0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Exercise you must do to get higher with lift (5,2)	PRESS UP	Definition: Exercise Cryptic defn: You must press the "UP" button in a lift in a multi-storeyed building to get to the higher floors.
Composer in debt took on too much (7)	OVERDID	Definition: took on too much VERDI(Giuseppe, Italian composer) contained in(in) OD(abbrev. for "overdrawn", the state you're in, ie. in debt when your draw out from your bank account more than your credit balance).
Antelopes put back in container, when picked up (7)	REEBOKS	Definition: Antelopes Homophone of(…, when picked up/when heard) "re-box"(to put back in a box, an example of a container).
Declare old partner's demand for alimony (7)	EXCLAIM	Definition: Declare EX(old partner, say, a divorced spouse)'s CLAIM(a demand for what's rightfully the latter's, in this case, alimony).
Try twice to swallow vitamin for painful condition (9)	HEARTBURN	Definition: painful condition [ HEAR(to try in court),TURN(a try/an attempt at something taken in rotation with other persons) ](Try twice) containing(to swallow) B(a class of water-soluble vitamins).
Complete fool when forgetting name (5)	UTTER	Definition: Complete "nutter"(a fool/a person who behaves strangely) minus(when forgetting) "n"(abbrev. for "name").
Chaucer's first poems, which need deciphering (5)	CODES	Definition: which need deciphering 1st letter of(…'s first) "Chaucer" + ODES(poems addressed to a particular subject). Defn: That ….
Master in a hurry becoming new resident of hospital (2-7)	IN-PATIENT	Definition: resident of hospital "m" in "impatient"(in a hurry/unwilling to wait) replaced by(becoming) "n"(abbrev. for "new"). Strictly, 2 "ins" are required in the clue.
Financier on cocaine makes a chilly impression (4,5)	SNOW ANGEL	Definition: a chilly impression ANGEL(a financier/an investor in a business venture, say, a theatrical production) placed after(on) SNOW(slang for the drug, cocaine).
Teacher turning to take on very loud musical pieces (5)	RIFFS	Definition: musical pieces Reversal of(… turning) SIR(form of address for a male teacher) containing(to take on) FF(abbrev. for "fortissimo", a musical direction to play very loudly). Defn: Short repeated phrases in popular music or jazz.
Ordered apprentice inside to make a sword (5)	BLADE	Definition: a sword BADE(ordered/commanded to do something) containing(… inside) L(letter displayed by a learner driver, an apprentice, you might say). The character and the sword:
Put a leper through treatment that's going on for ever (9)	PERPETUAL	Definition: going on for ever Anagram of(… through treatment) PUT A LEPER.
Awkward suitor bearing ring is causing trouble (7)	RIOTOUS	Definition: causing trouble Anagram of(Awkward) SUITOR containing(bearing) O(letter representing a ring or ring-shaped object).
Quiet by perimeter — until one shows up! (7)	SHOUTER	Definition: until one shows up SH!(exclamation to tell someone to keep quiet) + OUTER(further away from the centre/by the perimeter/edge,). Defn: …/one who ends the quiet.
Confederate arresting work unit causes a reaction (7)	ALLERGY	Definition: a reaction ALLY(a confederate/an accomplice) containing(arresting) ERG(in physics, the unit of work).
Contract makes cheat switch son for daughter (7)	DWINDLE	Definition: Contract "swindle"(to cheat/to defraud) with "s"(abbrev. for "son") replaced by(switch … for) "d"(abbrev. for "daughter").
Chirpy redhead devastated by such a victory, perhaps (7)	PYRRHIC	Definition: such a victory, perhaps Anagram of(… devastated) [CHIRPY + 1st letter of(…head) "red" ]. Defn: Describing a kind of/perhaps, a victory that is won at a greater cost than is worthwhile for the victor.
Stone delivered from them by cockney messenger (7)	EMERALD	Definition: Stone 'EM(short for "them", informally) plus(by) 'ERALD(herald/a messenger, as pronounced in the cockney dialect).
Informer provides material for insider trading (5)	SNOUT	Definition: Informer,material for insider trading Double defn: 1st: Slang for an … to the police; and 2nd: Slang for a cigarette, something/material that can be used to trade for favours by insiders, those inside prisons, you might say.
Not quite top drawer coder is showing off (9)	POSTURING	Definition: showing off Last letter deleted from(Not quite) "posh"(top drawer/upper class) + TURING(Alan, an English computer scientist, a discipline that includes the use of code, though his accomplishments were much more than that.).
OECD chief explodes at national leaders as this rises? (5)	OCEAN	Definition: as this rises 1st letters, respectively, of(… leaders) "OECD chief explodes at national". Defn: "this" in the defn. (And, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) assresses, among other things, climate change, an effect of which is the rise in sea level as a result of global warming.)
Meet with French chap upset about matter he ingested (9)	ENCOUNTER	Definition: Meet Reversal of(… upset, in a down clue) RENE(an archetypal name for a French chap) containing(about … he ingested) COUNT(to matter/to be effective).
One forced to join up — that sounds chilling (7)	DRAFTEE	Homophone of**(that sounds) "draughty"(chilling/allowing in currents of cold air). Defn: … into the military, say.
Black mark put me into same boring old spin (7)	DEMERIT	Definition: Black mark ME contained in(put … into) reversal of(… spin) TIRED(describing that which is the same old boring thing).
Erect foundations to accommodate old actors' entrance (5,4)	STAGE DOOR	Definition: actors' entrance Reversal of(Erect, in a down clue) ROOTS(foundations/origins) containing(to accommodate) AGED(old/advanced in years).
Loser paid for breaking into two camps (9)	POLARISED	Definition: into two camps Anagram of(… for breaking) LOSER PAID.
Colder than Coventry for those sent into isolation? (7)	SIBERIA	Definition: Colder than Coventry for those sent into isolation Cryptic defn: If one is "sent to Coventry", one would be treated coldly/ostracised. Being "sent to Siberia", is to be banished/to be sent into isolation, from when Russian criminals were literally sent into Siberia, a much colder and more remote region than Coventry, as their punishment.
Where Frankfurter might be found doing well? (2,1,4)	ON A ROLL	Definition: Where Frankfurter might be found,doing well Double defn: 1st: A frankfurter sausage might be found on a roll/a small loaf of bread, as a food item; and 2nd: …/on a winning streak.
Turfed out when retaining information that's productive (7)	FRUITED	Definition: productive Anagram of(… out)TURFED containing(when retaining) I(abbrev. for "information", as "IT"). Defn: …/producing fruit.
Rangers are part of what leads press to reveal overspending (7)	SPLURGE	Definition: overspending SPL(abbrev. for the Scottish Premier League, of which the Rangers Football Club from Glasgow are a part) plus(what leads) URGE(to press/to encourage).
Share rating at upper limit? That's annoying (5)	PESKY	Definition: annoying P/E(abbrev. for "price-earnings ratio", a measure/rating of a commercial company's shares) plus(at) SKY(the upper limit/the highest level of achievement you can possibly attain).
Pathogen that turns up regularly in gill pouches (1,4)	E COLI	Definition: Pathogen 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th letters of(regularly in) reversal of(that turns up, in a down clue) "gill pouches".
Compostable items left in rubbish? (6)	PLANTS	Definition: Compostable items L(abbrev. for "left") contained in(in) PANTS(informal term for rubbish/nonsense).
The French blunder? Go wild (3,3)	LET RIP	Definition: Go wild LE(French for "the") + TRIP(to blunder/to stumble)..
One-time group of performers (6)	FORMER	Definition: One-time Hidden in(group of) "performers".
An editor out of control should be restricted (8)	RATIONED	Definition: restricted Anagram of(… out of control) AN EDITOR.
Certainly not the best policy! (10)	DISHONESTY	Definition: Certainly not the best policy Cryptic defn: From the proverb "Honesty is the best policy". Am I missing something here?
Singer and friend outside university with academic attire on? (4,7)	PAUL ROBESON	Definition: Singer PAL(friend) containing(outside) U(abbrev. for "university") plus(with) ROBES(attire worn during ceremonial occasions, in this case by academics) ON.
Agent suffering setback (and cut off) kept going (10)	PERSEVERED	Definition: kept going Reversal of(… suffering setback) REP(abbrev. for "representative", an agent eg. one in sales) plus(and) SEVERED(cut/sliced off).
You are part of the crew, reportedly making money (4)	EURO	Definition: money Homophone of(…, reportedly) "you row"(denoting you are part of the crew of a rowboat).
Scottish island's so typical of a long-ago time (8)	JURASSIC	Definition: typical of a long-ago time JURA(a Scottish island)'S + SIC(so/thus/repeated exactly as it is).
Prison block needing the ultimate in security (6)	CHOKEY	Definition: Prison CHOKE(to block/to prevent free flow) plus(needing) last letter of(the ultimate in) "security". Defn: Slang for …
Money deposited by the German road joining an autobahn? (6)	FEEDER	Definition: road joining an autobahn FEE(money paid, in this case, deposited for the services of a professional) plus(by) DER(German for "the"). Defn: A road for traffic to join a highway, an example of which/? is the German autobahn.
Comfort in abstaining from alcohol — what's on the table? (3,3)	TEA SET	Definition: what's on the table EASE(comfort/absence of difficulty) contained in(in) TT(abbrev. for "teetotal"/abstaining from alcohol).
Island has job getting rid of king — madness ensues (8)	TASMANIA	Definition: Island "task"(a job/a piece of work) minus(getting rid of) "k"(abbrev. for "king" in chess notation) placed above(… ensues, in a down clue) MANIA(madness/mental illness). Defn: … in Australia.
Some items to redeem, not on public display? (6)	STORED	Definition: not on public display Hidden in(Some) "items to redeem".
Went across street, we hear, ahead of all others in front (8)	BESTRODE	Definition: Went across Homophone of(…, we hear) "road"(street/thoroughfare) placed under(… in front, in a down clue) BEST(ahead of all others/unsurpassed). Defn: …/straddled.
Small wooden area with duck in narrow channel (6)	GROOVE	Definition: narrow channel GROVE(a small piece of ground with trees growing on it/a small wooded area – "wooden" being used loosely?) containing(with … in) O(letter representing 0/duck in cricket scores).
Make nothing of repeated dirty stuff (3-3)	POO-POO	Definition: Make nothing of Twice(repeated) POO(slang for excrement/dirty stuff).
Lots missing a penalty, sadly (6)	PLENTY	Definition: Lots Anagram of(…, sadly) "penalty" minus(missing) "a".
Actor is out with naughty nobs (11)	ARISTOCRACY	Definition: nobs Anagram of(… out) ACTOR IS plus(with) RACY(naughty/risqué). Defn: Persons of high social position/nobs, in slang.
John, one wanting office outside, maybe spent to much? (8)	LAVISHED	Definition: spent to much LAV(short for "lavatory"/john in slang) + I(Roman numeral for "one") plus(wanting) SHED(an outhouse/an outdoor/outside toilet/office, euphemistically/maybe).
Insignificant place that could be nowhere? Not so (3-5,4)	ONE-HORSE TOWN	Definition: Insignificant place Anagram of(could be) NOWHERE? NOT SO.
Polish again getting snub? (6)	REBUFF	Definition: snub RE-BUFF(re-polish/polish again).
Game held up with fellow needing immediate attention (6)	URGENT	Definition: needing immediate attention Reversal of(… held up, in a down clue) RU(abbrev. for the game "rugby union") plus(with) GENT(a fellow/a chap).
Hiding in bush, a very young lad (6)	SHAVER	Definition: young lad Hidden in(Hiding in) "bush, a very". Defn: Informal term for …
Taken off, as a ship needing repair? (6)	DOCKED	Definition: Taken off,as a ship needing repair Defn: 1st: …/cut short, an animal's tail, say; and 2nd: Put a ship needing repair into, well, a dock/shipyard.
Audition viably arranged, characteristic of a certain event (14)	UNAVOIDABILITY	Definition: characteristic of a certain event Anagram of(… arranged) AUDITION VIABLY. Defn: …/of an inevitable event.
Horizontal surface in which line meets side (5)	LEDGE	Definition: Horizontal surface L(abbrev. for "line") plus(meets) EDGE(the side/the border, say, of a square).
Ridicule resolution to replace Conservative by monarch (8)	DERISION	Definition: Ridicule "decision"(resolution/a decisive end to a pending issue, say) with "c"(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party) replaced by(to replace … by) R(abbrev. for "Rex" or "Regina"/king or queen respectively/a monarch).
Designs in place of words repeatedly found in mathematics (7)	FORMATS	Definition: Designs FOR(in place of/as a substitute for, as in "the understudy for the leading actor") + MATS(2 x "mat", a word hidden twice in "mathematics").
Using modified ten iron, his pitch changes little (7)	INTONER	Definition: his pitch changes little Anagram of(Using modified) TEN IRON. Defn: … when speaking or singing, say. As to the surface, a golfer would use a pitching wedge, a club giving a higher loft than a 9 iron, used to make a pitch shot.
Measure of interest in group of islands, or one (5)	CAPRI	Definition: one APR(abbrev. for "annual percentage rate", the amount/measure of interest generated by a sum of money, paid by a borrower to a lender) contained in(in) CI(abbrev. for the Channel Islands, a group of islands in the English Channel). Defn: … island.
Activity at club following being swamped in 8-0 disaster (9)	NIGHTLIFE	Definition: Activity at club F(abbrev. for "following") contained in(being swamped in) anagram of(… disaster) [ EIGHT(8) + NIL(0) ].
Like woeful number produced by adding constant to one third, oddly (9)	THRENODIC	Definition: Like woeful number C(abbrev. for an unspecified number that remains constant/invariable, in maths, say) placed after(adding … to) anagram of(…, oddly) [ ONE THIRD ]. Defn: …/a threnody/a lament.
For this cube, what's subtracted from vertical measurement when it's minimised? (5)	EIGHT	Definition: this cube "height"(the vertical measurement of a standing object) minus(what's subtracted from …) "h"(abbrev. for/when minimising "height"). Defn: … , specifically the cube of 2.
Marine creature's head swallowed by old fish (7)	OCTOPOD	Definition: Marine creature TOP(the head/the highest) contained in(swallowed by) [ O(abbrev. for "old") + COD(a type of edible fish) ].
Writer of nonsensical verse both sides repeated in song (7)	CARROLL	Definition: Writer of nonsensical verse R,L(abbrev. for "right" and "left", respectively/both sides) repeated in CAROL(a song).
Reordered mini, alternating with sailor, to drive (8)	AMBITION	Definition: drive Anagram of(Reordered) MINI with each letter separately inserted after every other letter of(alternating with) [ AB(abbrev. for "able-bodied seaman"/a sailor) + TO].
Numbers around end of score (for bigger numbers under score) (5)	TEENS	Definition: bigger numbers under score TENS(10s/numbers) containing(around) last letter of(end of) "score". Defn: Numbers bigger than 10 but less/under 20/a score, viz. numbers 13 to 19.
They can handle distraction as well as 25, 1 down, and 9, according to 23 (14)	ARITHMETICIANS	Definition: They can handle distraction as well as 25, 1 down, and 9, according to 23 Cryptic defn: Reference to Lewis Carroll(answer to 23 across)'s "Alice in Wonderland" in which the Mock Turtle says "'Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with, and then the different branches of Arithmetic — Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision." Therefore the practitioners of Arithmetic can handle Distraction, Ambition(answer to 25 across), Uglification(answer to 1 down) and Derision(answer to 9 across).
Things look bad after this fruit lies around area (12)	UGLIFICATION	Definition: Things look bad after this UGLI(a citrus fruit of the Caribbean) + FICTION(lies/non-facts) containing(around) A(abbrev. for "area").
Calculating type found in snakes and ladders? (5)	ADDER	Definition: Calculating type Word hidden(found in) in "adders"(snakes) and "ladders". Defn: …/that used to calculate, specifically, to do additions.
Possibility, over time, for job in theatre (9)	OPERATION	Definition: job in theatre OPTION(a possibility/an alternative choice) containing(over) ERA(a long period of time). Defn: …, an operating theatre, that is.
Oxford mathematician is evasive about subtracting transcendental number (7)	DODGSON	Definition: Oxford mathematician "dodges"(is evasive/avoids) + ON(about/with reference to) minus(subtracting) "e"(a transcendental number, that which cannot be understood by ordinary reasoning, in this case the number that is used as the base of natural logarithms in mathematics). Defn: …, whose pen name was Lewis Carroll.
Save man on board threatened by mate that's crazy (7)	BARKING	Definition: crazy BAR(save/except for) + KING(a piece/man on a chessboard, which is threatened/put at risk of losing by a checkmate in a chess game).
Learner isn't turning one letter around for composer (5)	LISZT	Definition: composer L(letter displayed by a learner driver) + "isn't" with upper-case "n"(one of its letters) rotated by 90 degrees(turning … around) to form "Z".
Decisive defeat in ring — count out (9)	TROUNCING	Definition: Decisive defeat Anagram of(… out) RING — COUNT.
Circle and lines artist arranged for some language experts (12)	ORIENTALISTS	Definition: some language experts O(letter representing a circle) plus(and) anagram of(… arranged) LINES ARTIST. Defn: …, who, in this case, study the cultures, including the languages, of the Orient.
Send carriage that's turned up for one not fully engaged (4-5)	PART-TIMER	Definition: one not fully engaged Reversal of(… that's turned up, in a down clue) [ REMIT(to send/to forward) + TRAP(a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse or pony) ].
Article concerning appetite heartlessly impractical (9)	THEORETIC	Definition: impractical THE(an article in grammar) + "orectic"(concerning/relating to appetite/desire) minus its middle letter(heartlessly).
Revolutionary movement putting barrier around platform (7)	DADAISM	Definition: Revolutionary movement DAM(a barrier to hold back water, say) containing(putting … around) DAIS(a low raised platform, stood on by a speaker, say). Defn: … in art.
Fair target after company falsified count (7)	COCONUT	Definition: Fair target CO(abbrev. for "company"/a commercial concern) placed above(after …, in a down clue) anagram of(falsified) COUNT.
Use digit or what may be between digits (5)	POINT	Definition: Use digit,what may be between digits Double defn: 1st: …/finger to indicate; and 2nd: The dot placed between digits/numerals to indicate fractions of a unit.
Nothing tops excellent end of series (5)	OMEGA	Definition: end of series O(letter representing 0/nothing) placed above(tops, in a down clue) MEGA(informal term for "excellent"/epic). Defn: …, from the last letter in the Greek alphabet.
Remains in a hot place forgetting number for drinks (6)	CIDERS	Definition: drinks "cinders"(remains in a hot place/pieces of unburnt coal or wood in a fireplace, say) minus(forgetting) "n"(abbrev. for "number").
Start to tease female with gold among a lot dressed excessively (2,1,5)	TO A FAULT	Definition: excessively 1st letter of(Start to) "tease" + { [ F(abbrev. for "female") plus(with) AU(symbol for the chemical element, gold) ] contained in(among) anagram of(… dressed) A LOT }.
A British metropolis has part for money? That's sudden (6)	ABRUPT	Definition: sudden A + "Brum"(informal name for Birmingham, a British metropolis) with PT(abbrev. for "part") replacing "m"(abbrev. for "money").
A Tamil disorientated in Germany and Austria or in Croatia (8)	DALMATIA	Definition: in Croatia Anagram of(… disorientated) A TAMIL contained in(in) [G and A(International Vehicle Registration codes for Germany and Austria, respectively)]. Defn: Coastal region …
Chairman working round estate, maybe, gets biscuit (8)	MACAROON	Definition: biscuit [ MAO(Zedong or Tse-tung aka Chairman Mao of China) + ON(working/functioning) ] containing(round) CAR(an example of which/maybe, is the estate, a vehicle with a large boot accessed by a door at the rear).
One with a request might use this place with facility (6)	PLEASE	Definition: One with a request might use this PL(abbrev. for "place") plus(with) EASE(facility/absence of difficulty or effort). Defn: … word (if he/she were polite), when making the request.
Tennis players do not welcome this rule, it's said (4)	RAIN	Definition: Tennis players do not welcome this Homophone of(…, it's said) "reign"(rule by a monarch). Defn: Outdoor sports participants, like …
One detail misplaced about good group of representatives (10)	DELEGATION	Definition: group of representatives Anagram of(… misplaced) ONE DETAIL containing(about) G(abbrev. for "good").
Consider overlooking lake in uncontaminated part of Japan? (10)	PREFECTURE	Definition: part of Japan "reflect"(to consider/to think about) minus(overlooking) "l"(abbrev. for "lake") contained in(in) PURE(uncontaminated/clean). Defn: One of the main administrative sub-regions/…
Aimless, wandering girl (7)	MELISSA	Definition: girl Anagram of(…, wandering) AIMLESS.
Superficial cut in in former Murdoch organisation (7)	SKETCHY	Definition: Superficial ETCH(to cut/carve on a surface) contained in(in) SKY(media organisation formerly owned by Rupert Murdoch.
Don's turned over in bed (3,2)	PUT ON	Definition: Don Reversal of(turned over) [NOT UP](not up and about but still in bed).
Wide-ranging terror grips soldiers by unwalled camp (9)	PANORAMIC	Definition: Wide-ranging PANIC(terror/uncontrollable fear) containing(grips) [ OR(abbrev. for "other ranks", non-commissioned soldiers in the military) plus(by) 1st and last letters deleted from(unwalled) "camp" ].
Redeveloped area until left by one side (10)	UNILATERAL	Definition: by one side Anagram of(Redeveloped) [AREA UNTIL + L(abbrev. for "left") ]. Defn: Descriptive of action performed … without the agreement of the other side(s) involved.
Part of deck sees action (4)	SUIT	Definition: Part of deck,action Double defn: 1st: One of four/… of playing cards; and 2nd: … in a court of law.

Exercise you must do to get higher with lift (5,2)

PRESS UP

Definition: Exercise Cryptic defn: You must press the "UP" button in a lift in a multi-storeyed building to get to the higher floors.

Composer in debt took on too much (7)

OVERDID

Definition: took on too much VERDI(Giuseppe, Italian composer) **contained in**(in) OD(abbrev. for "overdrawn", the state you're in, ie. in debt when your draw out from your bank account more than your credit balance).

Antelopes put back in container, when picked up (7)

REEBOKS

Definition: Antelopes **Homophone of**(…, when picked up/when heard) "re-box"(to put back in a box, an example of a container).

Declare old partner's demand for alimony (7)

EXCLAIM

Definition: Declare EX(old partner, say, a divorced spouse)'s CLAIM(a demand for what's rightfully the latter's, in this case, alimony).

Try twice to swallow vitamin for painful condition (9)

HEARTBURN

Definition: painful condition [ HEAR(to try in court),TURN(a try/an attempt at something taken in rotation with other persons) ](Try twice) **containing**(to swallow) B(a class of water-soluble vitamins).

Complete fool when forgetting name (5)

UTTER

Definition: Complete "nutter"(a fool/a person who behaves strangely) **minus**(when forgetting) "n"(abbrev. for "name").

Chaucer's first poems, which need deciphering (5)

CODES

Definition: which need deciphering **1st letter of**(…'s first) "Chaucer" + ODES(poems addressed to a particular subject). Defn: That ….

Master in a hurry becoming new resident of hospital (2-7)

IN-PATIENT

Definition: resident of hospital "m" in "impatient"(in a hurry/unwilling to wait) **replaced by**(becoming) "n"(abbrev. for "new"). Strictly, 2 "ins" are required in the clue.

Financier on cocaine makes a chilly impression (4,5)

SNOW ANGEL

Definition: a chilly impression ANGEL(a financier/an investor in a business venture, say, a theatrical production) **placed after**(on) SNOW(slang for the drug, cocaine).

Teacher turning to take on very loud musical pieces (5)

RIFFS

Definition: musical pieces **Reversal of**(… turning) SIR(form of address for a male teacher) **containing**(to take on) FF(abbrev. for "fortissimo", a musical direction to play very loudly). Defn: Short repeated phrases in popular music or jazz.

Ordered apprentice inside to make a sword (5)

BLADE

Definition: a sword BADE(ordered/commanded to do something) **containing**(… inside) L(letter displayed by a learner driver, an apprentice, you might say). The character and the sword:

Put a leper through treatment that's going on for ever (9)

PERPETUAL

Definition: going on for ever **Anagram of**(… through treatment) PUT A LEPER.

Awkward suitor bearing ring is causing trouble (7)

RIOTOUS

Definition: causing trouble **Anagram of**(Awkward) SUITOR **containing**(bearing) O(letter representing a ring or ring-shaped object).

Quiet by perimeter — until one shows up! (7)

SHOUTER

Definition: until one shows up SH!(exclamation to tell someone to keep quiet) + OUTER(further away from the centre/by the perimeter/edge,). Defn: …/one who ends the quiet.

Confederate arresting work unit causes a reaction (7)

ALLERGY

Definition: a reaction ALLY(a confederate/an accomplice) **containing**(arresting) ERG(in physics, the unit of work).

Contract makes cheat switch son for daughter (7)

DWINDLE

Definition: Contract "swindle"(to cheat/to defraud) **with** "s"(abbrev. for "son") **replaced by**(switch … for) "d"(abbrev. for "daughter").

Chirpy redhead devastated by such a victory, perhaps (7)

PYRRHIC

Definition: such a victory, perhaps **Anagram of**(… devastated) [CHIRPY + **1st letter of**(…head) "red" ]. Defn: Describing a kind of/perhaps, a victory that is won at a greater cost than is worthwhile for the victor.

Stone delivered from them by cockney messenger (7)

EMERALD

Definition: Stone 'EM(short for "them", informally) **plus**(by) 'ERALD(herald/a messenger, as pronounced in the cockney dialect).

Informer provides material for insider trading (5)

SNOUT

Definition: Informer,material for insider trading Double defn: 1st: Slang for an … to the police; and 2nd: Slang for a cigarette, something/material that can be used to trade for favours by insiders, those inside prisons, you might say.

Not quite top drawer coder is showing off (9)

POSTURING

Definition: showing off **Last letter deleted from**(Not quite) "posh"(top drawer/upper class) + TURING(Alan, an English computer scientist, a discipline that includes the use of code, though his accomplishments were much more than that.).

OECD chief explodes at national leaders as this rises? (5)

OCEAN

Definition: as this rises **1st letters, respectively, of**(… leaders) "OECD chief explodes at national". Defn: "this" in the defn. (And, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) assresses, among other things, climate change, an effect of which is the rise in sea level as a result of global warming.)

Meet with French chap upset about matter he ingested (9)

ENCOUNTER

Definition: Meet **Reversal of**(… upset, in a down clue) RENE(an archetypal name for a French chap) **containing**(about … he ingested) COUNT(to matter/to be effective).

One forced to join up — that sounds chilling (7)

DRAFTEE

Homophone of**(that sounds) "draughty"(chilling/allowing in currents of cold air). Defn: … into the military, say.

Black mark put me into same boring old spin (7)

DEMERIT

Definition: Black mark ME **contained in**(put … into) **reversal of**(… spin) TIRED(describing that which is the same old boring thing).

Erect foundations to accommodate old actors' entrance (5,4)

STAGE DOOR

Definition: actors' entrance **Reversal of**(Erect, in a down clue) ROOTS(foundations/origins) **containing**(to accommodate) AGED(old/advanced in years).

Loser paid for breaking into two camps (9)

POLARISED

Definition: into two camps **Anagram of**(… for breaking) LOSER PAID.

Colder than Coventry for those sent into isolation? (7)

SIBERIA

Definition: Colder than Coventry for those sent into isolation Cryptic defn: If one is "sent to Coventry", one would be treated coldly/ostracised. Being "sent to Siberia", is to be banished/to be sent into isolation, from when Russian criminals were literally sent into Siberia, a much colder and more remote region than Coventry, as their punishment.

Where Frankfurter might be found doing well? (2,1,4)

ON A ROLL

Definition: Where Frankfurter might be found,doing well Double defn: 1st: A frankfurter sausage might be found on a roll/a small loaf of bread, as a food item; and 2nd: …/on a winning streak.

Turfed out when retaining information that's productive (7)

FRUITED

Definition: productive **Anagram of**(… out)TURFED **containing**(when retaining) I(abbrev. for "information", as "IT"). Defn: …/producing fruit.

Rangers are part of what leads press to reveal overspending (7)

SPLURGE

Definition: overspending SPL(abbrev. for the Scottish Premier League, of which the Rangers Football Club from Glasgow are a part) **plus**(what leads) URGE(to press/to encourage).

Share rating at upper limit? That's annoying (5)

PESKY

Definition: annoying P/E(abbrev. for "price-earnings ratio", a measure/rating of a commercial company's shares) **plus**(at) SKY(the upper limit/the highest level of achievement you can possibly attain).

Pathogen that turns up regularly in gill pouches (1,4)

E COLI

Definition: Pathogen **2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th letters of**(regularly in) **reversal of**(that turns up, in a down clue) "gill pouches".

Compostable items left in rubbish? (6)

PLANTS

Definition: Compostable items L(abbrev. for "left") **contained in**(in) PANTS(informal term for rubbish/nonsense).

The French blunder? Go wild (3,3)

LET RIP

Definition: Go wild LE(French for "the") + TRIP(to blunder/to stumble)..

One-time group of performers (6)

FORMER

Definition: One-time **Hidden in**(group of) "performers".

An editor out of control should be restricted (8)

RATIONED

Definition: restricted **Anagram of**(… out of control) AN EDITOR.

Certainly not the best policy! (10)

DISHONESTY

Definition: Certainly not the best policy Cryptic defn: From the proverb "Honesty is the best policy". Am I missing something here?

Singer and friend outside university with academic attire on? (4,7)

PAUL ROBESON

Definition: Singer PAL(friend) **containing**(outside) U(abbrev. for "university") **plus**(with) ROBES(attire worn during ceremonial occasions, in this case by academics) ON.

Agent suffering setback (and cut off) kept going (10)

PERSEVERED

Definition: kept going **Reversal of**(… suffering setback) REP(abbrev. for "representative", an agent eg. one in sales) **plus**(and) SEVERED(cut/sliced off).

You are part of the crew, reportedly making money (4)

EURO

Definition: money **Homophone of**(…, reportedly) "you row"(denoting you are part of the crew of a rowboat).

Scottish island's so typical of a long-ago time (8)

JURASSIC

Definition: typical of a long-ago time JURA(a Scottish island)'S + SIC(so/thus/repeated exactly as it is).

Prison block needing the ultimate in security (6)

CHOKEY

Definition: Prison CHOKE(to block/to prevent free flow) **plus**(needing) **last letter of**(the ultimate in) "security". Defn: Slang for …

Money deposited by the German road joining an autobahn? (6)

FEEDER

Definition: road joining an autobahn FEE(money paid, in this case, deposited for the services of a professional) **plus**(by) DER(German for "the"). Defn: A road for traffic to join a highway, an example of which/? is the German autobahn.

Comfort in abstaining from alcohol — what's on the table? (3,3)

TEA SET

Definition: what's on the table EASE(comfort/absence of difficulty) **contained in**(in) TT(abbrev. for "teetotal"/abstaining from alcohol).

Island has job getting rid of king — madness ensues (8)

TASMANIA

Definition: Island "task"(a job/a piece of work) **minus**(getting rid of) "k"(abbrev. for "king" in chess notation) **placed above**(… ensues, in a down clue) MANIA(madness/mental illness). Defn: … in Australia.

Some items to redeem, not on public display? (6)

STORED

Definition: not on public display **Hidden in**(Some) "items to redeem".

Went across street, we hear, ahead of all others in front (8)

BESTRODE

Definition: Went across **Homophone of**(…, we hear) "road"(street/thoroughfare) **placed under**(… in front, in a down clue) BEST(ahead of all others/unsurpassed). Defn: …/straddled.

Small wooden area with duck in narrow channel (6)

GROOVE

Definition: narrow channel GROVE(a small piece of ground with trees growing on it/a small wooded area – "wooden" being used loosely?) **containing**(with … in) O(letter representing 0/duck in cricket scores).

Make nothing of repeated dirty stuff (3-3)

POO-POO

Definition: Make nothing of **Twice**(repeated) POO(slang for excrement/dirty stuff).

Lots missing a penalty, sadly (6)

PLENTY

Definition: Lots **Anagram of**(…, sadly) "penalty" **minus**(missing) "a".

Actor is out with naughty nobs (11)

ARISTOCRACY

Definition: nobs **Anagram of**(… out) ACTOR IS **plus**(with) RACY(naughty/risqué). Defn: Persons of high social position/nobs, in slang.

John, one wanting office outside, maybe spent to much? (8)

LAVISHED

Definition: spent to much LAV(short for "lavatory"/john in slang) + I(Roman numeral for "one") **plus**(wanting) SHED(an outhouse/an outdoor/outside toilet/office, euphemistically/maybe).

Insignificant place that could be nowhere? Not so (3-5,4)

ONE-HORSE TOWN

Definition: Insignificant place **Anagram of**(could be) NOWHERE? NOT SO.

Polish again getting snub? (6)

REBUFF

Definition: snub RE-BUFF(re-polish/polish again).

Game held up with fellow needing immediate attention (6)

URGENT

Definition: needing immediate attention **Reversal of**(… held up, in a down clue) RU(abbrev. for the game "rugby union") **plus**(with) GENT(a fellow/a chap).

Hiding in bush, a very young lad (6)

SHAVER

Definition: young lad **Hidden in**(Hiding in) "bush, a very". Defn: Informal term for …

Taken off, as a ship needing repair? (6)

DOCKED

Definition: Taken off,as a ship needing repair Defn: 1st: …/cut short, an animal's tail, say; and 2nd: Put a ship needing repair into, well, a dock/shipyard.

Audition viably arranged, characteristic of a certain event (14)

UNAVOIDABILITY

Definition: characteristic of a certain event **Anagram of**(… arranged) AUDITION VIABLY. Defn: …/of an inevitable event.

Horizontal surface in which line meets side (5)

LEDGE

Definition: Horizontal surface L(abbrev. for "line") **plus**(meets) EDGE(the side/the border, say, of a square).

Ridicule resolution to replace Conservative by monarch (8)

DERISION

Definition: Ridicule "decision"(resolution/a decisive end to a pending issue, say) **with** "c"(abbrev. for a member of the Conservative Party) **replaced by**(to replace … by) R(abbrev. for "Rex" or "Regina"/king or queen respectively/a monarch).

Designs in place of words repeatedly found in mathematics (7)

FORMATS

Definition: Designs FOR(in place of/as a substitute for, as in "the understudy for the leading actor") + MATS(2 x "mat", a word hidden twice in "mathematics").

Using modified ten iron, his pitch changes little (7)

INTONER

Definition: his pitch changes little **Anagram of**(Using modified) TEN IRON. Defn: … when speaking or singing, say. As to the surface, a golfer would use a pitching wedge, a club giving a higher loft than a 9 iron, used to make a pitch shot.

Measure of interest in group of islands, or one (5)

CAPRI

Definition: one APR(abbrev. for "annual percentage rate", the amount/measure of interest generated by a sum of money, paid by a borrower to a lender) **contained in**(in) CI(abbrev. for the Channel Islands, a group of islands in the English Channel). Defn: … island.

Activity at club following being swamped in 8-0 disaster (9)

NIGHTLIFE

Definition: Activity at club F(abbrev. for "following") **contained in**(being swamped in) **anagram of**(… disaster) [ EIGHT(8) + NIL(0) ].

Like woeful number produced by adding constant to one third, oddly (9)

THRENODIC

Definition: Like woeful number C(abbrev. for an unspecified number that remains constant/invariable, in maths, say) **placed after**(adding … to) **anagram of**(…, oddly) [ ONE THIRD ]. Defn: …/a threnody/a lament.

For this cube, what's subtracted from vertical measurement when it's minimised? (5)

EIGHT

Definition: this cube "height"(the vertical measurement of a standing object) **minus**(what's subtracted from …) "h"(abbrev. for/when minimising "height"). Defn: … , specifically the cube of 2.

Marine creature's head swallowed by old fish (7)

OCTOPOD

Definition: Marine creature TOP(the head/the highest) **contained in**(swallowed by) [ O(abbrev. for "old") + COD(a type of edible fish) ].

Writer of nonsensical verse both sides repeated in song (7)

CARROLL

Definition: Writer of nonsensical verse R,L(abbrev. for "right" and "left", respectively/both sides) **repeated in **CAROL(a song).

Reordered mini, alternating with sailor, to drive (8)

AMBITION

Definition: drive **Anagram of**(Reordered) MINI **with each letter separately inserted after every other letter of**(alternating with) [ AB(abbrev. for "able-bodied seaman"/a sailor) + TO].

Numbers around end of score (for bigger numbers under score) (5)

TEENS

Definition: bigger numbers under score TENS(10s/numbers) **containing**(around) **last letter of**(end of) "score". Defn: Numbers bigger than 10 but less/under 20/a score, viz. numbers 13 to 19.

They can handle distraction as well as 25, 1 down, and 9, according to 23 (14)

ARITHMETICIANS

Definition: They can handle distraction as well as 25, 1 down, and 9, according to 23 Cryptic defn: Reference to Lewis Carroll(answer to 23 across)'s "Alice in Wonderland" in which the Mock Turtle says "'Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with, and then the different branches of Arithmetic — Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision." Therefore the practitioners of Arithmetic can handle Distraction, Ambition(answer to 25 across), Uglification(answer to 1 down) and Derision(answer to 9 across).

Things look bad after this fruit lies around area (12)

UGLIFICATION

Definition: Things look bad after this UGLI(a citrus fruit of the Caribbean) + FICTION(lies/non-facts) **containing**(around) A(abbrev. for "area").

Calculating type found in snakes and ladders? (5)

ADDER

Definition: Calculating type **Word hidden**(found in) in "adders"(snakes) and "ladders". Defn: …/that used to calculate, specifically, to do additions.

Possibility, over time, for job in theatre (9)

OPERATION

Definition: job in theatre OPTION(a possibility/an alternative choice) **containing**(over) ERA(a long period of time). Defn: …, an operating theatre, that is.

Oxford mathematician is evasive about subtracting transcendental number (7)

DODGSON

Definition: Oxford mathematician "dodges"(is evasive/avoids) + ON(about/with reference to) **minus**(subtracting) "e"(a transcendental number, that which cannot be understood by ordinary reasoning, in this case the number that is used as the base of natural logarithms in mathematics). Defn: …, whose pen name was Lewis Carroll.

Save man on board threatened by mate that's crazy (7)

BARKING

Definition: crazy BAR(save/except for) + KING(a piece/man on a chessboard, which is threatened/put at risk of losing by a checkmate in a chess game).

Learner isn't turning one letter around for composer (5)

LISZT

Definition: composer L(letter displayed by a learner driver) + "isn't" **with upper-case** "n"(one of its letters) **rotated by 90 degrees**(turning … around) to form "Z".

Decisive defeat in ring — count out (9)

TROUNCING

Definition: Decisive defeat **Anagram of**(… out) RING — COUNT.

Circle and lines artist arranged for some language experts (12)

ORIENTALISTS

Definition: some language experts O(letter representing a circle) **plus**(and) **anagram of**(… arranged) LINES ARTIST. Defn: …, who, in this case, study the cultures, including the languages, of the Orient.

Send carriage that's turned up for one not fully engaged (4-5)

PART-TIMER

Definition: one not fully engaged **Reversal of**(… that's turned up, in a down clue) [ REMIT(to send/to forward) + TRAP(a light two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse or pony) ].

Article concerning appetite heartlessly impractical (9)

THEORETIC

Definition: impractical THE(an article in grammar) + "orectic"(concerning/relating to appetite/desire) **minus ****its middle letter**(heartlessly).

Revolutionary movement putting barrier around platform (7)

DADAISM

Definition: Revolutionary movement DAM(a barrier to hold back water, say) **containing**(putting … around) DAIS(a low raised platform, stood on by a speaker, say). Defn: … in art.

Fair target after company falsified count (7)

COCONUT

Definition: Fair target CO(abbrev. for "company"/a commercial concern) **placed above**(after …, in a down clue) **anagram of**(falsified) COUNT.

Use digit or what may be between digits (5)

POINT

Definition: Use digit,what may be between digits Double defn: 1st: …/finger to indicate; and 2nd: The dot placed between digits/numerals to indicate fractions of a unit.

Nothing tops excellent end of series (5)

OMEGA

Definition: end of series O(letter representing 0/nothing) **placed above**(tops, in a down clue) MEGA(informal term for "excellent"/epic). Defn: …, from the last letter in the Greek alphabet.

Remains in a hot place forgetting number for drinks (6)

CIDERS

Definition: drinks "cinders"(remains in a hot place/pieces of unburnt coal or wood in a fireplace, say) **minus**(forgetting) "n"(abbrev. for "number").

Start to tease female with gold among a lot dressed excessively (2,1,5)

TO A FAULT

Definition: excessively **1st letter of**(Start to) "tease" + { [ F(abbrev. for "female") **plus**(with) AU(symbol for the chemical element, gold) ] **contained in**(among) **anagram of**(… dressed) A LOT }.

A British metropolis has part for money? That's sudden (6)

ABRUPT

Definition: sudden A + "Brum"(informal name for Birmingham, a British metropolis) **with** PT(abbrev. for "part") **replacing** "m"(abbrev. for "money").

A Tamil disorientated in Germany and Austria or in Croatia (8)

DALMATIA

Definition: in Croatia **Anagram of**(… disorientated) A TAMIL **contained in**(in) [G and A(International Vehicle Registration codes for Germany and Austria, respectively)]. Defn: Coastal region …

Chairman working round estate, maybe, gets biscuit (8)

MACAROON

Definition: biscuit [ MAO(Zedong or Tse-tung aka Chairman Mao of China) + ON(working/functioning) ] **containing**(round) CAR(an example of which/maybe, is the estate, a vehicle with a large boot accessed by a door at the rear).

One with a request might use this place with facility (6)

PLEASE

Definition: One with a request might use this PL(abbrev. for "place") **plus**(with) EASE(facility/absence of difficulty or effort). Defn: … word (if he/she were polite), when making the request.

Tennis players do not welcome this rule, it's said (4)

RAIN

Definition: Tennis players do not welcome this **Homophone of**(…, it's said) "reign"(rule by a monarch). Defn: Outdoor sports participants, like …

One detail misplaced about good group of representatives (10)

DELEGATION

Definition: group of representatives **Anagram of**(… misplaced) ONE DETAIL **containing**(about) G(abbrev. for "good").

Consider overlooking lake in uncontaminated part of Japan? (10)

PREFECTURE

Definition: part of Japan "reflect"(to consider/to think about) **minus**(overlooking) "l"(abbrev. for "lake") **contained in**(in) PURE(uncontaminated/clean). Defn: One of the main administrative sub-regions/…

Aimless, wandering girl (7)

MELISSA

Definition: girl **Anagram of**(…, wandering) AIMLESS.

Superficial cut in in former Murdoch organisation (7)

SKETCHY

Definition: Superficial ETCH(to cut/carve on a surface) **contained in**(in) SKY(media organisation formerly owned by Rupert Murdoch.

Don's turned over in bed (3,2)

PUT ON

Definition: Don **Reversal of**(turned over) [NOT UP](not up and about but still in bed).

Wide-ranging terror grips soldiers by unwalled camp (9)

PANORAMIC

Definition: Wide-ranging PANIC(terror/uncontrollable fear) **containing**(grips) [ OR(abbrev. for "other ranks", non-commissioned soldiers in the military) **plus**(by) **1st and last letters deleted from**(unwalled) "camp" ].

Redeveloped area until left by one side (10)

UNILATERAL

Definition: by one side **Anagram of**(Redeveloped) [AREA UNTIL + L(abbrev. for "left") ]. Defn: Descriptive of action performed … without the agreement of the other side(s) involved.

Part of deck sees action (4)

SUIT

Definition: Part of deck,action Double defn: 1st: One of four/… of playing cards; and 2nd: … in a court of law.