrev. for "each) may be found within the 1st and last letters of(WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF) "REASON".
Small flat dish slip in fruit (4-1-5)	PIED-A-TERRE	Definition: Small flat PIE(a dish/a baked food item) + [ ERR(to slip/to make an error) contained in(in) DATE(the fruit of the date palm) ]. Defn: …/apartment kept for occasional use.
Author taking month to pen a novel that's half-hearted (7)	NABOKOV	Definition: Author NOV(abbrev. for the month of November) containing(to pen) [ A + "book"(possibly a novel) minus one of its inner letters(that's half-hearted) ]. Answer: Vladimir, author of "Lolita".
Short table for fish (4)	CHAR	Definition: fish "chart"(a table of specific information) *minus its last letter*(Short …).
What one might say about sweet jar that seems sensible to some people (2,5,3,5)	IT TAKES ALL SORTS	Definition: that seems sensible to some people Cryptic defn: A sweet jar may take/it may contain all-sorts, a mixture of liquorice sweets. Answer: There are different kinds of people in this world with their different concepts of what is or is not sensible – I think.
Drop a brick on toe sit up if not broken (3,4,4,2,2)	PUT ONE’S FOOT IN IT	Definition: Drop a brick Anagram of(… broken) ON TOE: SIT UP IF NOT. Defn: …/make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark.
Musical compositions, those going over some people's heads? (10)	HAIRPIECES	Definition: those going over some people's heads HAIR(a rock musical that opened in Broadway in 1968) + PIECES(compositions/pieces of creative work, of music or poetry, say). Defn: …/patches of false hair to augment a person's natural hair
Genius running oxygen tunnel into nose (7)	PRODIGY	Definition: Genius [ O(symbol for chemical element, oxygen) + DIG(to tunnel/to break and remove earth, making a hole in the ground) ] contained in(into) PRY(to nose/to enquire too closely in one's personal affairs).
War god somewhat miserable after uprising (4)	ARES	Hidden in(somewhat) reversal of**(… after uprising) "miserable". Defn: … in Greek mythology.
Mary Jane left to spruce up clothes (6)	SPLIFF	Definition: Mary Jane L(abbrev. for "left") contained in(… clothes) SPIFF(to spruce up/make stylish and attractive). Defn: Cannabis/marijuana, or, in slang, Mary Jane
Bugs British character — and the rest — American sent back (8)	BACTERIA	Definition: Bugs B(abbrev. for "British") + reversal of(… sent back)[AIR(character/an impression of quality) plus(and) ETC(abbrev. for "et cetera"/the rest) + A(abbrev. for "American") ].
Dry egg mixed with suet for pig (6,4)	GREEDY GUTS	Definition: pig Anagram of(… mixed) [DRY EGG plus(with) SUET]. Defn: … as applied to a human.
Fox conserving energy having paws thus endowed? (4)	TOED	Definition: paws thus endowed TOD(a fox) containing(conserving) E(symbol for "energy" in physics).
Naughty child brings sin into prominence (6)	TERROR	Definition: Naughty child ERR(to sin/to go astray) contained in(into) TOR(a prominence/a hill).
Still revolutionary keeps a role for US right-wingers (3,5)	TEA PARTY	Definition: US right-wingers Reversal of(… revolutionary) YET(still/up to present or a specified time, as in "more problems are still to come") containing(keeps) [A + PART(a role/a character, in a play or movie, say). Defn: The political movement of conservatives/right-wingers within the US Republican Party.
Large horn from Bath area (4)	TUBA	Definition: Large horn TUB(a bath/bathtub) + A(abbrev. for "area").
Welshwoman about to be circled by daring moggy (7,3)	PERSIAN CAT	Definition: moggy [ SIAN(a feminine Welsh name) + CA(abbrev. for "circa"/about when refering to years or dates) ] contained in(to be circled by) PERT(daring/cheeky).
Director shows great intellect capturing scene after evacuation (10)	EISENSTEIN	Definition: Director EINSTEIN(Albert, a great intellect/a genius) containing(capturing) "scene" minus its inner letters(after evacuation). Answer: Sergie, Soviet film director.
Bush with sharp spines son lost much blood? (4)	GORE	Definition: much blood "gorse"(a bush/shrub with sharp spines) minus(… lost) "s"(abbrev. for "son").
Honcho regarded as not seeing straight (4-4)	BOSS-EYED	Definition: not seeing straight BOSS(honcho/the person in charge) + EYED(regarded/seen as).
Smartest copper brought to trial (6)	CUTEST	Definition: Smartest CU(symbol for the element, copper) plus(brought to) TEST(a trial/an examination of the qualities/characteristics of something or someone). Defn: …/most stylish and attractive.
Roman historian left with climber (4)	LIVY	Definition: Roman historian L(abbrev. for "left") plus(with) IVY(a climbing plant). Defn: English name for Titus Livius, …
Explosion in House as GOP offers way food's pushed down (10)	OESOPHAGUS	Definition: way food's pushed down Anagram of(Explosion in) HOUSE AS GOP. Defn: The channel/… in one's body.
Voracious woman in shock at emergency room (3-5)	MAN-EATER	Definition: Voracious woman MANE(a shock of hair) + AT + ER(abbrev. for "emergency room" in a hospital). Defn: …, one who figuratively eats male sexual partners.
An artist embodies attendant spirit in city (6)	ANKARA	Definition: city [AN + RA(abbrev. for "Member of the Royal Academy of Arts, an artist) ] containing(embodies) KA(an attendant spirit/the supposed spiritual part of a human being). Defn: … in Turkey.
Insane rave-up to involve northern arriviste (7)	PARVENU	Definition: arriviste Anagram of(Insane) RAVE-UP containing N(abbrev. for "northern"). Defn: …./one who has recently gained power, success, wealth, etc. and is regarded as an upstart.
Upstanding character, anti-beer, having slipped? (9)	INEBRIATE	Definition: Upstanding character, anti-beer, having slipped I(an upstanding/erect character/letter in the alphabet) + anagram of(…, having slipped ANTI-BEER) . Defn: A drunkard, who, in this case, has slipped/lapsed from being one against drinking/an upstanding anti-beer character.
Entrance for bringing in antique article? (5)	FOYER	Definition: Entrance FOR containing(bringing in) YE(a pseudo-antique form of "the", an article in grammar). Defn: … hall in a building, say, a theatre.
Bishop Sheen in Montana perhaps seeing Crow (7)	BLUSTER	Definition: Crow B(abbrev. for "bishop", in chess notation) + LUSTER(how they in Montana, America spell "lustre"/sheen/glow). Defn: …/to brag.
Tax case with Conservative going for suspension (9)	CESSATION	Definition: suspension CESS(a tax/levy) + "action"(a case in a law court) minus(with … going) "C"(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party).
More paintings by Emin initially put up (5)	EXTRA	Definition: More Reversal of(… put up, in a down clue) [ ART(of which paintings are an example) + X(symbol for mathematical multiplication/by, as in "2 by 2 = 4") + 1st letter of(… initially) "Emin" ]. And Tracey Emin is a British artist.
Finer arts bias essentially causing stagnation? (7)	INERTIA	Definition: stagnation Internal letters, respectively, of(… essentially) "Finer arts bias".
Does it move 14 Across to hedge? (9)	PUSSYFOOT	Definition: to hedge A PUSSY FOOT, that with which a cat moves/answer to 14 across. Defn: …/to act in a non-committal way.
Man mentioned belligerent and dark lover (9)	NIGHTHAWK	Definition: dark lover Homophone of(… mentioned) "knight"(a man/piece on a chessboard) + HAWK(one who is belligerent/aggressive). Defn: One who is wakeful/active in the night.
James in Iowa recreated Japanese island (3,4)	IWO JIMA	Definition: Japanese island JIM(another form of the name "James") contained in(in) anagram of(… recreated) IOWA.
Rudeness … upset consumer (3,4)	END USER	Definition: consumer Anagram of(almost upset) ["Rudeness" minus its last letter(almost)].
Spider perhaps too short — snooker player one to save? (7)	RESCUER	Definition: one to save "rest"(an example of which/perhaps is the "spider", a long-legged support for a cue in snooker) minus its last letter(too short) + CUER(one who uses a cue/a snooker player)
Observer's complaint about Liberal showing elegance (5)	STYLE	Definition: elegance STYE(a complaint, viz. a swelling on the skin over an eye/observer) containing(about) L(abbrev. for a member of the Liberal Party).
Drink scrumpy occasionally with secretary (5)	CUPPA	Definition: Drink 2nd, 4th and 6th letters of(… occasionally) "scrumpy" plus(with) PA(abbrev. for "personal assistant"/a secretary). Defn: Informal term for a cup of tea.
Hesitant, using gestural and verbal forms of communication (8)	WAVERING	Definition: Hesitant WAVE(a gesture as a form of communication) + RING(to call and then talk on the phone, a verbal form of communication).
Name of girl I see misrepresented in contents of blog? Just the opposite (6)	ELOISE	Definition: Name of girl Anagram of(… misrepresented) I SEE containing(in …? Just the opposite/outside) inner letters of(contents of) "blog".
Point, or points, one repeated (4)	NESS	Definition: Point N,E,S(abbrev. for 3 compass points) + S(one compass point repeated). Defn: … on the coastline/a cape.
The money ran out, eliminating a former Middle East country (5,5)	NORTH YEMEN	Definition: former Middle East country Anagram of(… out) "The money ran" minus(eliminating) "a".
Used to lack experience, but following advice to young man? Capital! (6)	WARSAW	Definition: Capital Reversal of(in an across clue, … following advice to young man, from the phrase "Go west, young man", about America's expansion westward) [ WAS(used to be/applicable previously) RAW(to lack experience/green) ]. Defn: … city.
Heavy work, including some art, is laborious (8)	TOILSOME	Definition: laborious TOME(a heavy/thick book/literary work) containing(including) OILS(oil paintings, a form of/some art).
Shown how tense it can be in hearing (6)	TAUGHT	Definition: Shown how Homophone of(… it can be in hearing) "taut"(tense/not relaxed).
Get worked on, using pliers and saw (6)	BEHELD	Definition: saw [BE HELD](describing something that is being manipulated/worked on with a pair of pliers, a tool for gripping/holding. Defn: …/past tense of "see"/"behold".
Fuel was spread over grate, haphazardly (5,3)	WATER GAS	Definition: Fuel WAS containing(spread over) anagram of(…, haphazardly) GRATE. Defn: … gas of mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Exploit source of inspiration when lives lost (6)	MISUSE	Definition: Exploit MUSE(source of inspiration for a creative artist) = MISUSE minus(when … lost) "is"(lives/exists).
Keep quiet about escape before spring, heading for sunshine? (10)	SOUTHBOUND	Definition: heading for sunshine? SH!(exclamation for someone to keep quiet) containing(about) OUT(a way of escaping from, a problem, say, as in "there is an out from your problem") plus(before) BOUND(to spring/leap).
Leaves from Asia — temperature in that part of world has shifted (4)	TEAS	Definition: Leaves from Asia EAST(that part of the world where the Asian continent is) with "t"(abbrev. for "temperature") moved to the beginning of the word(has shifted).
Odd character that is moved around in anagram of word (6)	WEIRDO	Definition: Odd character Reversal of(… moved around) IE(abbrev. for "id est"/that is) contained in(in) anagram of WORD.
Clear area in emergency, initially — very critical (8)	EVACUATE	Definition: Clear A(abbrev. for "area") contained in(in) [ 1st letter of(…, initially) "emergency" + V(abbrev. for "very") + ACUTE(critical/at a point near a severe or disastrous outcome) ]. Defn: …/to empty.
Ambush European soldier heading north, such as Cyrano de Bergerac (4,4)	NAME PART	Definition: such as Cyrano de Bergerac Reversal of(… heading north, in a down clue) [ TRAP(to ambush/to lie in wait to spring a surprise attack) + E(abbrev. for "European") + MAN(a soldier/a member of the armed forces) ]. Defn: The character part/role after whom the drama is named, an example being/such as "Cyrano de Bergerac".
Intelligence shown by bidders giving their opponents hiding (4)	NEWS	Definition: Intelligence N,S(one or the partnerships in bridge, the card game involving bids) containing(giving … hiding /covering) E,W(the opposing partners of N,S).
Gain nothing in this quarter? Be selective (6)	WINNOW	Definition: Be selective WIN(to gain/to acquire as a result of a contest) + [ O(letter representing 0/nothing) contained in(in) NW(abbrev. for "northwest", the top left quarter of the grid in which this answer is) ]. Defn: …/pick out from a group of things, those you desire and rejecting the rest.

Male or female first' — person showing prejudice? (6)

SEXIST

Definition: person showing prejudice SEX(gender, ie. male or female) + IST(1st/first with the Roman numeral substitution). Defn: … based on gender.

Retiring nurses fighting authority, provider of shoddy work (6)

COWBOY

Definition: provider of shoddy work COY(retiring/shy or pretending to be shy) **containing**(nurses) WBO(abbrev. for the World Boxing Organisation, one of the authorities sanctioning professional boxing fights). Defn: A service provider who is dishonest, careless, or unqualified, producing shoddy work.

I walk back on to cold Arctic mass (3,3)

ICE CAP

Definition: Arctic mass I + **reversal of**(… back) [ PACE(to walk at a steady speed) **plus**(on to) C(abbrev. for "cold") ].

Mistake caging Irish animal (7)

GIRAFFE

Definition: animal GAFFE(a mistake/a blunder) **containing**(caging) IR(abbrev. for "Irish").

Circulation of air in primitive dwelling a rare treat? (7)

CAVIARE

Definition: a rare treat **Anagram of**(Circulation of) AIR **contained in**(in) CAVE(the dwelling of primitive cavemen).

Jam vessel, brass (10)

BOTTLENECK

Definition: Jam BOTTLE(a vessel/a glass or plastic container with a narrow neck) + NECK(brass/impudence). And, incidentally, "bottle", "neck" and "brass" are synonymous.

A London group who play as well (4)

ALSO

Definition: as well A + LSO(abbrev. for the London Symphony Orchestra, a group of players/musicians based in London).

Still in ecstasy, Ethiopians (2,3)

AS YET

Definition: Still **Hidden in**(in) "ecstasy, Ethiopians". Defn: …/up to the present or the time mentioned, as in "he is as yet not house-trained".

Worshipper, one addicted to felines? (8)

CATHOLIC

Definition: Worshipper -HOLIC(suffix indicating one with an addiction to something, as in "shopaholic"; in this case to "cats"/felines). Answer: A worshipper of the Roman Catholic faith.

Clean surface originally without pans? (8)

SPOTLESS

Definition: Clean **1st letter of**(… originally) "surface" + POTLESS(without pans/pots).

Operation hurt (5)

STING

Definition: Operation,hurt Double defn: 1st: A carefully planned … to deceive; and 2nd: To …/wound with a sting.

Ring circular, as like loop, first of all (4)

CALL

Definition: Ring **1st letters, respectively, of**(…, first of all) "circular, as like loop". Defn: …, on the phone, say.

No room to manoeuvre in apartment, as furniture may have arrived? (4-6)

FLAT-PACKED

Definition: as furniture may have arrived FLAT(an apartment consisting of a set of rooms)-PACKED(filled to capacity/with no room to manoeuvre).

Character beginning sentence, type of punishment (7)

CAPITAL

Definition: Character beginning sentence,type of punishment Double defn: 1st: An upper-case character/letter that begins each sentence in text; and 2nd: … that is the legally authorised killing of someone who has committed a crime.

Clear film, thin covering (7)

BLANKET

Definition: thin covering BLANK(clear/bare) + ET(the film/movie, named "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" in full). Presumably, in addition to the usual thick coverings, there are other types of blanket that are thin.

Endless joy in swallow, little bird (6)

EAGLET

Definition: little bird "glee"(joy/delight) **minus ****its last letter**(Endless …) **contained in**(in) EAT(to swallow, usually, food).

Cryptic setter's boulevard (6)

STREET

Definition: boulevard **Anagram of**(Cryptic) SETTER.

Cotton sock on foot of commando (5)

CHINO

Definition: Cotton CHIN(to sock/to punch someone on the chin) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) **last letter of**(foot of, in a down clue) "commando". Defn: Fabric made of cotton.

Loaded question about late manoeuvring (7)

WEALTHY

Definition: Loaded WHY?(a short question) **containing**(about) **anagram of**(… manoeuvring) LATE. Defn: …/having loads of money.

Crooked ref often moved to net header for Chelsea (3-6)

OFF-CENTRE

Definition: Crooked **Anagram of**(… moved) REF OFTEN **containing**(to net) **1st letter of**(header for) "Chelsea".

Handle oddball (5)

CRANK

Definition: Handle,oddball Double defn: 1st: … used to start an engine or motor; and 2nd: …/an eccentric or odd person.

Fine journey south of a US city (7)

CHICAGO

Definition: US city CHIC(fine/elegantly fashionable) + [ GO(to journey/to take a trip) **placed below**(south of, in a down clue) A ].

Moribund and bitter (9)

PERISHING

Definition: Moribund,bitter 1st: …/dying; and 2nd: Extremely cold/bitter, when referring to the wind or weather.

German diet fatty, male scoffing last of torte (9)

REICHSTAG

Definition: German diet [ RICH(fatty/containing a large amount of fat, when referring to food) + STAG(a male deer) ] **containing**(scoffing) **last letter of**(last of) "torte". Defn: …/legislative assembly.

Past peak, supporting amateur actor, bitter leading man (5,4)

ALPHA MALE

Definition: leading man [ ALP(a peak/a high mountain) **placed above**(Past …, in a down clue) + HAM(an amateur, and hence bad, actor) **placed above**(supporting …, in a down clue) ] ALE(a bitter beer). My best shot at explaining "past" and "supporting". Defn: …/the dominant male in a particular group.

Challenge one in bed – early riser? (4,5)

TEST PILOT

Definition: early riser TEST(to challenge/to check the characteristics of something) + [ I(Roman numeral for "one") **contained in**(in) PLOT(a bed/an area of ground) ]. Defn: The first, or one of the first, to fly/rise above in a new aircraft, cryptically described as an …

Decisive action of snitch? (7)

TELLING

Definition: Decisive,action of snitch Double defn: 1st: …/has an definite effect or influence on something; and 2nd: …, one who informs on someone else, to the authorities, say.

Scent anger (7)

INCENSE

Definition: Scent,anger Double defn: 1st: To … using incense/a substance burned to produce a sweet smell; and 2nd: To make very angry.

Fifty musical boxes for sweetheart (5)

FLAME

Definition: sweetheart L(Roman numeral for "fifty") **contained in**(… boxes) FAME(the stage musical based on the musical film of the same name). Defn: …/a lover.

English opener in competition (5)

EVENT

Definition: competition E(abbrev. for "English") + VENT(an opener, or opening, through which or gas or liquid may flow out.

Country India commended? (8)

DOMINICA

Definition: Country **Anagram of**(-mended /repaired) INDIA COM-. Defn: …, officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, an island in the Caribbean.

Booty I see lying back in bath (3,3)

HOT TUB

Definition: bath **Reversal of**(… lying back) [ BUTT(one's buttocks/booty in slang) + OH!(like "I see", an expression acknowledging understanding of what someone has just said) ]. … what the clue says.

Hounds gone to the dogs — with bare paws? (6)

UNSHOD

Definition: with bare paws **Anagram of**(… gone to the dogs) HOUNDS. Defn: …/not wearing shoes and thus having bare feet.

Spare item cut (4)

THIN

Definition: Spare "thing"(an item/object) **minus ****its last letter**(cut). Defn: …/with no excess fat.

Fifth in Crufts, I'm amazed obedient dog moped, say (3-7)

TWO-WHEELER

Definition: moped, say **5th letter of**(Fifth in) "Crufts" + WOW!(an expression of amazement/I'm amazed!) + HEELER(one, usually an obedient dog, that responds to the command, "Heel!"). Defn: An example of which/say, is the moped. And Crufts, of course, is the largest dog show.

Put out present in elevated position (2,5)

UP THERE

Definition: in elevated position **Anagram of**(… out) PUT + HERE!(used to indicate that one is present at a roll-call).

African animal, howler gobbling bird with wings pulled off (7)

GIRAFFE

Definition: African animal GAFFE(a howler/a blunder) **containing**(gobbling) "bird" **minus ****its 1st and last letters**(with wings pulled off).

Material popped up three books with real worth initially condemned (6,4)

BUBBLE WRAP

Definition: Material popped **Anagram of**(… condemned) [UP + BBB(3 x abbrev. for "book") **plus**(with) REAL + **1st letter of**(… initially) "worth" ]. Defn: Packaging material of plastic with air bubbles that can be popped/burst.

Ladies and gentlemen relaxed briefly (4)

LOOS

Definition: Ladies and gentlemen "loose"(relaxed/physically slack) **minus its last letter**(briefly). Defn: …/the toilets.

You smooth figure! (8)

THOUSAND

Definition: figure THOU(an archaic form of "you") + SAND(to smooth with sandpaper or a mechanical sander). Defn: …/a number.

Hot first of all in equatorial region, opposite then is cold (6)

EROTIC

Definition: Hot **1st letters, respectively, of**(first of all in) "equatorial region, opposite then is cold". Defn: …/arousing sexually.

Swear, finding head of pigeon on shelf (6)

PLEDGE

Definition: Swear **1st letter of**(head of) "pigeon" **plus**(on) LEDGE(a shelf/a narrow horizontal projecting surface). Defn: …/to make a solemn promise.

Holding swallow tail in fist, pluck bird (5,3)

GREAT TIT

Definition: bird [ EAT(to swallow, usually food) + **last letter of**(tail in) "fist" ] **contained in**(Holding …) GRIT(pluck/courage). … that great tit.

Help out when gold potty lost in bathroom? (4,3,8)

DOWN THE PLUGHOLE

Definition: lost in bathroom **Anagram of**(… potty) HELP OUT WHEN GOLD. Answer: Figuratively, describing something that has been lost; and literally, how you might lose something small in the bathroom.

Where might one find each, so at least possible? (6,3,6,2,6)

WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF REASON

Definition: so at least possible Cryptic defn:. "ea"(abbrev. for "each) **may be found within the 1st and last letters of**(**WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF**) "**REASON**".

Small flat dish slip in fruit (4-1-5)

PIED-A-TERRE

Definition: Small flat PIE(a dish/a baked food item) + [ ERR(to slip/to make an error) **contained in**(in) DATE(the fruit of the date palm) ]. Defn: …/apartment kept for occasional use.

Author taking month to pen a novel that's half-hearted (7)

NABOKOV

Definition: Author NOV(abbrev. for the month of November) **containing**(to pen) [ A + "book"(possibly a novel) **minus one of its inner letters**(that's half-hearted) ]. Answer: Vladimir, author of "Lolita".

Short table for fish (4)

CHAR

Definition: fish "chart"(a table of specific information) ***minus its last letter***(Short …).

What one might say about sweet jar that seems sensible to some people (2,5,3,5)

IT TAKES ALL SORTS

Definition: that seems sensible to some people Cryptic defn: A sweet jar may take/it may contain all-sorts, a mixture of liquorice sweets. Answer: There are different kinds of people in this world with their different concepts of what is or is not sensible – I think.

Drop a brick on toe sit up if not broken (3,4,4,2,2)

PUT ONE’S FOOT IN IT

Definition: Drop a brick **Anagram of**(… broken) ON TOE: SIT UP IF NOT. Defn: …/make an indiscreet or embarrassing remark.

Musical compositions, those going over some people's heads? (10)

HAIRPIECES

Definition: those going over some people's heads HAIR(a rock musical that opened in Broadway in 1968) + PIECES(compositions/pieces of creative work, of music or poetry, say). Defn: …/patches of false hair to augment a person's natural hair

Genius running oxygen tunnel into nose (7)

PRODIGY

Definition: Genius [ O(symbol for chemical element, oxygen) + DIG(to tunnel/to break and remove earth, making a hole in the ground) ] **contained in**(into) PRY(to nose/to enquire too closely in one's personal affairs).

War god somewhat miserable after uprising (4)

ARES

Hidden in**(somewhat) **reversal of**(… after uprising) "miserable". Defn: … in Greek mythology.

Mary Jane left to spruce up clothes (6)

SPLIFF

Definition: Mary Jane L(abbrev. for "left") **contained in**(… clothes) SPIFF(to spruce up/make stylish and attractive). Defn: Cannabis/marijuana, or, in slang, Mary Jane

Bugs British character — and the rest — American sent back (8)

BACTERIA

Definition: Bugs B(abbrev. for "British") + **reversal of**(… sent back)[AIR(character/an impression of quality) **plus**(and) ETC(abbrev. for "et cetera"/the rest) + A(abbrev. for "American") ].

Dry egg mixed with suet for pig (6,4)

GREEDY GUTS

Definition: pig **Anagram of**(… mixed) [DRY EGG **plus**(with) SUET]. Defn: … as applied to a human.

Fox conserving energy having paws thus endowed? (4)

TOED

Definition: paws thus endowed TOD(a fox) **containing**(conserving) E(symbol for "energy" in physics).

Naughty child brings sin into prominence (6)

TERROR

Definition: Naughty child ERR(to sin/to go astray) **contained in**(into) TOR(a prominence/a hill).

Still revolutionary keeps a role for US right-wingers (3,5)

TEA PARTY

Definition: US right-wingers **Reversal of**(… revolutionary) YET(still/up to present or a specified time, as in "more problems are still to come") **containing**(keeps) [A + PART(a role/a character, in a play or movie, say). Defn: The political movement of conservatives/right-wingers within the US Republican Party.

Large horn from Bath area (4)

TUBA

Definition: Large horn TUB(a bath/bathtub) + A(abbrev. for "area").

Welshwoman about to be circled by daring moggy (7,3)

PERSIAN CAT

Definition: moggy [ SIAN(a feminine Welsh name) + CA(abbrev. for "circa"/about when refering to years or dates) ] **contained in**(to be circled by) PERT(daring/cheeky).

Director shows great intellect capturing scene after evacuation (10)

EISENSTEIN

Definition: Director EINSTEIN(Albert, a great intellect/a genius) **containing**(capturing) "scene" **minus ****its inner letters**(after evacuation). Answer: Sergie, Soviet film director.

Bush with sharp spines son lost much blood? (4)

GORE

Definition: much blood "gorse"(a bush/shrub with sharp spines) **minus**(… lost) "s"(abbrev. for "son").

Honcho regarded as not seeing straight (4-4)

BOSS-EYED

Definition: not seeing straight BOSS(honcho/the person in charge) + EYED(regarded/seen as).

Smartest copper brought to trial (6)

CUTEST

Definition: Smartest CU(symbol for the element, copper) **plus**(brought to) TEST(a trial/an examination of the qualities/characteristics of something or someone). Defn: …/most stylish and attractive.

Roman historian left with climber (4)

LIVY

Definition: Roman historian L(abbrev. for "left") **plus**(with) IVY(a climbing plant). Defn: English name for Titus Livius, …

Explosion in House as GOP offers way food's pushed down (10)

OESOPHAGUS

Definition: way food's pushed down **Anagram of**(Explosion in) HOUSE AS GOP. Defn: The channel/… in one's body.

Voracious woman in shock at emergency room (3-5)

MAN-EATER

Definition: Voracious woman MANE(a shock of hair) + AT + ER(abbrev. for "emergency room" in a hospital). Defn: …, one who figuratively eats male sexual partners.

An artist embodies attendant spirit in city (6)

ANKARA

Definition: city [AN + RA(abbrev. for "Member of the Royal Academy of Arts, an artist) ] **containing**(embodies) KA(an attendant spirit/the supposed spiritual part of a human being). Defn: … in Turkey.

Insane rave-up to involve northern arriviste (7)

PARVENU

Definition: arriviste **Anagram of**(Insane) RAVE-UP **containing** N(abbrev. for "northern"). Defn: …./one who has recently gained power, success, wealth, etc. and is regarded as an upstart.

Upstanding character, anti-beer, having slipped? (9)

INEBRIATE

Definition: Upstanding character, anti-beer, having slipped I(an upstanding/erect character/letter in the alphabet) + **anagram of**(…, having slipped ANTI-BEER) . Defn: A drunkard, who, in this case, has slipped/lapsed from being one against drinking/an upstanding anti-beer character.

Entrance for bringing in antique article? (5)

FOYER

Definition: Entrance FOR **containing**(bringing in) YE(a pseudo-antique form of "the", an article in grammar). Defn: … hall in a building, say, a theatre.

Bishop Sheen in Montana perhaps seeing Crow (7)

BLUSTER

Definition: Crow B(abbrev. for "bishop", in chess notation) + LUSTER(how they in Montana, America spell "lustre"/sheen/glow). Defn: …/to brag.

Tax case with Conservative going for suspension (9)

CESSATION

Definition: suspension CESS(a tax/levy) + "action"(a case in a law court) **minus**(with … going) "C"(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party).

More paintings by Emin initially put up (5)

EXTRA

Definition: More **Reversal of**(… put up, in a down clue) [ ART(of which paintings are an example) + X(symbol for mathematical multiplication/by, as in "2 by 2 = 4") + **1st letter of**(… initially) "Emin" ]. And Tracey Emin is a British artist.

Finer arts bias essentially causing stagnation? (7)

INERTIA

Definition: stagnation **Internal letters, respectively, of**(… essentially) "Finer arts bias".

Does it move 14 Across to hedge? (9)

PUSSYFOOT

Definition: to hedge A PUSSY FOOT, that with which a cat moves/answer to 14 across. Defn: …/to act in a non-committal way.

Man mentioned belligerent and dark lover (9)

NIGHTHAWK

Definition: dark lover **Homophone of**(… mentioned) "knight"(a man/piece on a chessboard) + HAWK(one who is belligerent/aggressive). Defn: One who is wakeful/active in the night.

James in Iowa recreated Japanese island (3,4)

IWO JIMA

Definition: Japanese island JIM(another form of the name "James") **contained in**(in) **anagram of**(… recreated) IOWA.

Rudeness … upset consumer (3,4)

END USER

Definition: consumer **Anagram of**(almost upset) ["Rudeness" **minus ****its last letter**(almost)].

Spider perhaps too short — snooker player one to save? (7)

RESCUER

Definition: one to save "rest"(an example of which/perhaps is the "spider", a long-legged support for a cue in snooker) **minus ****its last letter**(too short) + CUER(one who uses a cue/a snooker player)

Observer's complaint about Liberal showing elegance (5)

STYLE

Definition: elegance STYE(a complaint, viz. a swelling on the skin over an eye/observer) **containing**(about) L(abbrev. for a member of the Liberal Party).

Drink scrumpy occasionally with secretary (5)

CUPPA

Definition: Drink **2nd, 4th and 6th letters of**(… occasionally) "scrumpy" **plus**(with) PA(abbrev. for "personal assistant"/a secretary). Defn: Informal term for a cup of tea.

Hesitant, using gestural and verbal forms of communication (8)

WAVERING

Definition: Hesitant WAVE(a gesture as a form of communication) + RING(to call and then talk on the phone, a verbal form of communication).

Name of girl I see misrepresented in contents of blog? Just the opposite (6)

ELOISE

Definition: Name of girl **Anagram of**(… misrepresented) I SEE **containing**(in …? Just the opposite/outside) **inner letters of**(contents of) "blog".

Point, or points, one repeated (4)

NESS

Definition: Point N,E,S(abbrev. for 3 compass points) + S(one compass point repeated). Defn: … on the coastline/a cape.

The money ran out, eliminating a former Middle East country (5,5)

NORTH YEMEN

Definition: former Middle East country **Anagram of**(… out) "The money ran" **minus**(eliminating) "a".

Used to lack experience, but following advice to young man? Capital! (6)

WARSAW

Definition: Capital **Reversal of**(in an across clue, … following advice to young man, from the phrase "Go west, young man", about America's expansion westward) [ WAS(used to be/applicable previously) RAW(to lack experience/green) ]. Defn: … city.

Heavy work, including some art, is laborious (8)

TOILSOME

Definition: laborious TOME(a heavy/thick book/literary work) **containing**(including) OILS(oil paintings, a form of/some art).

Shown how tense it can be in hearing (6)

TAUGHT

Definition: Shown how **Homophone of**(… it can be in hearing) "taut"(tense/not relaxed).

Get worked on, using pliers and saw (6)

BEHELD

Definition: saw [BE HELD](describing something that is being manipulated/worked on with a pair of pliers, a tool for gripping/holding. Defn: …/past tense of "see"/"behold".

Fuel was spread over grate, haphazardly (5,3)

WATER GAS

Definition: Fuel WAS **containing**(spread over) **anagram of**(…, haphazardly) GRATE. Defn: … gas of mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Exploit source of inspiration when lives lost (6)

MISUSE

Definition: Exploit MUSE(source of inspiration for a creative artist) = **MISUSE ****minus**(when … lost) "is"(lives/exists).

Keep quiet about escape before spring, heading for sunshine? (10)

SOUTHBOUND

Definition: heading for sunshine? SH!(exclamation for someone to keep quiet) **containing**(about) OUT(a way of escaping from, a problem, say, as in "there is an out from your problem") **plus**(before) BOUND(to spring/leap).

Leaves from Asia — temperature in that part of world has shifted (4)

TEAS

Definition: Leaves from Asia EAST(that part of the world where the Asian continent is) **with** "t"(abbrev. for "temperature") **moved to the beginning of the word**(has shifted).

Odd character that is moved around in anagram of word (6)

WEIRDO

Definition: Odd character **Reversal of**(… moved around) IE(abbrev. for "id est"/that is) **contained in**(in) **anagram of **WORD.

Clear area in emergency, initially — very critical (8)

EVACUATE

Definition: Clear A(abbrev. for "area") **contained in**(in) [ **1st letter of**(…, initially) "emergency" + V(abbrev. for "very") + ACUTE(critical/at a point near a severe or disastrous outcome) ]. Defn: …/to empty.

Ambush European soldier heading north, such as Cyrano de Bergerac (4,4)

NAME PART

Definition: such as Cyrano de Bergerac **Reversal of**(… heading north, in a down clue) [ TRAP(to ambush/to lie in wait to spring a surprise attack) + E(abbrev. for "European") + MAN(a soldier/a member of the armed forces) ]. Defn: The character part/role after whom the drama is named, an example being/such as "Cyrano de Bergerac".

Intelligence shown by bidders giving their opponents hiding (4)

NEWS

Definition: Intelligence N,S(one or the partnerships in bridge, the card game involving bids) **containing**(giving … hiding /covering) E,W(the opposing partners of N,S).

Gain nothing in this quarter? Be selective (6)

WINNOW

Definition: Be selective WIN(to gain/to acquire as a result of a contest) + [ O(letter representing 0/nothing) **contained in**(in) NW(abbrev. for "northwest", the top left quarter of the grid in which this answer is) ]. Defn: …/pick out from a group of things, those you desire and rejecting the rest.