0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Solo time that's involved in Sunday school songs (8)	SHANTIES	Definition: songs HAN (Solo, from Star Wars) + T(ime) + i.e. "involved in" SS ("Sunday school")
Sportsman asks Russian cheats: "Help expose ringleaders" (6)	ARCHER	Definition: Sportsman First letters of ("leaders") Asks Russian Cheats Help Expose Ring
Gardener's head bears fine American plant (4,4)	FAVA BEAN	Definition: American plant AVA ("Gardner's") BEAN ("head") "bears" F(ine)
About 6, we retire to study (6)	REVIEW	Definition: study RE + VI + <=WE
Boy heads? (4)	JOHN	Definition: Boy Double definition – boy's name and toilet (although "heads" needn't be plural)
Complaint? Fans want Spoonerism (9)	NOSEBLEED	Definition: Complaint Spponerism of BLOWS NEED ("fans want")
Special style of loud hot rock (5)	FLAVA	Definition: Special style F + LAVA, a derivative of FLAVOUR
Some atmosphere at wizard's postcode? (5)	OZONE	Definition: Some atmosphere The Wizard of Oz's postcode would probably be OZ 1
One takes notes, one plays notes (8)	RECORDER	Definition: One takes notes Double definition
Professional hitter from Edinburgh dismissed — bowled out (5,3)	HIRED GUN	Definition: Professional hitter *(edinurgh) ("Edinburgh" with no B ("bowled out"))
Fighting dogs? (6)	BOXERS	Definition: dogs Cryptic definition
No starter with fast food (4)	TUCK	Definition: food (s)TUCK ("fast" with no starter)
Message received, seeing headline about leading track runner (5,9)	ROGER BANNISTER	Definition: track runner (5,9) ROGER ("message received") + BANNER ("headline") "about" 1ST ("leading) Roger Bannister was the first man to run the mile in under four minutes.
Cycle dash past centre of York (5)	ORBIT	Definition: Cycle (y)OR(k) + BIT ("dash", as in a dash of milk, for example)
State aid's written about in local article (7)	INDIANA	Definition: State *(aid) in INN ("local") + A
Extremely naive individual in disarray finds ancient deity (7)	NEMESIS	Definition: ancient deity N(aiv)E + 1 in MESS Nemesis was a Greek goddess of retribution
Sound of trombone perhaps lacking a sparkle (5)	OOMPH	Definition: sparkle OOMP(a)H
Futility of record company head retaining personal trainer (9)	EMPTINESS	Definition: Futility E.M.I. NESS "retaining" P.T. ("personal trainer")
Canine character runs into container twice (3,3,3)	RIN TIN TIN	Definition: Canine character R + IN + (TIN x 2)
Stroke fawn (5)	CRAWL	Definition: Stroke Double definition – a swimming stroke and to seek favour
Free Kenyan leader joining two alliances (7)	UNBLOCK	Definition: Free U.N. BLOC ("two alliances") + K(enya)
Pause, always taking in peaks westwards (7)	RESPITE	Definition: Pause <= E(TIPS)ER
On a spree, glance Jackie regularly nibbling sweet stuff (5-4)	ANGEL CAKE	Definition: sweet stuff (glance) + (j)A(c)K(i)*E
Drinker, at last inside, enthusiastic about bars opening (5)	INTRO	Definition: bars opening (drinke)R "inside" INTO ("enthusiastic about")
Couple on the run from city with Diane crossed British river (6,3,5)	BONNIE AND CLYDE	Definition: Couple on the run BONN ("city") + *(diane) + CLYDE ("British river")
Referee begins to develop, in command when dismissing wingers (9)	OMBUDSMAN	Definition: Referee BUDS ("begins to develop") in (c)OMMAN(d)
Football team, one down, start to tire in time that's added on (5)	EXTRA	Definition: that's added on X(I) ("football team", less one) + T(ire) in ERA ("time")
Just touring, Prince of Wales left out European city (9)	BUCHAREST	Definition: European city BUT ("just") "touring" CHAR(l)ES
Stocking some vinyl online (5)	NYLON	Definition: Stocking Hidden in "viNYL ONline"
Unable to drop off Monica at work under current partnership (9)	INSOMNIAC	Definition: Unable to drop off I ("current") + NS ("partnership", in bridge) + *(monica)
Having removed top, highlight hair (5)	TRESS	Definition: hair (s)TRESS
Old Egyptian repeatedly outside in elements, has woolly thing on (7)	RAMESES	Definition: Old Egyptian RAM ("woolly thing") + E(lement)S "repeatedly", so ES ES
Piece of game from party doctor eats at home (6)	DOMINO	Definition: Piece of game DO + M.O. "eating" IN ("at home")
The masses head into Nicosia regularly on early part of holiday (3,6)	HOI POLLOI	Definition: The masses HO ("early part of HOliday") + POLL ("head") into (n)I(c)O(s)I(a) Had never come across POLL for "head" before, but it's in Chambers.
Training new China correspondent (3,6)	PEN FRIEND	Definition: correspondent P.E. + N + FRIEND ("china")
Skinny latte, finally, Scotsman on a diet ordered (9)	EMACIATED	Definition: Skinny (latt)E + MAC ("Scotsman") + *(a diet)
Bull and Ram's Head – where booze's served in the middle (7)	RHUBARB	Definition: Bull
Launched appeal with article (5)	BEGAN	Definition: Launched BEG ("appeal") + AN ("article")
Tree-dweller sadly curtailed after decisive blow (5)	KOALA	Definition: Tree-dweller K.O. + ALA(s)
Refuse from the outset to sign document (5)	SWILL	Definition: Refuse S(ign) + WILL ("document")
Unable to settle at home, put back bedtime (2,4)	IN DEBT	Definition: Unable to settle IN + <+BED + T(ime)
Retired bachelor used to be my doctor (8)	SAWBONES	Definition: doctor <+B WAS + ONE'S ("my")
Perhaps more tea and toast made by dog breeders? (3-3)	TOP-UPS	Definition: Perhaps more tea TO PUPS! may be a "toast made by dog breeders"
Feeling duller at end of term? (8)	EPIDURAL	Definition: Feeling duller at end of term After an epidural, a mother-to-be would feel duller.
They shock and bestir frail old rebels (14)	DEFIBRILLATORS	Definition: They shock *(bestir frail old)
Mother most attentive, keeping temperature steadier (10)	THERMOSTAT	Definition: temperature steadier Hidden in "moTHER MOST ATtentive"
Ducks surround small lake in city (4)	OSLO	Definition: city OO ("ducks") "surround" S(mall) L(ake)
Railways regularly neglected, I'm sorry to say (4)	ALAS	Definition: I'm sorry to say rAiLwAy**S
Supporter of an economic system that is disastrous (italics apt)(10)	CAPITALIST	Definition: Supporter of an economic system *(italics apt)
Sent certain kingly leaders away, causing amusement (14)	ENTERTAININGLY	Definition: causing amusement (s)ENT (c)ERTAIN (k)INGLY
Men talk, twitching, of sexual pleasure (8)	ORGASTIC	Definition: of sexual pleasure O.R. ("men") + GAS ("talk") + TIC ("twitching")
Predicament is easy to bear after heading to pub (6)	PLIGHT	Definition: Predicament LIGHT after P(ub)
Writing first version of paper, not out wearing women's clothes (8)	DRAFTING	Definition: Writing first version F.T. ("paper") +IN ("not out") "wearing" DRAG
Whiteness of china egg held in both hands (6)	PALLOR	Definition: Whiteness PAL ("china") + O ("egg") in L and R ("both hands")
Ten cheers for tiny thing! (4)	IOTA	Definition: tiny thing 10 + TA ("cheers")
Key rings quietly diminish in number (7)	DEPLETE	Definition: diminish in number DELETE ("key") "rings" P
Font functions beautifully at first with suitable individual text (8)	BAPTISMS	Definition: Font functions B(eautifully) + APT + 1+ S.M.S. ("text" message)
Name state of North American mountain region (11)	APPELLATION	Definition: Name Homophone of APPALACHIAN
Patient dropping in here unrobed, panicking nurse (6)	BEDPAN	Definition: Patient dropping in here Hidden in "unroBED PANicking", indicated by "nurse"
Shy queen with very piercing intelligence (7)	NERVOUS	Definition: Shy (E.R. + V) "piercing" NOUS
Where you might ski round and round and spend a lot (6,3)	SPLASH OUT	Definition: spend a lot <+ALPS ("where you might ski") + SHOUT ("round", as in "my shout")
Ravel fantasia, arr. Bob Marley? (11)	RASTAFARIAN	Definition: Bob Marley? *(fantasia arr)
Hiding bottom in swingers' bar, Arachne cuts odd, discontented figure (9)	TRAPEZOID	Definition: figure TRAPEZ(e) + I ("Arachne") "cuts" O(d)D
During very fine morning yearn to climb tree (8)	MAGNOLIA	Definition: tree <= A1 (LONG) A.M.
Father Christmas shedding clothes over one summer month upset part of the WI (7)	ANTIGUA	Definition: part of the WI (s)ANT(a) + 1 <=AUG. WI is West Indies here, not Womens' Institute.
Wrongly say Capone is breaking law (7)	ILLEGAL	Definition: breaking law ILL + e.g. + AL (Capone)
Sex carries advantages for your health (6)	PROSIT	Definition: for your health IT ("sex") "carries" PROS I wonder whether "to your health" may have been slightly better, as a defenition?
Excite gentleman, grabbing top of thigh (4)	STIR	Definition: Excite SIR "grabbing" T(high)
An identity thief, Neo's following the monarch (8)	IMPOSTER	Definition: An identity thief I'M ("Neo's") + POST ("following") + E.R. ("the monarch")
Start on alpine trail for this! (6)	ASCENT	Definition: Start on alpine trail for this A(lpine) + SCENT ("trail")
Still holding an old penny piece (8)	SERENADE	Definition: piece SERENE ("still") + A D ("old penny")
Roman Catholic in boat's Middle Ocean killer (4)	ORCA	Definition: Ocean killer R.C. in (b)OA(t)
Someone from Zenda or Turin an IRA suspect? (10)	RURITANIAN	Definition: Someone from Zenda (turin an ira) Ruritania was a mythical European country in Anthony Hope's 1894 novel, The Prisoner of Zenda*.
Songs at speed in controlled atmosphere? (8)	AIRSPACE	Definition: controlled atmosphere AIRS ("songs") + PACE ("speed")
Books in scripture studies for mechanical routine (4)	ROTE	Definition: mechanical routine O.T. ("books") "in" R.E. ("scripture studies")
Democrat welcome for Cameron (4)	DAVE	Definition: Cameron D(emocrat) + AVE ("welcome" in Latin) Refers of course to "Dave" Cameron, ex-PM.
School workers crying about Guevara (8)	TEACHERS	Definition: School workers TEARS ("crying") "about" CHE (Guevara)
Perhaps most senior educationalist (10)	MONTESSORI	Definition: educationalist *(most senior)
Winged beings caught by current in swirling Humber (8)	CHERUBIM	Definition: Winged beings C + I ("current") in *(humber)
Completely hot dog Dorothy had (2,4)	IN TOTO	Definition: Completely IN (current, fashionable, so "hot") + TOTO (Dorothy's dog in The Wizard of Oz)
Gold pleasing Blair (6)	ORWELL	Definition: Blair OR ("gold") + WELL ("pleasing") George Orwell's real name was Eric Blair.
Lion Man's reinvented harmonics (8)	NOMINALS	Definition: harmonics *(lion mans) This isn't even general knowledge in my book. It took me a long time to find an example of nominals and harmonics being synonymous in bell-ringing, where a nominal is defined as "the harmonic an octave above the strike tone of a bell".
Scrooge is in sea abroad (5)	MISER	Definition: Scrooge IS in MER (the French for "sea", therefore, "sea abroad")
Why his beef is not with me? (3,4,4,2,7,4,6)	ONE MAN’S MEAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S POISON	Definition: Why his beef is not with me Cryptic definition
Test cases sorted out in class (8)	TUTORIAL	Definition: class TRIAL ("test") "cases" *(out)
Body-snatchers, not unknown in cemetery, beaten with iron urns (12,3)	RESURRECTION MEN	Definition: Body-snatchers *(cemeter(y) iron urns)
Rodent in baked dish for buccaneer (6)	PIRATE	Definition: buccaneer RAT in PIE
One ahead something charged? (3)	ION	Definition: something charged 1 + ON
Mature mother holding son in work of art (3,6)	OLD MASTER	Definition: work of art OLD ("mature") + MATER ("mother") "holding" S(on)
Town knight and soldiers that catch MP by leg (11)	NORTHAMPTON	Definition: Town N ("knight", in chess notation) + O.R. ("soldiers") + THAT "catching" MP + ON ("leg" side in cricket)
If I stop uprising, sergeant major finds non-violent way (8)	PACIFISM	Definition: non-violent way <=IF I CAP + SM ("sergeant major")
Girl first victim under Islamic State (6)	ISABEL	Definition: Girl ABEL ("first victim") "under" IS
Name deadly female hidden in old province (5)	NATAL	Definition: province I'm struggling to parse this – I can see N for name, and wonder if the ATAL has something to do with "femme fATALe"?
Gentleman, hungry, eats sandwiches (3)	RYE	Definition: Gentleman Hidden in "hungRY Eats"
Fine rum and coke primarily to feed cold – some bug killer! (12)	DISINFECTANT	Fine rum and coke primarily to feed cold – some bug killer! (12) (*(fine) + C(oke)) in ("to feed") DISTANT ("cold")
Melancholy wife, female in lust I suspect (7)	WISTFUL	Melancholy wife, female in lust I suspect (7) W(ife) + F(emale) in *(lust I)
Opposite directions covered by quality conveyance (7)	TRANSIT	Opposite directions covered by quality conveyance (7) N and S ("opposite directions") "covered by" TRAIT ("quality")
Material that is beyond artist (5)	RAYON	Material that is beyond artist (5) YON ("that") "beyond" R.A. ("artist")
Roguish character, ultimate in thorns between two flowers (8)	FALSTAFF	Roguish character, ultimate in thorns between two flowers (8) (thorn)S in FAL and TAFF, (two rivers, therefore "flowers") Falstaff appears in three Shakespeare plays.
Something set alight by very posh nickname (10)	SOUBRIQUET	Something set alight by very posh nickname (10) BRIQUET ("something set alight") "by" SO U ("very posh")

Solo time that's involved in Sunday school songs (8)

SHANTIES

Definition: songs HAN (Solo, from *Star Wars*) + T(ime) + i.e. "involved in" SS ("Sunday school")

Sportsman asks Russian cheats: "Help expose ringleaders" (6)

ARCHER

Definition: Sportsman First letters of ("leaders") **A**sks **R**ussian **C**heats **H**elp **E**xpose **R**ing

Gardener's head bears fine American plant (4,4)

FAVA BEAN

Definition: American plant AVA ("Gardner's") BEAN ("head") "bears" F(ine)

About 6, we retire to study (6)

REVIEW

Definition: study RE + VI + <=WE

Boy heads? (4)

JOHN

Definition: Boy Double definition – boy's name and toilet (although "heads" needn't be plural)

Complaint? Fans want Spoonerism (9)

NOSEBLEED

Definition: Complaint Spponerism of BLOWS NEED ("fans want")

Special style of loud hot rock (5)

FLAVA

Definition: Special style F + LAVA, a derivative of FLAVOUR

Some atmosphere at wizard's postcode? (5)

OZONE

Definition: Some atmosphere The Wizard of Oz's postcode would probably be OZ 1

One takes notes, one plays notes (8)

RECORDER

Definition: One takes notes Double definition

Professional hitter from Edinburgh dismissed — bowled out (5,3)

HIRED GUN

Definition: Professional hitter *(edinurgh) ("Edinburgh" with no B ("bowled out"))

Fighting dogs? (6)

BOXERS

Definition: dogs Cryptic definition

No starter with fast food (4)

TUCK

Definition: food (s)TUCK ("fast" with no starter)

Message received, seeing headline about leading track runner (5,9)

ROGER BANNISTER

Definition: track runner (5,9) ROGER ("message received") + BANNER ("headline") "about" 1ST ("leading) Roger Bannister was the first man to run the mile in under four minutes.

Cycle dash past centre of York (5)

ORBIT

Definition: Cycle (y)OR(k) + BIT ("dash", as in a dash of milk, for example)

State aid's written about in local article (7)

INDIANA

Definition: State *(aid) in INN ("local") + A

Extremely naive individual in disarray finds ancient deity (7)

NEMESIS

Definition: ancient deity N(aiv)E + 1 in MESS Nemesis was a Greek goddess of retribution

Sound of trombone perhaps lacking a sparkle (5)

OOMPH

Definition: sparkle OOMP(a)H

Futility of record company head retaining personal trainer (9)

EMPTINESS

Definition: Futility E.M.I. NESS "retaining" P.T. ("personal trainer")

Canine character runs into container twice (3,3,3)

RIN TIN TIN

Definition: Canine character R + IN + (TIN x 2)

Stroke fawn (5)

CRAWL

Definition: Stroke Double definition – a swimming stroke and to seek favour

Free Kenyan leader joining two alliances (7)

UNBLOCK

Definition: Free U.N. BLOC ("two alliances") + K(enya)

Pause, always taking in peaks westwards (7)

RESPITE

Definition: Pause <= E(TIPS)ER

On a spree, glance Jackie regularly nibbling sweet stuff (5-4)

ANGEL CAKE

Definition: sweet stuff *(glance) + (j)**A**(c)**K**(i)**E

Drinker, at last inside, enthusiastic about bars opening (5)

INTRO

Definition: bars opening (drinke)R "inside" INTO ("enthusiastic about")

Couple on the run from city with Diane crossed British river (6,3,5)

BONNIE AND CLYDE

Definition: Couple on the run BONN ("city") + *(diane) + CLYDE ("British river")

Referee begins to develop, in command when dismissing wingers (9)

OMBUDSMAN

Definition: Referee BUDS ("begins to develop") in (c)OMMAN(d)

Football team, one down, start to tire in time that's added on (5)

EXTRA

Definition: that's added on X(I) ("football team", less one) + T(ire) in ERA ("time")

Just touring, Prince of Wales left out European city (9)

BUCHAREST

Definition: European city BUT ("just") "touring" CHAR(l)ES

Stocking some vinyl online (5)

NYLON

Definition: Stocking Hidden in "vi**NYL ON**line"

Unable to drop off Monica at work under current partnership (9)

INSOMNIAC

Definition: Unable to drop off I ("current") + NS ("partnership", in bridge) + *(monica)

Having removed top, highlight hair (5)

TRESS

Definition: hair (s)TRESS

Old Egyptian repeatedly outside in elements, has woolly thing on (7)

RAMESES

Definition: Old Egyptian RAM ("woolly thing") + E(lement)S "repeatedly", so ES ES

Piece of game from party doctor eats at home (6)

DOMINO

Definition: Piece of game DO + M.O. "eating" IN ("at home")

The masses head into Nicosia regularly on early part of holiday (3,6)

HOI POLLOI

Definition: The masses HO ("early part of HOliday") + POLL ("head") into (n)**I**(c)**O**(s)**I**(a) Had never come across POLL for "head" before, but it's in Chambers.

Training new China correspondent (3,6)

PEN FRIEND

Definition: correspondent P.E. + N + FRIEND ("china")

Skinny latte, finally, Scotsman on a diet ordered (9)

EMACIATED

Definition: Skinny (latt)E + MAC ("Scotsman") + *(a diet)

Bull and Ram's Head – where booze's served in the middle (7)

RHUBARB

Definition: Bull

Launched appeal with article (5)

BEGAN

Definition: Launched BEG ("appeal") + AN ("article")

Tree-dweller sadly curtailed after decisive blow (5)

KOALA

Definition: Tree-dweller K.O. + ALA(s)

Refuse from the outset to sign document (5)

SWILL

Definition: Refuse S(ign) + WILL ("document")

Unable to settle at home, put back bedtime (2,4)

IN DEBT

Definition: Unable to settle IN + <+BED + T(ime)

Retired bachelor used to be my doctor (8)

SAWBONES

Definition: doctor <+B WAS + ONE'S ("my")

Perhaps more tea and toast made by dog breeders? (3-3)

TOP-UPS

Definition: Perhaps more tea TO PUPS! may be a "toast made by dog breeders"

Feeling duller at end of term? (8)

EPIDURAL

Definition: Feeling duller at end of term After an epidural, a mother-to-be would feel duller.

They shock and bestir frail old rebels (14)

DEFIBRILLATORS

Definition: They shock *(bestir frail old)

Mother most attentive, keeping temperature steadier (10)

THERMOSTAT

Definition: temperature steadier Hidden in "mo**THER MOST AT**tentive"

Ducks surround small lake in city (4)

OSLO

Definition: city OO ("ducks") "surround" S(mall) L(ake)

Railways regularly neglected, I'm sorry to say (4)

ALAS

Definition: I'm sorry to say r**A**i**L**w**A**y**S

Supporter of an economic system that is disastrous (italics apt)(10)

CAPITALIST

Definition: Supporter of an economic system *(italics apt)

Sent certain kingly leaders away, causing amusement (14)

ENTERTAININGLY

Definition: causing amusement (s)ENT (c)ERTAIN (k)INGLY

Men talk, twitching, of sexual pleasure (8)

ORGASTIC

Definition: of sexual pleasure O.R. ("men") + GAS ("talk") + TIC ("twitching")

Predicament is easy to bear after heading to pub (6)

PLIGHT

Definition: Predicament LIGHT after P(ub)

Writing first version of paper, not out wearing women's clothes (8)

DRAFTING

Definition: Writing first version F.T. ("paper") +IN ("not out") "wearing" DRAG

Whiteness of china egg held in both hands (6)

PALLOR

Definition: Whiteness PAL ("china") + O ("egg") in L and R ("both hands")

Ten cheers for tiny thing! (4)

IOTA

Definition: tiny thing 10 + TA ("cheers")

Key rings quietly diminish in number (7)

DEPLETE

Definition: diminish in number DELETE ("key") "rings" P

Font functions beautifully at first with suitable individual text (8)

BAPTISMS

Definition: Font functions B(eautifully) + APT + 1+ S.M.S. ("text" message)

Name state of North American mountain region (11)

APPELLATION

Definition: Name Homophone of APPALACHIAN

Patient dropping in here unrobed, panicking nurse (6)

BEDPAN

Definition: Patient dropping in here Hidden in "unro**BED PAN**icking", indicated by "nurse"

Shy queen with very piercing intelligence (7)

NERVOUS

Definition: Shy (E.R. + V) "piercing" NOUS

Where you might ski round and round and spend a lot (6,3)

SPLASH OUT

Definition: spend a lot <+ALPS ("where you might ski") + SHOUT ("round", as in "my shout")

Ravel fantasia, arr. Bob Marley? (11)

RASTAFARIAN

Definition: Bob Marley? *(fantasia arr)

Hiding bottom in swingers' bar, Arachne cuts odd, discontented figure (9)

TRAPEZOID

Definition: figure TRAPEZ(e) + I ("Arachne") "cuts" O(d)D

During very fine morning yearn to climb tree (8)

MAGNOLIA

Definition: tree <= A1 (LONG) A.M.

Father Christmas shedding clothes over one summer month upset part of the WI (7)

ANTIGUA

Definition: part of the WI (s)ANT(a) + 1 <=AUG. WI is West Indies here, not Womens' Institute.

Wrongly say Capone is breaking law (7)

ILLEGAL

Definition: breaking law ILL + e.g. + AL (Capone)

Sex carries advantages for your health (6)

PROSIT

Definition: for your health IT ("sex") "carries" PROS I wonder whether "to your health" may have been slightly better, as a defenition?

Excite gentleman, grabbing top of thigh (4)

STIR

Definition: Excite SIR "grabbing" T(high)

An identity thief, Neo's following the monarch (8)

IMPOSTER

Definition: An identity thief I'M ("Neo's") + POST ("following") + E.R. ("the monarch")

Start on alpine trail for this! (6)

ASCENT

Definition: Start on alpine trail for this A(lpine) + SCENT ("trail")

Still holding an old penny piece (8)

SERENADE

Definition: piece SERENE ("still") + A D ("old penny")

Roman Catholic in boat's Middle Ocean killer (4)

ORCA

Definition: Ocean killer R.C. in (b)OA(t)

Someone from Zenda or Turin an IRA suspect? (10)

RURITANIAN

Definition: Someone from Zenda *(turin an ira) Ruritania was a mythical European country in Anthony Hope's 1894 novel, *The Prisoner of Zenda*.

Songs at speed in controlled atmosphere? (8)

AIRSPACE

Definition: controlled atmosphere AIRS ("songs") + PACE ("speed")

Books in scripture studies for mechanical routine (4)

ROTE

Definition: mechanical routine O.T. ("books") "in" R.E. ("scripture studies")

Democrat welcome for Cameron (4)

DAVE

Definition: Cameron D(emocrat) + AVE ("welcome" in Latin) Refers of course to "Dave" Cameron, ex-PM.

School workers crying about Guevara (8)

TEACHERS

Definition: School workers TEARS ("crying") "about" CHE (Guevara)

Perhaps most senior educationalist (10)

MONTESSORI

Definition: educationalist *(most senior)

Winged beings caught by current in swirling Humber (8)

CHERUBIM

Definition: Winged beings C + I ("current") in *(humber)

Completely hot dog Dorothy had (2,4)

IN TOTO

Definition: Completely IN (current, fashionable, so "hot") + TOTO (Dorothy's dog in *The Wizard of Oz*)

Gold pleasing Blair (6)

ORWELL

Definition: Blair OR ("gold") + WELL ("pleasing") George Orwell's real name was Eric Blair.

Lion Man's reinvented harmonics (8)

NOMINALS

Definition: harmonics *(lion mans) This isn't even general knowledge in my book. It took me a long time to find an example of nominals and harmonics being synonymous in bell-ringing, where a nominal is defined as "the harmonic an octave above the strike tone of a bell".

Scrooge is in sea abroad (5)

MISER

Definition: Scrooge IS in MER (the French for "sea", therefore, "sea abroad")

Why his beef is not with me? (3,4,4,2,7,4,6)

ONE MAN’S MEAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S POISON

Definition: Why his beef is not with me Cryptic definition

Test cases sorted out in class (8)

TUTORIAL

Definition: class TRIAL ("test") "cases" *(out)

Body-snatchers, not unknown in cemetery, beaten with iron urns (12,3)

RESURRECTION MEN

Definition: Body-snatchers *(cemeter(y) iron urns)

Rodent in baked dish for buccaneer (6)

PIRATE

Definition: buccaneer RAT in PIE

One ahead something charged? (3)

ION

Definition: something charged 1 + ON

Mature mother holding son in work of art (3,6)

OLD MASTER

Definition: work of art OLD ("mature") + MATER ("mother") "holding" S(on)

Town knight and soldiers that catch MP by leg (11)

NORTHAMPTON

Definition: Town N ("knight", in chess notation) + O.R. ("soldiers") + THAT "catching" MP + ON ("leg" side in cricket)

If I stop uprising, sergeant major finds non-violent way (8)

PACIFISM

Definition: non-violent way <=IF I CAP + SM ("sergeant major")

Girl first victim under Islamic State (6)

ISABEL

Definition: Girl ABEL ("first victim") "under" IS

Name deadly female hidden in old province (5)

NATAL

Definition: province I'm struggling to parse this – I can see N for name, and wonder if the ATAL has something to do with "femme fATALe"?

Gentleman, hungry, eats sandwiches (3)

RYE

Definition: Gentleman Hidden in "hung**RY E**ats"

Fine rum and coke primarily to feed cold – some bug killer! (12)

DISINFECTANT

Fine rum and coke primarily to feed cold – some bug killer! (12) (*(fine) + C(oke)) in ("to feed") DISTANT ("cold")

Melancholy wife, female in lust I suspect (7)

WISTFUL

Melancholy wife, female in lust I suspect (7) W(ife) + F(emale) in *(lust I)

Opposite directions covered by quality conveyance (7)

TRANSIT

Opposite directions covered by quality conveyance (7) N and S ("opposite directions") "covered by" TRAIT ("quality")

Material that is beyond artist (5)

RAYON

Material that is beyond artist (5) YON ("that") "beyond" R.A. ("artist")

Roguish character, ultimate in thorns between two flowers (8)

FALSTAFF

Roguish character, ultimate in thorns between two flowers (8) (thorn)S in FAL and TAFF, (two rivers, therefore "flowers") Falstaff appears in three Shakespeare plays.

Something set alight by very posh nickname (10)

SOUBRIQUET

Something set alight by very posh nickname (10) BRIQUET ("something set alight") "by" SO U ("very posh")