0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Polynesian bird once seen in clinic (6)	SAMOAN	Definition: Polynesian MOA (extinct bird) in SAN (clinic)
This puzzle has one note around the edge (5)	THEME	Definition: This puzzle has one HEM (edge) in TE (note, in sol-fa)
Give address on back cover, otherwise disappear (9)	EVAPORATE	Definition: disappear Reverse of PAVE (to cover) + ORATE (give an address);not sure what "otherwise" is doing
Art patron holding small aesthetic guide (5)	TASTE	Definition: aesthetic guide S in TATE (Henry Tate, sugar magnate and founder of the Tate Gallery)
Scent you reportedly lost after crossing Atlantic? (5)	ODOUR	Definition: Scent The U ("you, reportedly") is lost in the American spelling, ODOR
Botanical expert with itemised qualifications of female scholar? (9)	HERBALIST	Definition: Botanical expert HER B.A. LIST
Eg 10 and 28 transformations between parts of the middle row (7,2,5)	CHANGES OF STATE	Definition: Eg 10 and 28 10 (TASTE) and 28 (TESTA) are both anagrams of STATE, and in the middle row we have three states of matter in STEAM, ICE and WATER
Den rebuilt by wild animals in stage before mating, often (7)	ENDGAME	Definition: stage before mating, often DEN* + GAME, with the definition referring to chess
Energy shown by second eleven (5)	STEAM	Definition: Energy S + TEAM (eleven – football or cricket team)
Decorate things cooked in kitchen, with odd exceptions (3)	ICE	Definition: Decorate things cooked kItChEn with the odd letters removed
Tend to bed or what's in special kind of mattress (5)	WATER	Definition: Tend to bed Double definition – watering a garden (bed), and the mattress of a water bed
Doctor improperly uses pressure to get into suit, say (5,2)	DRESS UP	Definition: get into suit, say DR + (USES P)
So to speak, inscribe 2nd Street on map in Far East? (9)	RIGHTMOST	Definition: in Far East Homophone of "write" + MO (second – 2nd) + ST "rightmost" because East is usually on the right in maps
A state briefly flipped, becoming another state (5)	ASSAM	Definition: another state A + reverse of MASS[achusetts] – is the use of the thematic word "state" here a blemish or a helpful hint? See also 1d
Article on big game put in hard cover (5)	TESTA	Definition: hard cover TEST (big game, as in test match) + A (article); testa is the hard shell of a seed
Garments I altered — they've had 13 across 22 across (9)	EMIGRANTS	Definition: they've had 13 across 22 across (GARMENTS I)* – emigrants have moved to a new state
One state followed by another, note (4)	MEMO	Definition: note ME (Maine) + MO (Missouri) – another use of "state"
Fare from India south, landing in Pacific islands (6)	SAMOSA	Definition: Fare from India S in SAMOA
More bad gas circulated in draughts etc (5,5)	BOARD GAMES	Definition: draughts etc (MORE BAD GAS)
Cuts components of air, for example, including hydrogen (6)	GASHES	Definition: Cuts H in GASES
25 take part in crusade zealously, securing release (8)	DEFREEZE	Definition: 25 FREE (release) in [crusa]DE ZE[alously] – rather a vague indication of the "part", but clear enough
Mediterranean landmark visible in Estonia, oddly (4)	ETNA	Definition: Mediterranean landmark Odd letters of EsToNiA
Showing ambition when I sound off about power (8)	ASPIRANT	Definition: Showing ambition P in AS I RANT
Become emotional, having bumped into learner on inside (4)	MELT	Definition: Become emotional L in MET (bumped into)
Fourth law suit, as viewed by robber, potentially (5)	CASED	Definition: viewed by robber, potentially CASE D is the fourth law suit, after Cases A, B and C; reference to a robber "casing the joint"
County's crewmen bringing one in on the ground floor, perhaps (10)	DOWNSTAIRS	Definition: on the ground floor, perhaps [County] DOWN'S + I in TARS (sailors, crewmen)
Frightfully odd English upset part of the EU (5)	EERIE	Definition: Frightfully odd E + reverse of EIRE
Invigorate loco engineers with no end of passion (8)	ENERGISE	Definition: Invigorate Anagram of ENGINEERS less one N (end of passioN)
Short, spontaneous performance edited, so better (8)	IMPROVED	Definition: better IMPROV[isation] + ED[ited]
Cunningly defeat without being heartless, having switched halves (6)	OUTWIT	Definition: Cunningly defeat WIT[h]OUT with its two halves swapped
Good thing about name in form posted? OK (6)	ASSENT	Definition: OK Two cryptic indications here: N (name) in ASSET, and AS SENT (in the form posted)
Judges having reached conclusion, what comes next? Old-fashioned pity (4)	RUTH	Definition: Old-fashioned pity The book of Ruth follows Judges in the Old Testament
What must be modified to produce rapprochement (4)	THAW	Definition: rapprochement WHAT
Result of condensation, being damp, without oxygen (4)	MIST	Definition: Result of condensation MOIST less O
Vacant single bed inside for writer (6)	SCRIBE	Definition: writer CRIB in S[ingl]E
Olympic event, for one, a master's city (8)	DAMASCUS	Definition: city DISCUS (Olympic event) with I (one) replaced by A M.A.
Baby wrap an omnishambles (6)	AMNION	Definition: Baby wrap It wouldn't be Philistine without a lift-and-separate: this is an anagam ("shambles") of AN OMNI. The amnion is "membrane that closely covers the embryo when first formed", perhaps more familiar in the adjectival form "amniotic"
Picaroon's puzzle's not a stinger (8)	SCORPION	Definition: stinger PICAROONS* less A
Complaint of junior doctor pocketing floppy disk has been uncovered (10,4)	HOUSEMAID’S KNEE	Definition: Complaint DISK* in HOUSEMAN (junior doctor) + [b]EE[n]
Laments acknowledgement I put into trilogies (10)	THRENODIES	Definition: Laments NOD I in THREES
Top copy (Times) (4)	APEX	Definition: Top APE (copy) + X (multiplied by, times)
Opening to examine innards of engine, a mate having reversed battery terminal (10)	LAPAROTOMY	Definition: Opening to examine innards Reverse of (MOTOR + A PAL) + the last letter ("terminal") of batterY
Straight instruction in this flat: coffee should be stirred (3,5,2,4)	THE FACTS OF LIFE	Definition: Straight instruction (~~IN~~ THIS FLAT COFFEE)
Reserved lease covering quote rejected (8)	RETICENT	Definition: Reserved Reverse of CITE in RENT
Sucker for cake (6)	SPONGE	Definition: Sucker Double definition
An old friend — title and initials (8)	ACRONYMS	Definition: initials A CRONY + MS (title)
Join the enemy of imperfection (6)	DEFECT	Definition: Join the enemy Double definition
Have sex with more than three on the French carpet (8)	SHAGPILE	Definition: carpet SHAG (have sex with) + PI (3.14…, more than 3) + LE
Franco urged to suppress resentment (7)	RANCOUR	Definition: resentment Hidden in fRANCO URged
Reading lines penned by Crosby (8)	BROWSING	Definition: Reading ROWS in BING
Islands wind up being held by corrupt rich OAP (11)	ARCHIPELAGO	Definition: Islands Revere of GALE in (RICH OAP)
Greek character opposed to what might be ordered in 13 down (7)	CHIANTI	Definition: what might be ordered in 13 down CHI + ANTI
From then till now, bank with honesty (9)	SINCERELY	Definition: with honesty SINCE (from then till now) + RELY (to bank (on))
Radio and TV broadcast must include Home Is Where The Heart Is (11)	MEDIASTINUM	Definition: Where The Heart Is MEDIA (radio & TV) + IN (home) in MUST* – probably the most obscure of the medical answers: it's "a membranous partition between two body cavities or two parts of an organ, especially that between the lungs" (so including the heart)
Display excessive skill over restaurant (9)	TRATTORIA	Definition: restaurant Reverse of AIR OTT ART
Fall of everybody climbing trees outside (8)	COLLAPSE	Definition: Fall Reverse of ALL in COPSE
See to car and jet crash — with this? (7,4)	EJECTOR SEAT	Definition: See to car and jet crash — with this (SEE TO CAR JET)* &lit
Misdeed of criminal (7)	OFFENCE	Definition: Misdeed OF FENCE
Bird flu affects little children, only not at first (6)	FALCON	Definition: Bird First letters of Flu Affects Little Children Only Not
Deviously help grand trickery involving energy and venting humour? (12)	PHLEGMAGOGIC	Definition: venting humour HELP* + G + GO in MAGIC. Phlegm was one of the four humours of ancient and medieval medicine
Nasty Scot in Glasgow we found among personnel (4)	HOOR	Definition: Nasty Scot OO (Scots "we") in HR (Human Resources, aka Personnel [department]) – hoor is a Scots variant of "whore", used to mean "a difficult or unpleasant thing or person"
Excess reporting? Cut initial chapter (7)	OVERAGE	Definition: Excess COVERAGE less C
Rising like a bird that exercises a turn so (7)	ROUSANT	Definition: Rising like a bird (A TURN SO)* – it's a heraldic term for "rising as a bird"
Bits of breakfast roughage adding nourishment (4)	BRAN	Definition: Bits of breakfast roughage adding nourishment First letters &lit
Appearing when option's selected, champers at an end (5)	POP-UP	Definition: Appearing when option's selected POP (slang for champagne) + UP (at an end)
Plot ryots worked (5)	STORY	Definition: Plot RYOTS* – not that it matters for the clue, but a ryot is an Indian peasant or tenant farmer
Singer's first substandard track (5)	SPOOR	Definition: track S[inger] + POOR
Balance is shown following ball in French team (9)	EQUIPOISE	Definition: Balance O (ball) + IS in EQUIPE (French for "team")
Poodle treated by (US) vet producing type of liniment (9)	OPODELDOC	Definition: type of liniment POODLE* + DOC
Historical assembly learnt about them (5)	GEMOT	Definition: Historical assembly 'EM in GOT
Spare mobile's thrown into waste container often (5)	SKIMP	Definition: Spare M (mobile, as m-banking) in SKIP (waste container)
What makes society wither and die in some parts (5)	SWELT	Definition: die in some parts S + WELT (to wither). A dialect word meaning to die
Hall, type of expansion university welcomed (4)	AULA	Definition: Hall U in ALA ("a leafy expansion..")
Feature of green belt behind schedule, not the first? About right (7)	VERDURE	Definition: Feature of green belt R in [O]VERDUE
Blind cave-dweller erupts furiously, pierced by Odysseus initially (7)	PROTEUS	Definition: Blind cave-dweller O[dysseus] in ERUPTS*. The cave-dweller is not the shape-shifting character from Greek mythology, but another name for the Olm, an aquatic salamander
It carries significance for Sikhs, knocking back strong drink (4)	KARA	Definition: It carries significance for Sikhs Reverse of ARAK
The old trees they varied with flower parts of differing length (12)	HETEROSTYLED	Definition: with flower parts of differing length (OLD TREES THEY)* – the initial "The" seems redundant
Ah gosh! Rapper garbled cursive sequence (12)	PHRASEOGRAPH	Definition: cursive sequence (AH GOSH RAPPER)
Moth took off in joint (7)	HOOK-TIP	Definition: Moth TOOK* in HIP (joint)
Droop on fringes of university dance (4)	LOUP	Definition: dance U in LOP (to hang down loosely, droop). Is U the "fringes" of University?
Like wine making one merry dipped into regularly by distinguished don (5)	GRAPY	Definition: Like wine The letters RP (Regius Professor – distinguished don) inserted separately into GAY
Radar system creating endless work – terribly solemn about it (9)	MONOPULSE	Definition: Radar system OPU[S] in SOLEMN
Class benders (not classically proper!) (5)	GENUS	Definition: Class Plural of GENU = knee = bender; the "classically proper" plural would be "genua"
Outcry once dress comes into contact with grease (7)	GARBOIL	Definition: Outcry GARB + OIL
Mild oath senior officer produces having lost pipe outside? (4)	IGAD	Definition: Mild oath BRIGADIER less the outer BRIER (pipe)
Extract from pasture dock for nettle rash (5)	UREDO	Definition: nettle rash Hidden in pastURE DOck
Press lied freely displaying hubris? Far from it (9)	PRIDELESS	Definition: displaying hubris? Far from it (PRESS LIED)
Damned old and cold cramped houses (5)	POCKY	Definition: Damned old C in POKY
Stewed fruit with a dash of lemon in? It was intriguing (7)	COMPLOT	Definition: It was intriguing L[emon] in COMPOT
Shift is taken up and nearly spoilt (7)	SIMARRE	Definition: Shift Reverse of IS + MARRE[D] – variant of "cymar", a coat, or undergarment ("shift")
Blast of air, tornado with no hush inside (5)	TWIER	Definition: Blast of air TWISTER less ST (hush!). Chambers defines this as "a nozzle for a blast of air", rather than the blast itself, as the clue implies
Prop displaying bulge, routine with stone put on (5)	STRUT	Definition: Prop ST[one] + RUT (routine)
International practice formerly sanctioned by law (4)	IURE	International practice formerly sanctioned by law (4) I + URE
Twain-like, showing what's universal in boy's upbringing (4)	DUAL	Twain-like, showing what's universal in boy's upbringing (4) U in reverse of LAD, with a surface reference to Mark Twain's characters such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
Period furniture schedule (9)	TIMETABLE	Definition: schedule TIME (period) + TABLE
Tootsie's pay (4)	FOOT	Definition: Tootsie Double definition – I thought "tootsie" just a meant a toe, but Chambers says it can also mean a foot; also "pay" as in "foot the bill"
Idle American Liberal supporter needs muzzle! (8)	LALLYGAG	Definition: Idle American L[iberal] + ALLY + GAG – American word meaning to idle or loiter
Bar after C sharp (6)	CLEVER	Definition: sharp C + LEVER
Townswoman on the outskirts of Los Angeles making records (6)	ANNALS	Definition: records ANNA (as, I presume, in Arnold Bennett's novel Anna of the Five Towns + L[os Angele]S
Stop runaway boar colliding with number of spectators (8)	ABROGATE	Definition: Stop BOAR* + GATE (number of spectators)

Polynesian bird once seen in clinic (6)

SAMOAN

Definition: Polynesian MOA (extinct bird) in SAN (clinic)

This puzzle has one note around the edge (5)

THEME

Definition: This puzzle has one HEM (edge) in TE (note, in sol-fa)

Give address on back cover, otherwise disappear (9)

EVAPORATE

Definition: disappear Reverse of PAVE (to cover) + ORATE (give an address);not sure what "otherwise" is doing

Art patron holding small aesthetic guide (5)

TASTE

Definition: aesthetic guide S in TATE (Henry Tate, sugar magnate and founder of the Tate Gallery)

Scent you reportedly lost after crossing Atlantic? (5)

ODOUR

Definition: Scent The U ("you, reportedly") is lost in the American spelling, ODOR

Botanical expert with itemised qualifications of female scholar? (9)

HERBALIST

Definition: Botanical expert HER B.A. LIST

Eg 10 and 28 transformations between parts of the middle row (7,2,5)

CHANGES OF STATE

Definition: Eg 10 and 28 10 (TASTE) and 28 (TESTA) are both anagrams of STATE, and in the middle row we have three states of matter in STEAM, ICE and WATER

Den rebuilt by wild animals in stage before mating, often (7)

ENDGAME

Definition: stage before mating, often DEN* + GAME, with the definition referring to chess

Energy shown by second eleven (5)

STEAM

Definition: Energy S + TEAM (eleven – football or cricket team)

Decorate things cooked in kitchen, with odd exceptions (3)

ICE

Definition: Decorate things cooked kItChEn with the odd letters removed

Tend to bed or what's in special kind of mattress (5)

WATER

Definition: Tend to bed Double definition – watering a garden (bed), and the mattress of a water bed

Doctor improperly uses pressure to get into suit, say (5,2)

DRESS UP

Definition: get into suit, say DR + (USES P)

So to speak, inscribe 2nd Street on map in Far East? (9)

RIGHTMOST

Definition: in Far East Homophone of "write" + MO (second – 2nd) + ST "rightmost" because East is usually on the right in maps

A state briefly flipped, becoming another state (5)

ASSAM

Definition: another state A + reverse of MASS[achusetts] – is the use of the thematic word "state" here a blemish or a helpful hint? See also 1d

Article on big game put in hard cover (5)

TESTA

Definition: hard cover TEST (big game, as in test match) + A (article); testa is the hard shell of a seed

Garments I altered — they've had 13 across 22 across (9)

EMIGRANTS

Definition: they've had 13 across 22 across (GARMENTS I)* – emigrants have moved to a new state

One state followed by another, note (4)

MEMO

Definition: note ME (Maine) + MO (Missouri) – another use of "state"

Fare from India south, landing in Pacific islands (6)

SAMOSA

Definition: Fare from India S in SAMOA

More bad gas circulated in draughts etc (5,5)

BOARD GAMES

Definition: draughts etc (MORE BAD GAS)

Cuts components of air, for example, including hydrogen (6)

GASHES

Definition: Cuts H in GASES

25 take part in crusade zealously, securing release (8)

DEFREEZE

Definition: 25 FREE (release) in [crusa]DE ZE[alously] – rather a vague indication of the "part", but clear enough

Mediterranean landmark visible in Estonia, oddly (4)

ETNA

Definition: Mediterranean landmark Odd letters of EsToNiA

Showing ambition when I sound off about power (8)

ASPIRANT

Definition: Showing ambition P in AS I RANT

Become emotional, having bumped into learner on inside (4)

MELT

Definition: Become emotional L in MET (bumped into)

Fourth law suit, as viewed by robber, potentially (5)

CASED

Definition: viewed by robber, potentially CASE D is the fourth law suit, after Cases A, B and C; reference to a robber "casing the joint"

County's crewmen bringing one in on the ground floor, perhaps (10)

DOWNSTAIRS

Definition: on the ground floor, perhaps [County] DOWN'S + I in TARS (sailors, crewmen)

Frightfully odd English upset part of the EU (5)

EERIE

Definition: Frightfully odd E + reverse of EIRE

Invigorate loco engineers with no end of passion (8)

ENERGISE

Definition: Invigorate Anagram of ENGINEERS less one N (end of passioN)

Short, spontaneous performance edited, so better (8)

IMPROVED

Definition: better IMPROV[isation] + ED[ited]

Cunningly defeat without being heartless, having switched halves (6)

OUTWIT

Definition: Cunningly defeat WIT[h]OUT with its two halves swapped

Good thing about name in form posted? OK (6)

ASSENT

Definition: OK Two cryptic indications here: N (name) in ASSET, and AS SENT (in the form posted)

Judges having reached conclusion, what comes next? Old-fashioned pity (4)

RUTH

Definition: Old-fashioned pity The book of Ruth follows Judges in the Old Testament

What must be modified to produce rapprochement (4)

THAW

Definition: rapprochement WHAT

Result of condensation, being damp, without oxygen (4)

MIST

Definition: Result of condensation MOIST less O

Vacant single bed inside for writer (6)

SCRIBE

Definition: writer CRIB in S[ingl]E

Olympic event, for one, a master's city (8)

DAMASCUS

Definition: city DISCUS (Olympic event) with I (one) replaced by A M.A.

Baby wrap an omnishambles (6)

AMNION

Definition: Baby wrap It wouldn't be Philistine without a lift-and-separate: this is an anagam ("shambles") of AN OMNI. The amnion is "membrane that closely covers the embryo when first formed", perhaps more familiar in the adjectival form "amniotic"

Picaroon's puzzle's not a stinger (8)

SCORPION

Definition: stinger PICAROONS* less A

Complaint of junior doctor pocketing floppy disk has been uncovered (10,4)

HOUSEMAID’S KNEE

Definition: Complaint DISK* in HOUSEMAN (junior doctor) + [b]EE[n]

Laments acknowledgement I put into trilogies (10)

THRENODIES

Definition: Laments NOD I in THREES

Top copy (Times) (4)

APEX

Definition: Top APE (copy) + X (multiplied by, times)

Opening to examine innards of engine, a mate having reversed battery terminal (10)

LAPAROTOMY

Definition: Opening to examine innards Reverse of (MOTOR + A PAL) + the last letter ("terminal") of batterY

Straight instruction in this flat: coffee should be stirred (3,5,2,4)

THE FACTS OF LIFE

Definition: Straight instruction (~~IN~~ THIS FLAT COFFEE)

Reserved lease covering quote rejected (8)

RETICENT

Definition: Reserved Reverse of CITE in RENT

Sucker for cake (6)

SPONGE

Definition: Sucker Double definition

An old friend — title and initials (8)

ACRONYMS

Definition: initials A CRONY + MS (title)

Join the enemy of imperfection (6)

DEFECT

Definition: Join the enemy Double definition

Have sex with more than three on the French carpet (8)

SHAGPILE

Definition: carpet SHAG (have sex with) + PI (3.14…, more than 3) + LE

Franco urged to suppress resentment (7)

RANCOUR

Definition: resentment Hidden in fRANCO URged

Reading lines penned by Crosby (8)

BROWSING

Definition: Reading ROWS in BING

Islands wind up being held by corrupt rich OAP (11)

ARCHIPELAGO

Definition: Islands Revere of GALE in (RICH OAP)

Greek character opposed to what might be ordered in 13 down (7)

CHIANTI

Definition: what might be ordered in 13 down CHI + ANTI

From then till now, bank with honesty (9)

SINCERELY

Definition: with honesty SINCE (from then till now) + RELY (to bank (on))

Radio and TV broadcast must include Home Is Where The Heart Is (11)

MEDIASTINUM

Definition: Where The Heart Is MEDIA (radio & TV) + IN (home) in MUST* – probably the most obscure of the medical answers: it's "a membranous partition between two body cavities or two parts of an organ, especially that between the lungs" (so including the heart)

Display excessive skill over restaurant (9)

TRATTORIA

Definition: restaurant Reverse of AIR OTT ART

Fall of everybody climbing trees outside (8)

COLLAPSE

Definition: Fall Reverse of ALL in COPSE

See to car and jet crash — with this? (7,4)

EJECTOR SEAT

Definition: See to car and jet crash — with this (SEE TO CAR JET)* &lit

Misdeed of criminal (7)

OFFENCE

Definition: Misdeed OF FENCE

Bird flu affects little children, only not at first (6)

FALCON

Definition: Bird First letters of Flu Affects Little Children Only Not

Deviously help grand trickery involving energy and venting humour? (12)

PHLEGMAGOGIC

Definition: venting humour HELP* + G + GO in MAGIC. Phlegm was one of the four humours of ancient and medieval medicine

Nasty Scot in Glasgow we found among personnel (4)

HOOR

Definition: Nasty Scot OO (Scots "we") in HR (Human Resources, aka Personnel [department]) – hoor is a Scots variant of "whore", used to mean "a difficult or unpleasant thing or person"

Excess reporting? Cut initial chapter (7)

OVERAGE

Definition: Excess COVERAGE less C

Rising like a bird that exercises a turn so (7)

ROUSANT

Definition: Rising like a bird (A TURN SO)* – it's a heraldic term for "rising as a bird"

Bits of breakfast roughage adding nourishment (4)

BRAN

Definition: Bits of breakfast roughage adding nourishment First letters &lit

Appearing when option's selected, champers at an end (5)

POP-UP

Definition: Appearing when option's selected POP (slang for champagne) + UP (at an end)

Plot ryots worked (5)

STORY

Definition: Plot RYOTS* – not that it matters for the clue, but a ryot is an Indian peasant or tenant farmer

Singer's first substandard track (5)

SPOOR

Definition: track S[inger] + POOR

Balance is shown following ball in French team (9)

EQUIPOISE

Definition: Balance O (ball) + IS in EQUIPE (French for "team")

Poodle treated by (US) vet producing type of liniment (9)

OPODELDOC

Definition: type of liniment POODLE* + DOC

Historical assembly learnt about them (5)

GEMOT

Definition: Historical assembly 'EM in GOT

Spare mobile's thrown into waste container often (5)

SKIMP

Definition: Spare M (mobile, as m-banking) in SKIP (waste container)

What makes society wither and die in some parts (5)

SWELT

Definition: die in some parts S + WELT (to wither). A dialect word meaning to die

Hall, type of expansion university welcomed (4)

AULA

Definition: Hall U in ALA ("a leafy expansion..")

Feature of green belt behind schedule, not the first? About right (7)

VERDURE

Definition: Feature of green belt R in [O]VERDUE

Blind cave-dweller erupts furiously, pierced by Odysseus initially (7)

PROTEUS

Definition: Blind cave-dweller O[dysseus] in ERUPTS*. The cave-dweller is not the shape-shifting character from Greek mythology, but another name for the Olm, an aquatic salamander

It carries significance for Sikhs, knocking back strong drink (4)

KARA

Definition: It carries significance for Sikhs Reverse of ARAK

The old trees they varied with flower parts of differing length (12)

HETEROSTYLED

Definition: with flower parts of differing length (OLD TREES THEY)* – the initial "The" seems redundant

Ah gosh! Rapper garbled cursive sequence (12)

PHRASEOGRAPH

Definition: cursive sequence (AH GOSH RAPPER)

Moth took off in joint (7)

HOOK-TIP

Definition: Moth TOOK* in HIP (joint)

Droop on fringes of university dance (4)

LOUP

Definition: dance U in LOP (to hang down loosely, droop). Is U the "fringes" of University?

Like wine making one merry dipped into regularly by distinguished don (5)

GRAPY

Definition: Like wine The letters RP (Regius Professor – distinguished don) inserted separately into GAY

Radar system creating endless work – terribly solemn about it (9)

MONOPULSE

Definition: Radar system OPU[S] in SOLEMN

Class benders (not classically proper!) (5)

GENUS

Definition: Class Plural of GENU = knee = bender; the "classically proper" plural would be "genua"

Outcry once dress comes into contact with grease (7)

GARBOIL

Definition: Outcry GARB + OIL

Mild oath senior officer produces having lost pipe outside? (4)

IGAD

Definition: Mild oath BRIGADIER less the outer BRIER (pipe)

Extract from pasture dock for nettle rash (5)

UREDO

Definition: nettle rash Hidden in pastURE DOck

Press lied freely displaying hubris? Far from it (9)

PRIDELESS

Definition: displaying hubris? Far from it (PRESS LIED)

Damned old and cold cramped houses (5)

POCKY

Definition: Damned old C in POKY

Stewed fruit with a dash of lemon in? It was intriguing (7)

COMPLOT

Definition: It was intriguing L[emon] in COMPOT

Shift is taken up and nearly spoilt (7)

SIMARRE

Definition: Shift Reverse of IS + MARRE[D] – variant of "cymar", a coat, or undergarment ("shift")

Blast of air, tornado with no hush inside (5)

TWIER

Definition: Blast of air TWISTER less ST (hush!). Chambers defines this as "a nozzle for a blast of air", rather than the blast itself, as the clue implies

Prop displaying bulge, routine with stone put on (5)

STRUT

Definition: Prop ST[one] + RUT (routine)

International practice formerly sanctioned by law (4)

IURE

International practice formerly sanctioned by law (4) I + URE

Twain-like, showing what's universal in boy's upbringing (4)

DUAL

Twain-like, showing what's universal in boy's upbringing (4) U in reverse of LAD, with a surface reference to Mark Twain's characters such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn

Period furniture schedule (9)

TIMETABLE

Definition: schedule TIME (period) + TABLE

Tootsie's pay (4)

FOOT

Definition: Tootsie Double definition – I thought "tootsie" just a meant a toe, but Chambers says it can also mean a foot; also "pay" as in "foot the bill"

Idle American Liberal supporter needs muzzle! (8)

LALLYGAG

Definition: Idle American L[iberal] + ALLY + GAG – American word meaning to idle or loiter

Bar after C sharp (6)

CLEVER

Definition: sharp C + LEVER

Townswoman on the outskirts of Los Angeles making records (6)

ANNALS

Definition: records ANNA (as, I presume, in Arnold Bennett's novel Anna of the Five Towns + L[os Angele]S

Stop runaway boar colliding with number of spectators (8)

ABROGATE

Definition: Stop BOAR* + GATE (number of spectators)