0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Cheers about Queen's error — that's wrong (2,5)	AT FAULT	Definition: wrong Reverse of TA (thank you, cheers) + FAULT (an "error" I tennis – e.g. at the Queen's Club)
Weird when retiring perfectly fit fighters (7)	SAMURAI	Definition: fighters Reverse of RUM AS + A1 (perfectly fit, e.g. for military service)
Sporting legend about to get beat (3,3)	RED RUM	Definition: Sporting legend ~~Reverse of MURDER~~ *Thanks to cryptor for the correction: it's RE (about) + DRUM
Artist's model turned up in same shot (7)	MATISSE	Definition: Artist Reverse of SIT (model) in SAME
Don't they like to see people getting on? (7)	AGEISTS	Definition: Don't they like to see people getting on Cryptic definition
Keen runner has easy run (5)	MOURN	Definition: Keen MO [Farah, runner] + RUN
Cast her in lead? (9)	HEADLINER	Definition: Cast her in lead (HER IN LEAD)* &lit (that is, the whole clue is the definition as well as the whole of the wordplay)
Mate ends this old duty husband introduced (5)	CHESS	Definition: Mate ends this H in CESS (an old tax)
Runs large 21 down (7)	LADDERS	Definition: Runs L + ADDERS (snakes)
Performance in hat likely to touch people (7)	TACTILE	Definition: likely to touch people ACT in TILE (hat)
Baffling old cases that can be hard to interpret (5)	LINGO	Definition: that can be hard to interpret Hidden in baffLING Old
Envoy to dine with English earl now and then (9)	MESSENGER	Definition: Envoy MESS (to dine) + ENG + alternate letters of EaRl
Scores of cinemas include it, oddly ignoring echo (10,5)	INCIDENTAL MUSIC	Definition: Scores of cinemas include it (CINEMAS INCLUDE IT)* less one E (echo) – not quite an &lit, but the wordplay and definition do overlap
Posted over a pack for confirmation maybe (9)	SACRAMENT	Definition: confirmation maybe A CRAM in SENT
Temptress wrong to restrict touching (5)	SIREN	Definition: Temptress RE (about, touching) in ~~SENT~~ SIN
Arriving at airport, female leaves confinement (5-2)	LYING-IN	Definition: confinement FLYING IN less F
Blackberry jam for one in authority (7)	BRAMBLE	Definition: Blackberry BIBLE (authority) with I (one) replaced by RAM (to jam)
Passed round plank, first of twenty (5)	DEALT	Definition: Passed round DEAL (wood, plank) +T[wenty]
Cashier collecting rabbi's fare (9)	TRAVELLER	Definition: fare RAV (a rabbi) in TELLER (cashier in a bank etc). A fare is how a taxi-driver might describe a passenger, or traveller
Digital problem Bill fixed in series (10)	CHILBLAINS	Definition: Digital problem BILL* in CHAINS
Cutting as printed describes a radical lecturer (8)	SARDONIC	Definition: Cutting A R DON in SIC ("as printed")
Game could spread across Spain (6)	CLUEDO	Definition: Game E (Spain) in COULD
Old newspaper put up charge (4)	ONUS	Definition: charge O + reverse of SUN
Lutheran's one for his books, not me (10)	PROTESTANT	Definition: Lutheran PRO (one [who is] for) + TESTAMENT less ME
Diamonds? Pick 99 maybe (3,5)	ICE CREAM	Definition: 99 maybe ICE (slang for diamonds) + CREAM (the pick)
Crude TV family close to top getting stitched up? (6)	SEWING	Definition: getting stitched up EWINGS (the family in Dallas, who make their money from oil = crude) with S (the close) moved to the top
Feel sick to some extent, heaving, sailing here? (4)	ISLE	Definition: here Hidden in reverse of feEL Sick – another &littish clue
Capital hoards 1,000 bananas and legumes (6,4)	MONKEY NUTS	Definition: legumes K (1000) in MONEY (capital) + NUTS (mad, bananas)
Royal courtesan condemned yarn spinners (10)	RACONTEURS	Definition: yarn spinners R + COURTESAN
Daughter's unwell, losing energy, needing these? (8)	DRAUGHTS	Definition: these DAUGHTERS* less E – draughts in the old sense of doses of medicine
Grub that is given to hoi polloi (8)	SCRABBLE	Definition: Grub SC (scilicet – namely, that is) + RABBLE (hoi polloi)
This writer's one among 160 to reach peak (6)	CLIMAX	Definition: peak I'M A in CLX (160 in Roman numerals)
Endless plain in central Russia generating winds (6)	SNAKES	Definition: winds NAKE[D] (plain) in [ru]SS[ia] – winds to rhyme with minds
Game I play in Rome once (4)	LUDO	Definition: Game LUDO is Latin for "I play" – also the origin of the name of the game
Brief supporter of games above and other game (4)	BOAR	Definition: other game A truncation of BOARD – the "supporter" of the thematic games "above" (i.e. above this clue)
Stylish performer in form on Court One (5,3)	CLASS ACT	Definition: Stylish performer CLASS (form), and "Court One" could be the A C[our]T
Korean port a short distance ahead (6)	INCHON	Definition: Korean port INCH + ON – Inchon or Incheon was the site of a major battle of the Korean war
Not affected by team of stars (8)	SIDEREAL	Definition: of stars SIDE (team) + REAL (genuine, not affected)
Wanting a woman in work, though not much of a catch (6)	MINNOW	Definition: not much of a catch (A WOMAN IN)* less ("wanting") A
Admit it's a bit limp — unworthy of review (3,2)	OWN UP	Definition: Admit Hidden in reverse of limP UNWOrthy
Accommodation in Euston? Who's travelling? (4,5)	TOWN HOUSE	Definition: Accommodation (EUSTON WHO)
Time to arrest every person racing cars here (7,5)	DAYTONA BEACH	Definition: racing cars here DAY TO NAB EACH – city in Florida known for car racing
D's place out in the sticks (4,2,6)	BACK OF BEYOND	Definition: out in the sticks D is the "back" (last letter) of beyonD
Doctor hated smack — it's a killer (5,4)	DEATH BLOW	Definition: it's a killer HATED* + BLOW (smack – both blow and smack are slang terms for various drugs, but they don't overlap, so I think this is just in the sense of hitting)
He runs a large pub (5)	RALPH	Definition: He R A L P[ublic] H[ouse]
Sandwich maybe for selling abroad (6)	EXPORT	Definition: selling abroad Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports, so it's an EX-PORT
Uncomfortably hot relative's about to strip (8)	UNCLOTHE	Definition: to strip HOT* in UNCLE
Turning it round is laborious (6)	TIRING	Definition: laborious Reverse of IT + RING (round)
Lower rent after Ray's moved (8)	AYRSHIRE	Definition: Lower RAYS* + HIRE – referring to Ayrshire cattle
Twin's shy with men (6)	CASTOR	Definition: Twin CAST (shy = throw) + OR (Other Ranks – men)
Third of Nottingham supports Forest with passion (6)	ARDENT	Definition: with passion ARDEN (Forest of Arden – an area of Warwickshire, and the fictional setting of As You Like It) + noTtingham
Catch Penny breaking down — love is torture (9)	STRAPPADO	Definition: torture TRAP P in ("breaking") SAD (down) + O
Itchy? Tablets ordered that should prevent it (8,4)	CHASTITY BELT	Definition: that should prevent it (ITCHY TABLETS)* – "it" = sex
Refusal reportedly straight from the horse's mouth? (5)	NEIGH	Definition: straight from the horse's mouth Homophone of "nay"
Band not repeating support for hard working American (8)	HONDURAN	Definition: American H + ON (working) plus DURAN (a non-repetitive Duran Duran)
Naked woman picked up in capital (3,5)	NEW DELHI	Definition: capital Homophone of "nude Ellie"
Scores showing great sharpness (6-6)	TWENTY‑TWENTY	Definition: great sharpness A score is TWENTY, and we have two of them. Contrary to popular belief, and the definition here, 20/20 means "normal" visual acuity rather than anything particularly unusual
Finances prevent Kelvin getting really good car (9)	BANKROLLS	Definition: Finances BAN + K + ROLLS (Rolls Royce)
Plot to replace queen in east, following orders (8)	OBEDIENT	Definition: following orders ORIENT with R replaced by BED
Rubbish for a fighter (8)	SCRAPPER	Definition: fighter SCRAP + PER
I get Nuala regularly playing cheeky parts (6)	GLUTEI	Definition: cheeky parts Anagram of I GET [n]U[a]L[a] – the Glutei are muscles in the buttocks
Gets relief from hearing joke (6)	WHEEZE	Definition: joke The third homophone in this puzzle, this time of "wees" (urinates, so "gets relief")
Drama over bagging royal bird (5)	HERON	Definition: bird ER (our favourite royal) in reverse of NOH (Japanese drama)
Cleaner fuel? Yes and no (8)	CHARCOAL	Definition: Cleaner fuel? Yes and no CHAR (cleaner) + COAL, with a sort of &littishness, though I think charcoal is if anything a bit "cleaner" than coal
Uniform at school is vulgar stuff (6)	KITSCH	Definition: vulgar stuff KIT + SCH
Take advantage of old bed one enters (7)	EXPLOIT	Definition: Take advantage of I in EX-PLOT
Having pistol, loved to drill through card (7)	SIDEARM	Definition: pistol DEAR (loved) in SIM (card in a mobile phone)
Sex goddess very exciting at first to students (5)	VENUS	Definition: Sex goddess V[ery] E[xciting] + NUS (student union)
Thoroughly searched, managed to get fired (9)	RANSACKED	Definition: Thoroughly searched RAN (managed) + SACKED (fired)
Artist can't get anyone to pose for this (4-8)	SELF-PORTRAIT	Definition: Artist can't get anyone to pose for this Cryptic defintion, though it would perhaps be more accurate to say ".. needn't get anyone"
Beating faulty machine tests (12)	CHASTISEMENT	Definition: Beating (MACHINE TESTS)
Taking pains to enjoy oneself (9)	MASOCHISM	Definition: Taking pains to enjoy oneself Cryptic defintion
Having much of the same quality? (5)	EQUAL	Definition: Having much of the same quality Hidden in samE QUALity, &lit
Hear a heavyweight attempt to deceive (3,2,2)	TRY IT ON	Definition: attempt to deceive TRY (to hear) + 1 TON
Moving north in earnest to be as close as possible (7)	NEAREST	Definition: as close as possible Anagram of N in EARNEST
Sorry, failing to keep a Catholic devotion (6)	ROSARY	Definition: Catholic devotion A in SORRY
Online factory work? (8)	ASSEMBLY	Definition: Online factory work Cryptic definition, referring to assembly lines
Chop stick? (6)	CLEAVE	Definition: Chop Double definition, using the two contradictory meanings of "cleave"
A large tree, or a small plant (6)	ALPINE	Definition: a small plant A L PINE
The high point of a sea voyage? (5,4)	CROW’S NEST	Definition: The high point of a sea voyage Cryptic definition
Sort of seeking stylish clothes (5,1,7)	AFTER A FASHION	Definition: Sort of AFTER (seeking) + A FASHION (stylish clothes). Or possibly AFTER A for "seeking" – the A doesn't fit comfortably either way
Cricket team Juliet follows on radio (5)	INDIA	Definition: Cricket team Double definition – Juliet follows India in the NATO phonetic alphabet
It may offer a sandwich course (5,3)	SNACK BAR	Definition: It may offer a sandwich course Cryptic definition
Quietly sing one tune, losing heart in clammy conditions (8)	HUMIDITY	Definition: clammy conditions HUM 1 DI[T]TY
In men's room, set out failings of the elderly (6,7)	SENIOR MOMENTS	Definition: failings of the elderly (IN MENS ROOM SET)
Youth's great need for excitement (6,3)	TENDER AGE	Definition: Youth (GREAT NEED)
Cutter from the east (8)	SCIMITAR	Definition: Cutter from the east Cryptic definition
In trembling ecstasy, finally receive gems (4,4)	CATS’ EYES	Definition: gems [reciev]E in ECSTASY
Wonderful game Americans would play with owl (6)	SUPERB	Definition: Wonderful game Americans might play in the SUPERB[OWL]
Absolutely evenly (6)	FLATLY	Definition: Absolutely Double definition
Provide unusual trace (5)	CATER	Definition: Provide TRACE
Old man injecting drug fix once ready (6)	PESETA	Definition: once ready E[cstasy] + SET (fix) in PA – ready = cash, money, and the Peseta was the former currency of Spain
Date surely problematic for Cotswold town (7)	DURSLEY	Definition: Cotswold town D + SURELY* – J K Rowling was born near Dursley, and used it as a name in the Harry Potter books; in particular Fiona Shaw played PETUNIA (Dursley)
Portrayer of women, after a fashion represented here (5,4)	FIONA SHAW	Definition: Portrayer of women, after a fashion represented here (A FASHION)* + W, and I'll count it as an &lit (not just a portrayer of women: she played the title role in Richard II)
Director of British piece (5)	BROOK	Definition: Director B + ROOK (chess piece) – Peter Brook, film and theatre director
Unattached detective's left Greek island (5)	CRETE	Definition: Greek island DISCRETE less D[etective] I[nspector]'S
Supply 11, importing check fabric (9)	VELVETEEN	Definition: fabric VET in ELEVEN
Less reliable fellow? That's right (7)	DICKIER	Definition: Less reliable DICK (man, fellow) + I.E. (that is)
End of old EMI's empire (6)	DEMISE	Definition: End Hidden in olD EMI'S Empire
Thriller, first from Matthew Arnold (6)	MARNIE	Definition: Thriller M[atthew] + ARNIE – book made into a Hitchcock film. Fiona Shaw played Marnie Stonebrook (see 2d and 10a) in the TV series *True Blood

Cheers about Queen's error — that's wrong (2,5)

AT FAULT

Definition: wrong Reverse of TA (thank you, cheers) + FAULT (an "error" I tennis – e.g. at the Queen's Club)

Weird when retiring perfectly fit fighters (7)

SAMURAI

Definition: fighters Reverse of RUM AS + A1 (perfectly fit, e.g. for military service)

Sporting legend about to get beat (3,3)

RED RUM

Definition: Sporting legend ~~Reverse of MURDER~~ *Thanks to cryptor for the correction: it's RE (about) + DRUM

Artist's model turned up in same shot (7)

MATISSE

Definition: Artist Reverse of SIT (model) in SAME

Don't they like to see people getting on? (7)

AGEISTS

Definition: Don't they like to see people getting on Cryptic definition

Keen runner has easy run (5)

MOURN

Definition: Keen MO [Farah, runner] + RUN

Cast her in lead? (9)

HEADLINER

Definition: Cast her in lead (HER IN LEAD)* &lit (that is, the whole clue is the definition as well as the whole of the wordplay)

Mate ends this old duty husband introduced (5)

CHESS

Definition: Mate ends this H in CESS (an old tax)

Runs large 21 down (7)

LADDERS

Definition: Runs L + ADDERS (snakes)

Performance in hat likely to touch people (7)

TACTILE

Definition: likely to touch people ACT in TILE (hat)

Baffling old cases that can be hard to interpret (5)

LINGO

Definition: that can be hard to interpret Hidden in baffLING Old

Envoy to dine with English earl now and then (9)

MESSENGER

Definition: Envoy MESS (to dine) + ENG + alternate letters of EaRl

Scores of cinemas include it, oddly ignoring echo (10,5)

INCIDENTAL MUSIC

Definition: Scores of cinemas include it (CINEMAS INCLUDE IT)* less one E (echo) – not quite an &lit, but the wordplay and definition do overlap

Posted over a pack for confirmation maybe (9)

SACRAMENT

Definition: confirmation maybe A CRAM in SENT

Temptress wrong to restrict touching (5)

SIREN

Definition: Temptress RE (about, touching) in ~~SENT~~ SIN

Arriving at airport, female leaves confinement (5-2)

LYING-IN

Definition: confinement FLYING IN less F

Blackberry jam for one in authority (7)

BRAMBLE

Definition: Blackberry BIBLE (authority) with I (one) replaced by RAM (to jam)

Passed round plank, first of twenty (5)

DEALT

Definition: Passed round DEAL (wood, plank) +T[wenty]

Cashier collecting rabbi's fare (9)

TRAVELLER

Definition: fare RAV (a rabbi) in TELLER (cashier in a bank etc). A fare is how a taxi-driver might describe a passenger, or traveller

Digital problem Bill fixed in series (10)

CHILBLAINS

Definition: Digital problem BILL* in CHAINS

Cutting as printed describes a radical lecturer (8)

SARDONIC

Definition: Cutting A R DON in SIC ("as printed")

Game could spread across Spain (6)

CLUEDO

Definition: Game E (Spain) in COULD

Old newspaper put up charge (4)

ONUS

Definition: charge O + reverse of SUN

Lutheran's one for his books, not me (10)

PROTESTANT

Definition: Lutheran PRO (one [who is] for) + TESTAMENT less ME

Diamonds? Pick 99 maybe (3,5)

ICE CREAM

Definition: 99 maybe ICE (slang for diamonds) + CREAM (the pick)

Crude TV family close to top getting stitched up? (6)

SEWING

Definition: getting stitched up EWINGS (the family in *Dallas*, who make their money from oil = crude) with S (the close) moved to the top

Feel sick to some extent, heaving, sailing here? (4)

ISLE

Definition: here Hidden in reverse of feEL Sick – another &littish clue

Capital hoards 1,000 bananas and legumes (6,4)

MONKEY NUTS

Definition: legumes K (1000) in MONEY (capital) + NUTS (mad, bananas)

Royal courtesan condemned yarn spinners (10)

RACONTEURS

Definition: yarn spinners R + COURTESAN

Daughter's unwell, losing energy, needing these? (8)

DRAUGHTS

Definition: these DAUGHTERS* less E – draughts in the old sense of doses of medicine

Grub that is given to hoi polloi (8)

SCRABBLE

Definition: Grub SC (scilicet – namely, that is) + RABBLE (hoi polloi)

This writer's one among 160 to reach peak (6)

CLIMAX

Definition: peak I'M A in CLX (160 in Roman numerals)

Endless plain in central Russia generating winds (6)

SNAKES

Definition: winds NAKE[D] (plain) in [ru]SS[ia] – winds to rhyme with minds

Game I play in Rome once (4)

LUDO

Definition: Game LUDO is Latin for "I play" – also the origin of the name of the game

Brief supporter of games above and other game (4)

BOAR

Definition: other game A truncation of BOARD – the "supporter" of the thematic games "above" (i.e. above this clue)

Stylish performer in form on Court One (5,3)

CLASS ACT

Definition: Stylish performer CLASS (form), and "Court One" could be the A C[our]T

Korean port a short distance ahead (6)

INCHON

Definition: Korean port INCH + ON – Inchon or Incheon was the site of a major battle of the Korean war

Not affected by team of stars (8)

SIDEREAL

Definition: of stars SIDE (team) + REAL (genuine, not affected)

Wanting a woman in work, though not much of a catch (6)

MINNOW

Definition: not much of a catch (A WOMAN IN)* less ("wanting") A

Admit it's a bit limp — unworthy of review (3,2)

OWN UP

Definition: Admit Hidden in reverse of limP UNWOrthy

Accommodation in Euston? Who's travelling? (4,5)

TOWN HOUSE

Definition: Accommodation (EUSTON WHO)

Time to arrest every person racing cars here (7,5)

DAYTONA BEACH

Definition: racing cars here DAY TO NAB EACH – city in Florida known for car racing

D's place out in the sticks (4,2,6)

BACK OF BEYOND

Definition: out in the sticks D is the "back" (last letter) of beyonD

Doctor hated smack — it's a killer (5,4)

DEATH BLOW

Definition: it's a killer HATED* + BLOW (smack – both blow and smack are slang terms for various drugs, but they don't overlap, so I think this is just in the sense of hitting)

He runs a large pub (5)

RALPH

Definition: He R A L P[ublic] H[ouse]

Sandwich maybe for selling abroad (6)

EXPORT

Definition: selling abroad Sandwich was one of the Cinque Ports, so it's an EX-PORT

Uncomfortably hot relative's about to strip (8)

UNCLOTHE

Definition: to strip HOT* in UNCLE

Turning it round is laborious (6)

TIRING

Definition: laborious Reverse of IT + RING (round)

Lower rent after Ray's moved (8)

AYRSHIRE

Definition: Lower RAYS* + HIRE – referring to Ayrshire cattle

Twin's shy with men (6)

CASTOR

Definition: Twin CAST (shy = throw) + OR (Other Ranks – men)

Third of Nottingham supports Forest with passion (6)

ARDENT

Definition: with passion ARDEN (Forest of Arden – an area of Warwickshire, and the fictional setting of *As You Like It*) + noTtingham

Catch Penny breaking down — love is torture (9)

STRAPPADO

Definition: torture TRAP P in ("breaking") SAD (down) + O

Itchy? Tablets ordered that should prevent it (8,4)

CHASTITY BELT

Definition: that should prevent it (ITCHY TABLETS)* – "it" = sex

Refusal reportedly straight from the horse's mouth? (5)

NEIGH

Definition: straight from the horse's mouth Homophone of "nay"

Band not repeating support for hard working American (8)

HONDURAN

Definition: American H + ON (working) plus DURAN (a non-repetitive Duran Duran)

Naked woman picked up in capital (3,5)

NEW DELHI

Definition: capital Homophone of "nude Ellie"

Scores showing great sharpness (6-6)

TWENTY‑TWENTY

Definition: great sharpness A score is TWENTY, and we have two of them. Contrary to popular belief, and the definition here, 20/20 means "normal" visual acuity rather than anything particularly unusual

Finances prevent Kelvin getting really good car (9)

BANKROLLS

Definition: Finances BAN + K + ROLLS (Rolls Royce)

Plot to replace queen in east, following orders (8)

OBEDIENT

Definition: following orders ORIENT with R replaced by BED

Rubbish for a fighter (8)

SCRAPPER

Definition: fighter SCRAP + PER

I get Nuala regularly playing cheeky parts (6)

GLUTEI

Definition: cheeky parts Anagram of I GET [n]U[a]L[a] – the Glutei are muscles in the buttocks

Gets relief from hearing joke (6)

WHEEZE

Definition: joke The third homophone in this puzzle, this time of "wees" (urinates, so "gets relief")

Drama over bagging royal bird (5)

HERON

Definition: bird ER (our favourite royal) in reverse of NOH (Japanese drama)

Cleaner fuel? Yes and no (8)

CHARCOAL

Definition: Cleaner fuel? Yes and no CHAR (cleaner) + COAL, with a sort of &littishness, though I think charcoal is if anything a bit "cleaner" than coal

Uniform at school is vulgar stuff (6)

KITSCH

Definition: vulgar stuff KIT + SCH

Take advantage of old bed one enters (7)

EXPLOIT

Definition: Take advantage of I in EX-PLOT

Having pistol, loved to drill through card (7)

SIDEARM

Definition: pistol DEAR (loved) in SIM (card in a mobile phone)

Sex goddess very exciting at first to students (5)

VENUS

Definition: Sex goddess V[ery] E[xciting] + NUS (student union)

Thoroughly searched, managed to get fired (9)

RANSACKED

Definition: Thoroughly searched RAN (managed) + SACKED (fired)

Artist can't get anyone to pose for this (4-8)

SELF-PORTRAIT

Definition: Artist can't get anyone to pose for this Cryptic defintion, though it would perhaps be more accurate to say ".. needn't get anyone"

Beating faulty machine tests (12)

CHASTISEMENT

Definition: Beating (MACHINE TESTS)

Taking pains to enjoy oneself (9)

MASOCHISM

Definition: Taking pains to enjoy oneself Cryptic defintion

Having much of the same quality? (5)

EQUAL

Definition: Having much of the same quality Hidden in samE QUALity, &lit

Hear a heavyweight attempt to deceive (3,2,2)

TRY IT ON

Definition: attempt to deceive TRY (to hear) + 1 TON

Moving north in earnest to be as close as possible (7)

NEAREST

Definition: as close as possible Anagram of N in EARNEST

Sorry, failing to keep a Catholic devotion (6)

ROSARY

Definition: Catholic devotion A in SORRY

Online factory work? (8)

ASSEMBLY

Definition: Online factory work Cryptic definition, referring to assembly lines

Chop stick? (6)

CLEAVE

Definition: Chop Double definition, using the two contradictory meanings of "cleave"

A large tree, or a small plant (6)

ALPINE

Definition: a small plant A L PINE

The high point of a sea voyage? (5,4)

CROW’S NEST

Definition: The high point of a sea voyage Cryptic definition

Sort of seeking stylish clothes (5,1,7)

AFTER A FASHION

Definition: Sort of AFTER (seeking) + A FASHION (stylish clothes). Or possibly AFTER A for "seeking" – the A doesn't fit comfortably either way

Cricket team Juliet follows on radio (5)

INDIA

Definition: Cricket team Double definition – Juliet follows India in the NATO phonetic alphabet

It may offer a sandwich course (5,3)

SNACK BAR

Definition: It may offer a sandwich course Cryptic definition

Quietly sing one tune, losing heart in clammy conditions (8)

HUMIDITY

Definition: clammy conditions HUM 1 DI[T]TY

In men's room, set out failings of the elderly (6,7)

SENIOR MOMENTS

Definition: failings of the elderly (IN MENS ROOM SET)

Youth's great need for excitement (6,3)

TENDER AGE

Definition: Youth (GREAT NEED)

Cutter from the east (8)

SCIMITAR

Definition: Cutter from the east Cryptic definition

In trembling ecstasy, finally receive gems (4,4)

CATS’ EYES

Definition: gems [reciev]E in ECSTASY

Wonderful game Americans would play with owl (6)

SUPERB

Definition: Wonderful game Americans might play in the SUPERB[OWL]

Absolutely evenly (6)

FLATLY

Definition: Absolutely Double definition

Provide unusual trace (5)

CATER

Definition: Provide TRACE

Old man injecting drug fix once ready (6)

PESETA

Definition: once ready E[cstasy] + SET (fix) in PA – ready = cash, money, and the Peseta was the former currency of Spain

Date surely problematic for Cotswold town (7)

DURSLEY

Definition: Cotswold town D + SURELY* – J K Rowling was born near Dursley, and used it as a name in the Harry Potter books; in particular Fiona Shaw played PETUNIA (Dursley)

Portrayer of women, after a fashion represented here (5,4)

FIONA SHAW

Definition: Portrayer of women, after a fashion represented here (A FASHION)* + W, and I'll count it as an &lit (not just a portrayer of women: she played the title role in *Richard II*)

Director of British piece (5)

BROOK

Definition: Director B + ROOK (chess piece) – Peter Brook, film and theatre director

Unattached detective's left Greek island (5)

CRETE

Definition: Greek island DISCRETE less D[etective] I[nspector]'S

Supply 11, importing check fabric (9)

VELVETEEN

Definition: fabric VET in ELEVEN

Less reliable fellow? That's right (7)

DICKIER

Definition: Less reliable DICK (man, fellow) + I.E. (that is)

End of old EMI's empire (6)

DEMISE

Definition: End Hidden in olD EMI'S Empire

Thriller, first from Matthew Arnold (6)

MARNIE

Definition: Thriller M[atthew] + ARNIE – book made into a Hitchcock film. Fiona Shaw played Marnie Stonebrook (see 2d and 10a) in the TV series *True Blood