0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Mineral's in there, mixed with phosphorus (8)	NEPHRITE	Definition: Mineral Anagram of(…, mixed …) [IN THERE plus(with) P(symbol for the chemical element, phosphorus) ]. Defn: A form of jade.
Negative response about flowers in strong winds (10)	NOR’EASTERS	Definition: strong winds NO(negative response/nay) + RE(with reference to/about) + ASTERS(flowers of the aster, a genus of plants). Defn: … blowing from the northeast.
Enters the exam, exhausted, to get prize (6)	ESTEEM	Definition: prize Middle letters deleted, respectively, from(…exhausted) "Enters the exam". Defn: …/to value highly.
Three quarters of strategy rearranged in turn (6)	GYRATE	Definition: turn Anagram of(… rearranged) 6 of 8 letters of(Three quarters of) "strategy".
Opposite of 5 hats (10)	SOU’WESTERS	Definition: Opposite of 5,hats Double defn: 1st: Winds from the opposite direction of nor'easters/answer to 5 down; and 2nd:
Intellectual heard greeting bishop on street (8)	HIGHBROW	Definition: Intellectual Homophone of(heard) "Hi!"(a friendly greeting) + B(abbrev. for "bishop" in chess notation) placed above(on, in a down clue) ROW(a street with a continuous line of houses along one or both sides).
Dislike neighbourhood being restricted, with east in disarray (8)	DISTASTE	Definition: Dislike "district"(a neighbourhood in a town or city) minus its last 4 letters(being restricted) plus(with) anagram of(… in disarray) EAST.
Appropriate, as birds turning up from the south (6)	ASSUME	Definition: Appropriate AS + reversal of(… turning up from the south, in a down clue) EMUS(flightless birds from Australia). Defn: …/to seize or take, especially without the owner's permission.
Treasures commercial products of mine (6)	ADORES	Definition: Treasures AD(abbrev. for "advertisement"/a commercial) + ORES(natural material with valuable components excavated from the ground/products of mines).
Crazy artists recalled city in Asia (6)	MADRAS	Definition: recalled city in Asia MAD(crazy/insane) + RAS(plural of RA, abbrev. for "Royal Academician", an artist who is a member of the Royal Academy of the Arts). Defn: City in Asia, specifically, India, and now re-named/re-called Chennai.
Middle East abandoned by major power? So it is (4)	THUS	Definition: So it is "E", middle letter(Middle East) deleted from(abandoned by) "the US"(the USA, in full, a major power).
Factory worker ready to supply remote control device (7)	HANDSET	Definition: remote control device HAND(a factory worker/one engaged in manual labour) + SET(ready/in a state of preparedness).
A cop is excited about southern artist (7)	PICASSO	Definition: artist Anagram of(… excited) A COP IS containing(about) S(abbrev. for "southern").
One river after another in the countryside (5)	RURAL	Definition: in the countryside URAL(a river flowing through Russia and Kazakhstan into the Caspian Sea) placed after(after) another R(abbrev. for "river")
Counter with publication, clear source of attraction? (3,6)	BAR MAGNET	Definition: source of attraction BAR(a counter such as one in a bar over which drinks are served) plus(with) MAG(short for "magazine", a publication) + NET(to clear/to gain after all deductions have been made, as in "net earnings").
Unreliable type made bankrupt by necessity? About right (6,4)	BROKEN REED	Definition: Unreliable type BROKE(bankrupt/unable to pay one's debts) plus(by) NEED(a necessity/a requirement) containing(About) R(abbrev. for "right"). Answer: …/one you cannot rely on for support.
Asian language proves draw by the sound of it (4)	THAI	Definition: Asian language Homophone of(… by the sound of it) "tie"(a draw/a match result where teams' scores are level).
Two that stir in a haphazard way, initially (2,5,4)	TO START WITH	Definition: initially Anagram of(… in a haphazard way) TWO THAT STIR.
One agent had to be redeployed, requiring attention (2,3,6)	ON THE AGENDA	Definition: requiring attention Anagram of(… to be redeployed) ONE AGENT HAD.
English archdeacon of a smooth nature (4)	EVEN	Definition: of a smooth nature E(abbrev. for "English") + VEN(abbrev. for "Venerable", title given to an archdeacon in the Church of England).
Varied stars rejected food around old city (10)	STRASBOURG	Definition: city Anagram of(Varied) STARS + reversal of(rejected) GRUB(an informal term for "food") containing(around) O(abbrev. for "old"). Defn: … in France.
Male in Spanish city starts to prefer exquisite entrées, loving covering of fruit (5,4)	LEMON PEEL	Definition: covering of fruit M(abbrev. for "male") contained in(in) LEÓN(city in northwest Spain) + 1st letters, respectively, of(starts to) "prefer exquisite entrées, loving".
Captain's area on ship missing first raised strip of land (5)	RIDGE	Definition: raised strip of land "bridge"(the area on a ship from which the captain commands) minus its 1st letter(missing first).
Man's best friend gets to slip in part of a stand (7)	TERRIER	Definition: Man's best friend ERR(to slip/to make a mistake) contained in(in) TIER(part of a stand, a raised structure with a series of levels on which spectators stand or sit). Defn: A breed of …
Irregular method followed by section of a hospital (7)	WAYWARD	Definition: Irregular WAY(a method of doing things) placed before(followed by) WARD(a section, specifically a room or rooms, in a hospital with beds for patients).
Something that might be blown in the presence of English writer (6)	HORNBY	Definition: English writer HORN(something that might be blown to produce sound) + BY(in the presence of/beside a physical object). Answer: Nick …
New item required for archery is restricted (6)	NARROW	Definition: restricted N(abbrev. for "new") + ARROW(an item required for archery).
Regard for number one? (4-6)	SELF-ESTEEM	Definition: Regard for number one Cryptic defn: …, number one being one's own self.
Knob in brass instrument mentioned (5)	TUBER	Definition: Knob Homophone of(… mentioned) "tuba"(a brass musical instrument). Defn: …/a swelling or protuberance.
Fine type of pottery is evident around sides of older church (9)	PORCELAIN	Definition: Fine type of pottery PLAIN(is evident/easily seen) containing(around) [ 1st and last letters of(sides of) "older" + CE(abbrev. for the Church of England) ].
Companion has a time for casual conversation (4)	CHAT	Definition: casual conversation CH(abbrev. for a "Companion of Honour", an award for outstanding achievements) plus(has) A + T(abbrev. for "time").
Songwriter is honed after working on first of musicals (8)	SONDHEIM	Definition: Songwriter Anagram of(… after working) IS HONED placed above(on, in a down clue) 1st letter of(first of) "musicals". Answer: …, Stephen, composer, songwriter and lyricist who was a leading figure in musical theatre.
Utter slogan of a leftist? (8)	OUTRIGHT	Definition: Utter "OUT, RIGHT"(maybe/? the slogan of a leftist/socialist calling for the ouster of right-wing/conservatives from positions of authority, to be replaced by the left-wing). Defn: …/absolute.
Pinkish-red growths turn up on Chuck, maybe (10)	STRAWBERRY	Definition: Pinkish-red Reversal of(… turn up, in a down clue) WARTS(small, hard growths on the skin) placed above(on, in a down clue) BERRY(Chuck, rock and roll musician).
Location, we're told, upset Welshman, a tourist (9)	SIGHTSEER	Definition: a tourist Homophone of(…, we're told) "site"(location/place where something is put or constructed) + reversal of(upset, in a down clue) REES(a Welsh surname).
Insurance policy on rental property, which is found on bed (8)	COVERLET	Definition: which is found on bed COVER(protection against loss provided by an insurance policy) placed above(on, in a down clue) LET(a property that is leased/rented out). Defn: That …, on top of the bedsheets and blankets.
Flag shown by old seagoing vessel carrying queen (8)	STREAMER	Definition: Flag STEAMER(an old seagoing vessel, powered by a steam engine, now outdated) containing(carrying) R(abbrev. for "Regina"/Queen).
Doctor is enthralled by fish in Arctic feature (6)	TUNDRA	Definition: Arctic feature DR(abbrev. for "doctor") contained in(is enthralled by) TUNA(a food fish).
American with avarice is of the same mind (6)	AGREED	Definition: of the same mind A(abbrev. for "American") plus(with) GREED(avarice/strong desire for money and possessions).
A learner having little vitality gets permit (5)	ALLOW	Definition: permit A + L(letter displayed by a learner driver) + LOW(having little vitality/lacking in vigour/despondent).
One opposing some Italian timekeeping (4)	ANTI	Definition: One opposing Hidden in(some) "Italian timekeeping".
Secure nice position with multinational (6)	NESTLE	Definition: Secure nice position,multinational Double defn: 1st: Settle against something comfortable; and 2nd: A … food and drink processing company based in Switzerland. The second defn. is written "Nestlé".
Admirer of marriage vow? Not yet (8)	IDOLATER	Definition: Admirer "I DO"(said at the end of marriage vows, to affirm one intends to keep those vows) + LATER(not yet/at a future time).
The right footwear for a drug dealer? (5)	BOOTS	Definition: footwear,a drug dealer? Double defn: 2nd: …, cryptically. … a chain of drug dealers, in fact.
SIS signal decoded – it clarifies things (9)	ISINGLASS	Definition: it clarifies things Anagram of(… decoded) SIS SIGNAL. Defn: A kind of gelatin from fish, used in the clarification/fining of wine and beer.
See red, finding E on former copper (7)	EXPLODE	Definition: See red E placed after(finding … on) [ EX-(prefix signifying "former"/once, as in "ex-wife") + PLOD(an informal term for a police officer/copper) ]. Defn: …/go into a sudden rage.
Pained expression of famous cricketer one's caught (7)	GRIMACE	Definition: Pained expression GRACE(W.G., famous English cricketer) containing(… caught) I'M(contraction of "I am"/one's/one is, with "one" used as a substitute pronoun for "I").
American teacher is lying (4)	ABED	Definition: lying A(abbrev. for "American") + BED(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Education", a teacher with such a qualification).
Byzantine pope not welcoming northern rival (8)	OPPONENT	Definition: rival Anagram of(Byzantine) POPE NOT containing(welcoming) N(abbrev. for "northern").
Top Gear produced by serious men from the east (8)	SOMBRERO	Definition: Top Gear SOMBRE(serious/solemn) + reversal of(… from the east, in an across clue) OR(abbrev. for "other ranks"/men in the military who are non-commissioned). Defn: An article of clothing/gear for one's head/top.
The Speaker's successors resign (4)	CEDE	Definition: resign Homophone of(The Speaker's) "seed"(archaic term for a person's descendants/successors). Defn: …/to give up.
Break down on crack (7)	RESOLVE	Definition: Break down,crack RE(on/with reference to, a specific matter) + CRACK(to solve/to find a solution to a problem). Defn: …/to dissect a subject into its components.
Traveller revealing fault in German article (7)	DRIFTER	Definition: Traveller RIFT(a fault/a long break in a rock formation) contained in(in) DER(German for "the", an article in grammar).
The result of eating too much grouse? (9)	BELLYACHE	Definition: The result of eating too much,grouse Double defn: 2nd: …/to complain noisily.
Son went to get some dope (5)	SPEED	Definition: some dope S(abbrev. for "son") + PEED(went/passed urine). Defn: Slang for methamphetamine/"meth", a recreational drug/…
Love song composed about Bill (8)	SERENADE	Definition: Love song SERENE(composed/calm) containing(about) AD(short for "advertisement"/a flyer/a bill.
During day, social worker sought by police (6)	WANTED	Definition: sought by police WED(abbrev. for "Wednesday") containing(During …, …) ANT(a social insect who might be one of the worker caste).
He perhaps begs loan uneasily (5,3)	NOBLE GAS	Definition: He perhaps Anagram of(… uneasily) BEGS LOAN. Defn: Of which, "Helium", a chemical element with symbol "He", is an example/perhaps.
Way to clamp down on breaking news (4,5)	STOP PRESS	Definition: breaking news ST(abbrev. for "street"/a thoroughfare/a way) + OPPRESS(to clamp down/to subject to hardship). Defn: News in a newspaper entered at the last moment just before printing began, or after printing has begun. The clue could also be read literally since stopping the printing press(es) could be a method of stopping news from breaking/being sent out.
Boxer, champion with heart of stone (6)	LISTON	Definition: Boxer LION(a champion/a hero) containing(with heart of) ST(abbrev. for "stone", the former British unit of weight). Answer: "Sonny" …, former heavyweight boxing champion.
Making breakfast in prison? (5,8)	DOING PORRIDGE	Definition: in prison DOING(making/cooking) PORRIDGE(a dish of oatmeal or other cereal boiled in water or milk, often for breakfast). Defn: Slang for serving time …, from when porridge used to be served in prisons.
Coal left to burn (7)	LIGNITE	Definition: Coal L(abbrev. for "left") + IGNITE(to burn/to burst into flames). Defn: A soft brownish ….
I'm going to secure island crown (5)	TIARA	Definition: crown "TA-RA!"("Goodbye!"/"I'm going!") containing(to secure) I(abbrev. for "island").
Disappointed Charlie leaving in emergency (6)	RUSHED	Definition: leaving in emergency "crushed"(disappointed/felt let down) minus(… leaving) "C"(letter in the phonetic alphabet represented by "Charlie"). Defn: Describing someone or something leaving in an emergency, as in "a rushed journey to the hospital after the accident".
Reporter's local suffered, being naive (13)	INEXPERIENCED	Definition: naive Homophone of(Reporter's) "inn"(a local/a pub near one's home or office that one frequents) + EXPERIENCED(suffered/lived through).
Handling of matter botched by hospital department (9)	TREATMENT	Definition: Handling Anagram of(… botched) matter plus(by) ENT(abbrev. for the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of a hospital).
Humiliated, given low mark for all to hear (8)	DEGRADED	Definition: Humiliated Homophone of(… for all to hear) "D-graded"(given a D grade/a low mark, in a test, say)
Staff welcoming a deposit from Kuala Lumpur? (7)	MALAYAN	Definition: from Kuala Lumpur MAN(to staff/to fill the positions in an organisation) containing(welcoming) [A + LAY(to deposit/to set down). Defn: Descriptive of someone or something …, formerly the capital city of the States of Malaya, and now the capital city of Malaysia. Thus, the answer is something of an anachronism.
Setter's second puzzle? It's hell (6)	EREBUS	Definition: hell 2nd letter of(…'s second) "Setter" + REBUS(a puzzle in which words are represented by pictures and letters). Defn: …/the darkness below the earth/the underworld.
Susie's taking a little nap (6)	SIESTA	Definition: nap Hidden in(… a little) "Susie's taking".
Notes on origin of recession from the Sun (5)	SOLAR	Definition: from the Sun SO,LA(syllables representing two notes in the sol-fa musical scale) placed above(on, in a down clue) 1st letter of(origin of) "recession".
Was lout letting loose criminals? (7)	OUTLAWS	Definition: criminals Anagram of(… letting loose) WAS LOUT.
American leader's pretty perceptive (5)	ACUTE	Definition: perceptive 1st letter of(… leader) "American" + CUTE(pretty/endearing)
You must tuck into fish spread (4)	DAUB	Definition: spread U("you" in texting) contained in(must tuck into) DAB(a North Atlantic flatfish). Defn: … a sticky substance on a surface.
Conservative Party socialist toyed with? (10)	CONSIDERED	Definition: toyed with CON(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party") + SIDE(party, as in a lawsuit between plaintiff and defendant) + RED(a socialist/a leftist).
A deed men of a wild nature belittled (8)	DEMEANED	Definition: belittled Anagram of(… of a wild nature)A DEED MEN.
What workers might go out for? A nice drink! (6)	NECTAR	Definition: What workers might go out for,A nice drink Double defn: 1st: …, worker bees collecting from flowers, that is; and 2nd: A delicious drink.
Pure class to be straddling horse (6)	CHASTE	Definition: Pure CASTE(one of the classes in a society divided into distinct levels of social position) containing(to be straddling) H(abbrev. for "heroin", also called "horse").
Churlish OAP mostly associated with Pike? (6)	OAFISH	Definition: Churlish 2 out of 3 letters of(… mostly) "OAP" plus(associated with) FISH(an example of which is the pike).
Member of sect found in delicatessen, eating (6)	ESSENE	Definition: Member of sect Hidden in(found in …) "delicatessen eating". Defn: … found in ancient Palestine.
A poor worker holding in hand sandpaper? (8)	ABRADANT	Definition: sandpaper? [A + BAD(poor/of a low standard) + ANT(a social insect, one who could belong to the worker caste) ] containing(holding in) R(abbrev. for "right"/the hand opposed to the left, as with "a boxer's right"). Defn: Of which sandpaper is an example/?.
Criminal given grief online is restrained (10)	CONTROLLED	Definition: restrained CON(short for "convict", a criminal) + TROLLED(given grief/problems by a troll, an online poster who intentionally antagonises others).
River one's to cross outside of Shanghai (4)	ISIS	Definition: River I(Roman numeral for "one")'S containing(to cross) 1st and last letters of(outside of) "Shanghai". Defn: Another name for part of the River Thames.
Counterfeit gun impounded by agent abroad (5)	FAKED	Definition: Counterfeit AK(or Kalashnikov, short for the AK-47 automatic rifle, one of the AK family of rifles) contained in(impounded by) FED(short for an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, one abroad if you're not from the US).
Penny gets baby toy fluffy rabbit, perhaps (7)	PRATTLE	Definition: fluffy rabbit, perhaps P(abbrev. for "penny", the unit of currency) plus(gets) RATTLE(a baby toy). Defn: Fluffy/frivolous rabbit/conversation.
To me, Serpent's one male best at puzzles (10)	STABLEMATE	Definition: To me, Serpent's one Anagram of(… puzzles) MALE BEST AT. Defn: What Serpent, a crossword setter for The Independent, is to me, the setter of this crossword using the self-referential pronoun.
Is it possible that prison will provide dance? (6)	CANCAN	Definition: dance CAN?("is it possible that?", as in "Is it possible that you do this?") CAN(slang for prison).
Criminal had a nice ranch on the Costa Del Sol (8)	HACIENDA	Definition: ranch on the Costa Del Anagram of(Criminal) HAD A NICE. Defn: A ranch or estate, in the language of the Costa Del Sol, Spain.
Song fan sent up, debut of Europe (4)	TUNE	Definition: Song Reversal of(… sent up, in a down clue) NUT(a fan/a fanatic about a specific thing) + 1st letter of(debut of) "Europe".
Speak of love that comes with cost? (5)	ORATE	Definition: Speak O(letter representing 0/love in tennis scores) plus(that comes with) RATE(a fixed price/cost charged for something).
Religious councils' chance of doing wrong in hearing? (6)	SYNODS	Definition: igious councils Homophone of(… in hearing) "sin odds"(whimsically, the chance/odds of doing wrong/sinning)
Look at tree stuffed with bit of wet rubbish (7)	EYEWASH	Definition: rubbish [ EYE(to look at) + ASH(a tree) ] containing(stuffed with) 1st letter of(bit of) "wet".
Kid's bunk possibly picked up for delivery? (10)	CHILDBIRTH	Definition: delivery KID(a child) + homophone of(… picked up) "berth"(a bunk/a narrow shelf-like bed arranged on top of another, in possibly a ship or train). Defn: … of a baby, in a hospital, say.
Group of players on holiday get ready to go sailing (4,3)	CAST OFF	Definition: get ready to go sailing CAST(a group of players/actors in a play or movie) + OFF(on holiday/away from work).
House doctor about to enter dodgy hostel (3,5)	THE LORDS	Definition: House Reversal of(… about) DR(abbrev. for "doctor") contained in(to enter) anagram of(dodgy) HOSTEL. Defn: … in the UK Parliament.
Buzz everyone gets in football tourney (4,2)	CALL UP	Definition: Buzz ALL(everyone) contained in(gets in) CUP(a football tourney, where the winner gets a trophy in the form of a cup). Defn: …/contact someone by phone.
Basketball icon is bloke who goes fishing (6)	RODMAN	Definition: Basketball icon [ ROD MAN ](whimsically, a bloke/man who goes fishing with a rod/fishing rod). Answer: …, Dennis, American basketball star/icon.
One settling bill for racket (5)	NOISE	Definition: racket I(Roman numeral for "one") contained in(settling in) NOSE(the beak of some birds/bill).
Photograph bear (4)	TAKE	Definition: Photograph,bear Double defn: 1st: …/to capture a scene with a camera; and 2nd: …/to tolerate.
Excessive exploitation very nearly blocks river (7)	OVERUSE	Definition: Excessive exploitation "very" minus its last letter(nearly) contained in(blocks) OUSE(river in Yorkshire, England).

Mineral's in there, mixed with phosphorus (8)

NEPHRITE

Definition: Mineral **Anagram of**(…, mixed …) [IN THERE **plus**(with) P(symbol for the chemical element, phosphorus) ]. Defn: A form of jade.

Negative response about flowers in strong winds (10)

NOR’EASTERS

Definition: strong winds NO(negative response/nay) + RE(with reference to/about) + ASTERS(flowers of the aster, a genus of plants). Defn: … blowing from the northeast.

Enters the exam, exhausted, to get prize (6)

ESTEEM

Definition: prize **Middle letters deleted, respectively, from**(…exhausted) "Enters the exam". Defn: …/to value highly.

Three quarters of strategy rearranged in turn (6)

GYRATE

Definition: turn **Anagram of**(… rearranged) **6 of 8 letters of**(Three quarters of) "strategy".

Opposite of 5 hats (10)

SOU’WESTERS

Definition: Opposite of 5,hats Double defn: 1st: Winds from the opposite direction of nor'easters/answer to 5 down; and 2nd:

Intellectual heard greeting bishop on street (8)

HIGHBROW

Definition: Intellectual **Homophone of**(heard) "Hi!"(a friendly greeting) + B(abbrev. for "bishop" in chess notation) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) ROW(a street with a continuous line of houses along one or both sides).

Dislike neighbourhood being restricted, with east in disarray (8)

DISTASTE

Definition: Dislike "district"(a neighbourhood in a town or city) **minus ****its last 4 letters**(being restricted) **plus**(with) **anagram of**(… in disarray) EAST.

Appropriate, as birds turning up from the south (6)

ASSUME

Definition: Appropriate AS + **reversal of**(… turning up from the south, in a down clue) EMUS(flightless birds from Australia). Defn: …/to seize or take, especially without the owner's permission.

Treasures commercial products of mine (6)

ADORES

Definition: Treasures AD(abbrev. for "advertisement"/a commercial) + ORES(natural material with valuable components excavated from the ground/products of mines).

Crazy artists recalled city in Asia (6)

MADRAS

Definition: recalled city in Asia MAD(crazy/insane) + RAS(plural of RA, abbrev. for "Royal Academician", an artist who is a member of the Royal Academy of the Arts). Defn: City in Asia, specifically, India, and now re-named/re-called Chennai.

Middle East abandoned by major power? So it is (4)

THUS

Definition: So it is *"E", m***iddle letter**(Middle East) **deleted from**(abandoned by) "the US"(the USA, in full, a major power).

Factory worker ready to supply remote control device (7)

HANDSET

Definition: remote control device HAND(a factory worker/one engaged in manual labour) + SET(ready/in a state of preparedness).

A cop is excited about southern artist (7)

PICASSO

Definition: artist **Anagram of**(… excited) A COP IS **containing**(about) S(abbrev. for "southern").

One river after another in the countryside (5)

RURAL

Definition: in the countryside URAL(a river flowing through Russia and Kazakhstan into the Caspian Sea) **placed after**(after) **another** R(abbrev. for "river")

Counter with publication, clear source of attraction? (3,6)

BAR MAGNET

Definition: source of attraction BAR(a counter such as one in a bar over which drinks are served) **plus**(with) MAG(short for "magazine", a publication) + NET(to clear/to gain after all deductions have been made, as in "net earnings").

Unreliable type made bankrupt by necessity? About right (6,4)

BROKEN REED

Definition: Unreliable type BROKE(bankrupt/unable to pay one's debts) **plus**(by) NEED(a necessity/a requirement) **containing**(About) R(abbrev. for "right"). Answer: …/one you cannot rely on for support.

Asian language proves draw by the sound of it (4)

THAI

Definition: Asian language **Homophone of**(… by the sound of it) "tie"(a draw/a match result where teams' scores are level).

Two that stir in a haphazard way, initially (2,5,4)

TO START WITH

Definition: initially **Anagram of**(… in a haphazard way) TWO THAT STIR.

One agent had to be redeployed, requiring attention (2,3,6)

ON THE AGENDA

Definition: requiring attention **Anagram of**(… to be redeployed) ONE AGENT HAD.

English archdeacon of a smooth nature (4)

EVEN

Definition: of a smooth nature E(abbrev. for "English") + VEN(abbrev. for "Venerable", title given to an archdeacon in the Church of England).

Varied stars rejected food around old city (10)

STRASBOURG

Definition: city **Anagram of**(Varied) STARS + **reversal of**(rejected) GRUB(an informal term for "food") **containing**(around) O(abbrev. for "old"). Defn: … in France.

Male in Spanish city starts to prefer exquisite entrées, loving covering of fruit (5,4)

LEMON PEEL

Definition: covering of fruit M(abbrev. for "male") **contained in**(in) LEÓN(city in northwest Spain) + **1st letters, respectively, of**(starts to) "prefer exquisite entrées, loving".

Captain's area on ship missing first raised strip of land (5)

RIDGE

Definition: raised strip of land "bridge"(the area on a ship from which the captain commands) **minus its 1st letter**(missing first).

Man's best friend gets to slip in part of a stand (7)

TERRIER

Definition: Man's best friend ERR(to slip/to make a mistake) **contained in**(in) TIER(part of a stand, a raised structure with a series of levels on which spectators stand or sit). Defn: A breed of …

Irregular method followed by section of a hospital (7)

WAYWARD

Definition: Irregular WAY(a method of doing things) **placed before**(followed by) WARD(a section, specifically a room or rooms, in a hospital with beds for patients).

Something that might be blown in the presence of English writer (6)

HORNBY

Definition: English writer HORN(something that might be blown to produce sound) + BY(in the presence of/beside a physical object). Answer: Nick …

New item required for archery is restricted (6)

NARROW

Definition: restricted N(abbrev. for "new") + ARROW(an item required for archery).

Regard for number one? (4-6)

SELF-ESTEEM

Definition: Regard for number one Cryptic defn: …, number one being one's own self.

Knob in brass instrument mentioned (5)

TUBER

Definition: Knob **Homophone of**(… mentioned) "tuba"(a brass musical instrument). Defn: …/a swelling or protuberance.

Fine type of pottery is evident around sides of older church (9)

PORCELAIN

Definition: Fine type of pottery PLAIN(is evident/easily seen) **containing**(around) [ **1st and last letters of**(sides of) "older" + CE(abbrev. for the Church of England) ].

Companion has a time for casual conversation (4)

CHAT

Definition: casual conversation CH(abbrev. for a "Companion of Honour", an award for outstanding achievements) **plus**(has) A + T(abbrev. for "time").

Songwriter is honed after working on first of musicals (8)

SONDHEIM

Definition: Songwriter **Anagram of**(… after working) IS HONED **placed above**(on, in a down clue) **1st letter of**(first of) "musicals". Answer: …, Stephen, composer, songwriter and lyricist who was a leading figure in musical theatre.

Utter slogan of a leftist? (8)

OUTRIGHT

Definition: Utter "OUT, RIGHT"(maybe/? the slogan of a leftist/socialist calling for the ouster of right-wing/conservatives from positions of authority, to be replaced by the left-wing). Defn: …/absolute.

Pinkish-red growths turn up on Chuck, maybe (10)

STRAWBERRY

Definition: Pinkish-red **Reversal of**(… turn up, in a down clue) WARTS(small, hard growths on the skin) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) BERRY(Chuck, rock and roll musician).

Location, we're told, upset Welshman, a tourist (9)

SIGHTSEER

Definition: a tourist **Homophone of**(…, we're told) "site"(location/place where something is put or constructed) + **reversal of**(upset, in a down clue) REES(a Welsh surname).

Insurance policy on rental property, which is found on bed (8)

COVERLET

Definition: which is found on bed COVER(protection against loss provided by an insurance policy) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) LET(a property that is leased/rented out). Defn: That …, on top of the bedsheets and blankets.

Flag shown by old seagoing vessel carrying queen (8)

STREAMER

Definition: Flag STEAMER(an old seagoing vessel, powered by a steam engine, now outdated) **containing**(carrying) R(abbrev. for "Regina"/Queen).

Doctor is enthralled by fish in Arctic feature (6)

TUNDRA

Definition: Arctic feature DR(abbrev. for "doctor") **contained in**(is enthralled by) TUNA(a food fish).

American with avarice is of the same mind (6)

AGREED

Definition: of the same mind A(abbrev. for "American") **plus**(with) GREED(avarice/strong desire for money and possessions).

A learner having little vitality gets permit (5)

ALLOW

Definition: permit A + L(letter displayed by a learner driver) + LOW(having little vitality/lacking in vigour/despondent).

One opposing some Italian timekeeping (4)

ANTI

Definition: One opposing **Hidden in**(some) "Italian timekeeping".

Secure nice position with multinational (6)

NESTLE

Definition: Secure nice position,multinational Double defn: 1st: Settle against something comfortable; and 2nd: A … food and drink processing company based in Switzerland. The second defn. is written "Nestlé".

Admirer of marriage vow? Not yet (8)

IDOLATER

Definition: Admirer "I DO"(said at the end of marriage vows, to affirm one intends to keep those vows) + LATER(not yet/at a future time).

The right footwear for a drug dealer? (5)

BOOTS

Definition: footwear,a drug dealer? Double defn: 2nd: …, cryptically. … a chain of drug dealers, in fact.

SIS signal decoded – it clarifies things (9)

ISINGLASS

Definition: it clarifies things **Anagram of**(… decoded) SIS SIGNAL. Defn: A kind of gelatin from fish, used in the clarification/fining of wine and beer.

See red, finding E on former copper (7)

EXPLODE

Definition: See red E **placed after**(finding … on) [ EX-(prefix signifying "former"/once, as in "ex-wife") + PLOD(an informal term for a police officer/copper) ]. Defn: …/go into a sudden rage.

Pained expression of famous cricketer one's caught (7)

GRIMACE

Definition: Pained expression GRACE(W.G., famous English cricketer) **containing**(… caught) I'M(contraction of "I am"/one's/one is, with "one" used as a substitute pronoun for "I").

American teacher is lying (4)

ABED

Definition: lying A(abbrev. for "American") + BED(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Education", a teacher with such a qualification).

Byzantine pope not welcoming northern rival (8)

OPPONENT

Definition: rival **Anagram of**(Byzantine) POPE NOT **containing**(welcoming) N(abbrev. for "northern").

Top Gear produced by serious men from the east (8)

SOMBRERO

Definition: Top Gear SOMBRE(serious/solemn) + **reversal of**(… from the east, in an across clue) OR(abbrev. for "other ranks"/men in the military who are non-commissioned). Defn: An article of clothing/gear for one's head/top.

The Speaker's successors resign (4)

CEDE

Definition: resign **Homophone of**(The Speaker's) "seed"(archaic term for a person's descendants/successors). Defn: …/to give up.

Break down on crack (7)

RESOLVE

Definition: Break down,crack RE(on/with reference to, a specific matter) + CRACK(to solve/to find a solution to a problem). Defn: …/to dissect a subject into its components.

Traveller revealing fault in German article (7)

DRIFTER

Definition: Traveller RIFT(a fault/a long break in a rock formation) **contained in**(in) DER(German for "the", an article in grammar).

The result of eating too much grouse? (9)

BELLYACHE

Definition: The result of eating too much,grouse Double defn: 2nd: …/to complain noisily.

Son went to get some dope (5)

SPEED

Definition: some dope S(abbrev. for "son") + PEED(went/passed urine). Defn: Slang for methamphetamine/"meth", a recreational drug/…

Love song composed about Bill (8)

SERENADE

Definition: Love song SERENE(composed/calm) **containing**(about) AD(short for "advertisement"/a flyer/a bill.

During day, social worker sought by police (6)

WANTED

Definition: sought by police WED(abbrev. for "Wednesday") **containing**(During …, …) ANT(a social insect who might be one of the worker caste).

He perhaps begs loan uneasily (5,3)

NOBLE GAS

Definition: He perhaps **Anagram of**(… uneasily) BEGS LOAN. Defn: Of which, "Helium", a chemical element with symbol "He", is an example/perhaps.

Way to clamp down on breaking news (4,5)

STOP PRESS

Definition: breaking news ST(abbrev. for "street"/a thoroughfare/a way) + OPPRESS(to clamp down/to subject to hardship). Defn: News in a newspaper entered at the last moment just before printing began, or after printing has begun. The clue could also be read literally since stopping the printing press(es) could be a method of stopping news from breaking/being sent out.

Boxer, champion with heart of stone (6)

LISTON

Definition: Boxer LION(a champion/a hero) **containing**(with heart of) ST(abbrev. for "stone", the former British unit of weight). Answer: "Sonny" …, former heavyweight boxing champion.

Making breakfast in prison? (5,8)

DOING PORRIDGE

Definition: in prison DOING(making/cooking) PORRIDGE(a dish of oatmeal or other cereal boiled in water or milk, often for breakfast). Defn: Slang for serving time …, from when porridge used to be served in prisons.

Coal left to burn (7)

LIGNITE

Definition: Coal L(abbrev. for "left") + IGNITE(to burn/to burst into flames). Defn: A soft brownish ….

I'm going to secure island crown (5)

TIARA

Definition: crown "TA-RA!"("Goodbye!"/"I'm going!") **containing**(to secure) I(abbrev. for "island").

Disappointed Charlie leaving in emergency (6)

RUSHED

Definition: leaving in emergency "crushed"(disappointed/felt let down) **minus**(… leaving) "C"(letter in the phonetic alphabet represented by "Charlie"). Defn: Describing someone or something leaving in an emergency, as in "a rushed journey to the hospital after the accident".

Reporter's local suffered, being naive (13)

INEXPERIENCED

Definition: naive **Homophone of**(Reporter's) "inn"(a local/a pub near one's home or office that one frequents) + EXPERIENCED(suffered/lived through).

Handling of matter botched by hospital department (9)

TREATMENT

Definition: Handling **Anagram of**(… botched) matter **plus**(by) ENT(abbrev. for the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of a hospital).

Humiliated, given low mark for all to hear (8)

DEGRADED

Definition: Humiliated **Homophone of**(… for all to hear) "D-graded"(given a D grade/a low mark, in a test, say)

Staff welcoming a deposit from Kuala Lumpur? (7)

MALAYAN

Definition: from Kuala Lumpur MAN(to staff/to fill the positions in an organisation) **containing**(welcoming) [A + LAY(to deposit/to set down). Defn: Descriptive of someone or something …, formerly the capital city of the States of Malaya, and now the capital city of Malaysia. Thus, the answer is something of an anachronism.

Setter's second puzzle? It's hell (6)

EREBUS

Definition: hell **2nd letter of**(…'s second) "Setter" + REBUS(a puzzle in which words are represented by pictures and letters). Defn: …/the darkness below the earth/the underworld.

Susie's taking a little nap (6)

SIESTA

Definition: nap **Hidden in**(… a little) "Susie's taking".

Notes on origin of recession from the Sun (5)

SOLAR

Definition: from the Sun SO,LA(syllables representing two notes in the sol-fa musical scale) **placed above**(on, in a down clue) **1st letter of**(origin of) "recession".

Was lout letting loose criminals? (7)

OUTLAWS

Definition: criminals **Anagram of**(… letting loose) WAS LOUT.

American leader's pretty perceptive (5)

ACUTE

Definition: perceptive **1st letter of**(… leader) "American" + CUTE(pretty/endearing)

You must tuck into fish spread (4)

DAUB

Definition: spread U("you" in texting) **contained in**(must tuck into) DAB(a North Atlantic flatfish). Defn: … a sticky substance on a surface.

Conservative Party socialist toyed with? (10)

CONSIDERED

Definition: toyed with CON(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party") + SIDE(party, as in a lawsuit between plaintiff and defendant) + RED(a socialist/a leftist).

A deed men of a wild nature belittled (8)

DEMEANED

Definition: belittled **Anagram of**(… of a wild nature)A DEED MEN.

What workers might go out for? A nice drink! (6)

NECTAR

Definition: What workers might go out for,A nice drink Double defn: 1st: …, worker bees collecting from flowers, that is; and 2nd: A delicious drink.

Pure class to be straddling horse (6)

CHASTE

Definition: Pure CASTE(one of the classes in a society divided into distinct levels of social position) **containing**(to be straddling) H(abbrev. for "heroin", also called "horse").

Churlish OAP mostly associated with Pike? (6)

OAFISH

Definition: Churlish **2 out of 3 letters of**(… mostly) "OAP" **plus**(associated with) FISH(an example of which is the pike).

Member of sect found in delicatessen, eating (6)

ESSENE

Definition: Member of sect **Hidden in**(found in …) "delicatessen eating". Defn: … found in ancient Palestine.

A poor worker holding in hand sandpaper? (8)

ABRADANT

Definition: sandpaper? [A + BAD(poor/of a low standard) + ANT(a social insect, one who could belong to the worker caste) ] **containing**(holding in) R(abbrev. for "right"/the hand opposed to the left, as with "a boxer's right"). Defn: Of which sandpaper is an example/?.

Criminal given grief online is restrained (10)

CONTROLLED

Definition: restrained CON(short for "convict", a criminal) + TROLLED(given grief/problems by a troll, an online poster who intentionally antagonises others).

River one's to cross outside of Shanghai (4)

ISIS

Definition: River I(Roman numeral for "one")'S **containing**(to cross) **1st and last letters of**(outside of) "Shanghai". Defn: Another name for part of the River Thames.

Counterfeit gun impounded by agent abroad (5)

FAKED

Definition: Counterfeit AK(or Kalashnikov, short for the AK-47 automatic rifle, one of the AK family of rifles) **contained in**(impounded by) FED(short for an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, one abroad if you're not from the US).

Penny gets baby toy fluffy rabbit, perhaps (7)

PRATTLE

Definition: fluffy rabbit, perhaps P(abbrev. for "penny", the unit of currency) **plus**(gets) RATTLE(a baby toy). Defn: Fluffy/frivolous rabbit/conversation.

To me, Serpent's one male best at puzzles (10)

STABLEMATE

Definition: To me, Serpent's one **Anagram of**(… puzzles) MALE BEST AT. Defn: What Serpent, a crossword setter for The Independent, is to me, the setter of this crossword using the self-referential pronoun.

Is it possible that prison will provide dance? (6)

CANCAN

Definition: dance CAN?("is it possible that?", as in "Is it possible that you do this?") CAN(slang for prison).

Criminal had a nice ranch on the Costa Del Sol (8)

HACIENDA

Definition: ranch on the Costa Del **Anagram of**(Criminal) HAD A NICE. Defn: A ranch or estate, in the language of the Costa Del Sol, Spain.

Song fan sent up, debut of Europe (4)

TUNE

Definition: Song **Reversal of**(… sent up, in a down clue) NUT(a fan/a fanatic about a specific thing) + **1st letter of**(debut of) "Europe".

Speak of love that comes with cost? (5)

ORATE

Definition: Speak O(letter representing 0/love in tennis scores) **plus**(that comes with) RATE(a fixed price/cost charged for something).

Religious councils' chance of doing wrong in hearing? (6)

SYNODS

Definition: igious councils **Homophone of**(… in hearing) "sin odds"(whimsically, the chance/odds of doing wrong/sinning)

Look at tree stuffed with bit of wet rubbish (7)

EYEWASH

Definition: rubbish [ EYE(to look at) + ASH(a tree) ] **containing**(stuffed with) **1st letter of**(bit of) "wet".

Kid's bunk possibly picked up for delivery? (10)

CHILDBIRTH

Definition: delivery KID(a child) + **homophone of**(… picked up) "berth"(a bunk/a narrow shelf-like bed arranged on top of another, in possibly a ship or train). Defn: … of a baby, in a hospital, say.

Group of players on holiday get ready to go sailing (4,3)

CAST OFF

Definition: get ready to go sailing CAST(a group of players/actors in a play or movie) + OFF(on holiday/away from work).

House doctor about to enter dodgy hostel (3,5)

THE LORDS

Definition: House **Reversal of**(… about) DR(abbrev. for "doctor") **contained in**(to enter) **anagram of**(dodgy) HOSTEL. Defn: … in the UK Parliament.

Buzz everyone gets in football tourney (4,2)

CALL UP

Definition: Buzz ALL(everyone) **contained in**(gets in) CUP(a football tourney, where the winner gets a trophy in the form of a cup). Defn: …/contact someone by phone.

Basketball icon is bloke who goes fishing (6)

RODMAN

Definition: Basketball icon [ ROD MAN ](whimsically, a bloke/man who goes fishing with a rod/fishing rod). Answer: …, Dennis, American basketball star/icon.

One settling bill for racket (5)

NOISE

Definition: racket I(Roman numeral for "one") **contained in**(settling in) NOSE(the beak of some birds/bill).

Photograph bear (4)

TAKE

Definition: Photograph,bear Double defn: 1st: …/to capture a scene with a camera; and 2nd: …/to tolerate.

Excessive exploitation very nearly blocks river (7)

OVERUSE

Definition: Excessive exploitation "very" **minus ****its last letter**(nearly) **contained in**(blocks) OUSE(river in Yorkshire, England).