0xharib/xword2 · Datasets at Hugging Face

Clue stringlengths 6 133	Answer stringlengths 3 46	Explanation stringlengths 5 888
Melee of lowlifes surrounding queen (5)	SCRUM	Definition: Melee SCUM(lowlifes/worthless or contemptible persons) containing(surrounding) "R"(abbrev. for "Regina"/Queen). Defn: …/a struggle or scuffle involving a crowd.
Attractive objects oldest son scattered around area (10)	LOADSTONES	Definition: Attractive objects Anagram of(… scattered) OLDEST SON containing(around) A(abbrev. for "area"). Answer: … or lodestones/pieces of a mineral that is naturally magnetised/attractive to other magnetic material.
Feature supporting European summit (8)	FOREHEAD	Definition: Feature FOR(supporting/seconding) + E(abbrev. for "European") + HEAD(summit/the upper end). Defn: … on one's face.
Racing suspended around deserted runway in Rhode Island (8)	HURRYING	Definition: Racing HUNG(suspended/attached to a higher point) containing(around) [ all inner letters deleted from(deserted) "runway" contained in(in) RI(abbrev. for Rhode Island) ].
Polish that is put on small stones (6)	RUBIES	Definition: stones RUB(to polish by rubbing/moving, say, a cloth against a surface) + IE(abbrev. for "id est"/that is) placed above(put on, in a down clue) S(abbrev. for "small"). The raw material:
Infrequent fights over drug (6)	SPARSE	Definition: Infrequent SPARS(fights/boxes as a form of training) placed above (over, in a down clue) E(abbrev. for "Ecstasy", the drug).
Ace airmen circling at a distance (4)	AFAR	Definition: at a distance A(abbrev. for "ace", as in the playing card) + reversal of(… circling) RAF(abbrev. for the Royal Air Force, partly consisting of airmen/pilots).
Target of utter devotion, reportedly (4)	PREY	Definition: Target Homophone of(…, reportedly) "pray"(to utter/say prayers as a form of devotion to a deity).
High-altitude bases offering exceptional aspect from Alps (5,9)	SPACE PLATFORMS	Definition: High-altitude bases Anagram of(exceptional) ASPECT FROM ALPS.
Chap stopping fool in afternoon meal getting some water (6,3)	TASMAN SEA	Definition: some water [ MAN(chap/a fellow) contained in(stopping) ASS(a fool/donkey) ] contained in(in) TEA(afternoon meal). Defn: …/sea between Australia and New Zealand.
Bird regrettably chokes (5)	EGRET	Definition: Bird Hidden in(… chokes) "regrettably".
English easy about rubbish (5)	BILGE	Definition: rubbish Reversal of(… about) [ E(abbrev. for "English") + GLIB(describing the words or a speaker who is fluent and implying that something is easy, when it is not) ].
Bitterness shown by Turkey abandoning Mediterranean port in campaign (9)	GALLIPOLI	Definition: campaign GALL(bitterness/resentment) plus(shown by) [ "TR"(International Standardised Code for the country, Turkey) deleted from(abandoning) "Tripoli"(Mediterranean port in Lebanon or Libya, take your pick) ]. Defn: …/a series of military operations in the First World War, specifically in Turkey.
Ruin, perhaps as a march crushes Left (8)	DEMOLISH	Definition: Ruin DEMO-ISH(in the manner of "devil/devilish", as/like a protest march/demonstration) containing(crushes) L(abbrev. for "left").
Border gradually moving (6)	EDGING	Definition: Border,gradually moving Double defn.
Idyllic spot in Sudan axed following setback (6)	XANADU	Definition: Idyllic spot Hidden in(in) reversal of(… following setback) "Sudan axed". Defn: An idealised …, as portrayed in Coleridge's poem, Kubla Khan. Site of Shangdu (from whence, Xanadu), once the capital city of Kublai Khan's empire:
Moderate team primarily needing a goal to equalise? (4,4)	TONE DOWN	Definition: Moderate 1st letter of(… primarily) "team" + [ONE DOWN](in a, say, football match, losing by a goal and therefore needing a goal to equalise the score).
For example, a toothbrush might initially get rid of persistent pain (9)	MOUSTACHE	Definition: For example, a toothbrush 1st letter of(… initially) "might" + OUST(to get rid of/to depose from a position) + ACHE(persistent pain).
Old bandmaster provided by America (5)	SOUSA	Definition: Old bandmaster SO(an archaic form of "provided that" as given by Collins – does anyone have any example of such a use?) plus(by) USA(abbrev. for the United States of America). Answer: …, John Philip, bandmaster and composer of military marches in the Romantic era.
Large old ship that's broad and slow (5)	LARGO	Definition: broad and slow L(abbrev. for "large") + ARGO(the legendary ship of Jason in search for the Golden Fleece). Defn: In music, a direction to play …/at a slow, strong and stately tempo.
Turkey with plain dressing served around northern resort (9)	LLANDUDNO	Definition: resort DUD(a turkey/a failure) contained in(with … dressing) LLANO(a South American treeless grassy plain) containing(served around) N(abbrev. for "northern"). Defn: … in NW Wales.
Beneath loose pants, grip is inferior (14)	UNDERSTRAPPING	Definition: inferior UNDER(beneath/below a specified position) + anagram of(loose) PANTS, GRIP.
European tax-based changes more than sufficient to encourage antisocial behaviour (3,1,3,7)	SET A BAD EXAMPLE	Definition: to encourage antisocial behaviour Anagram of(… changes) [ E(abbrev. for "European") + TAX-BASED ] + AMPLE(more than sufficient/aplenty).
Son of David rating peace for Israel — that's not hard (7)	ABSALOM	Definition: Son of David AB(abbrev. for "able-bodied seaman"/a seaman or naval rating) + "shalom!"("Peace!", as a greeting among the Jewish people of Israel) minus(that's not) "h"(abbrev. for "hard"). Defn: … in the Bible.
Ignoring poll, shouted about celebrity with a glossy exterior (9)	ENAMELLED	Definition: with a glossy exterior Its 1st letter(… poll /the head) deleted from(Ignoring) "yelled"(shouted loudly) containing(about) NAME(a celebrity/a well-known personality).
Final flag hoisted above ship's stern, done in desperation at the eleventh hour (4-4)	LAST GASP	Definition: done in desperation at the eleventh hour LAST(final/the one coming at the end) + reversal of(… hoisted, in down clue) SAG(to flag/to weaken) placed above(above, in a down clue) last letter of(…'s stern) "ship".
Corridor covered with it — rising fungus and lichen, say (6)	THALLI	Definition: fungus and lichen, say HALL(a corridor/a passageway just inside the entrance of a house) contained in(covered with) reversal of(… — rising, in a down clue) IT. Defn: Plant bodies that show no distinct parts such as stems, leaves and roots, examples of which/say, are fungus and lichen.
In seconds, forget about people slain with daggers (5)	OBELI	Definition: daggers 2nd letters, respectively, of(In seconds) "forget about people slain with".
Refuse working with international telecom pioneer (7)	MARCONI	Definition: telecom pioneer MARC(the refuse from grapes that have been pressed in wine-making) + ON(working/operating, such as an electrical appliance) plus(with) I(abbrev. for "international"). Answer: …, Guglielmo, Italian inventor of a practical radiotelegraphy system, a pioneering telecommunications technology.
Deceiving band in double-cross that's been planned throughout (9,5)	STRINGING ALONG	Definition: Deceiving RING(a circular band) contained in(in) STING(a double-cross/a deception that has been planned) + ALONG(moving in a constant direction/through/throughout?, as in "we walked along/through the passageway", whereas "we walked all along/throughout the given route".
Embellished by dodgy press dude (7,2)	DRESSED UP	Definition: Embellished Anagram of(dodgy) PRESS DUDE.
Negative duo that won't bond on record is entering retreat (4,4)	LONE PAIR	Definition: Negative duo that won't bond [ON + EP(abbrev. for an "extended play record", a musical recording with more tracks than a single) ] contained in(is entering) LAIR(an animal's den/a retreat). Defn: In chemistry, a …/a pair of (negatively charged) electrons in an atom in a molecule that are not shared by other atoms in that molecule, ie. are not in a chemical bond.
Heartless upstart right to cut gas for which there's no charge (7)	NEUTRON	Definition: for which there's no charge [ All inner letters deleted from(Heartless) "upstart" + R(abbrev. for "right") ] contained in(to cut) NEON(an inert gas). Defn: A subatomic particle without an electric charge.
Pseudo switched, heading for interdisciplinary church organisation (4,3)	OPUS DEI	Definition: church organisation Anagram of(… switched) PSEUDO + 1st letter of(heading for) "interdisciplinary". Defn: …, specifically in the Roman Catholic church.
Explains about constant contributors to immune response (1-5)	T-CELLS	Definition: contributors to immune response TELLS(explains/communicates information) containing(about) C(in maths, the symbol for any constant/non-variable; and in physics, the symbol for the speed of light in a vacuum).
Steak essentially rubbery in quality (1-4)	T-BONE	Definition: Steak *Middle letter of(essentially) "rubbery" contained in*(in) TONE(the quality/the feel about something, such as a place).
Corrupt villain beginning to ebb into depression (8)	DECADENT	Definition: Corrupt [ CAD(villain/rogue) + 1st letter of(beginning to) "ebb" ] contained in(into) DENT(a depression/a slight hollow in an even surface).
Set off stuck in reverse, disheartened (6)	DEPART	Definition: Set off Reversal of(… in reverse) TRAPPED(stuck/being unable to extricate oneself) minus its middle letter(disheartened). Defn: … on a journey, say.
Let in or on (8)	ADMITTED	Definition: Let in,on Double defn: 2nd: Let on/disclosed/acknowledged that something is true.
Verbally compare fungus with algae (6)	LICHEN	Definition: fungus with algae Homophone of(Verbally) "liken"(to compare/to point out the similarities between one thing and another). Defn: A composite organism of algae living amongst fungi, symbiotically.
Amply recover after eruption of bile (9)	LIBERALLY	Definition: Amply RALLY(to recover/to get better after, say, a sickness) placed after(after) anagram of(eruption of) BILE.
Seconds involving extremely rude customs (5)	MORES	Definition: customs MOS(plural of "mo", short for "moment"/a second, as in "wait a second/a mo") containing(involving) 1st and last letters of(extremely) "rude".
Guns, and where one might find them (4)	ARMS	Definition: Guns,where one might find them Double defn: 1st: Firearms; and 2nd: Where guns may be found when in use.
Authorise adjustment – it lengthens trousers (7)	ENTITLE	Definition: Authorise Hidden in(… trousers/takes/pockets) "adjustment – it lengthens". Defn: …/give someone a legal right to do something.
Rainbow iridescence originally seen in various types of mineral (7)	PYRITES	Definition: mineral 1st letters, respectively, of(… originally) "Rainbow iridescence" contained in(seen in) anagram of(various) TYPES. Defn: … containing iron and sulphur. Aka fool's gold:
Rifle fire (4)	SACK	Definition: Rifle,fire Double defn: 1st: To steal/plunder; and 2nd: To dismiss from employment.
Minor role advanced by job centre (5)	CAMEO	Definition: Minor role CAME(advanced/moved towards a place) plus(by) middle letter of(… centre) "job". Defn: … in a play or film, played by a distinguished actor or celebrity. Madonna cameo-ing in Die Another Day:
Still tense about election's initial turn out (9)	EVENTUATE	Definition: turn out EVEN(still/to a greater degree, as in "it's still better to be open about it") + reversal of(… about) TAUT(tense/without any slack) containing(about) 1st letter of(…'s initial) "election".
Graduate managed to drink last drop of rum – he's often seen in the pub (6)	BARMAN	Definition: he's often seen in the pub BA(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Arts", a graduate) + RAN(managed/controlled an organisation, say) containing(to drink) last letter of(last drop of) "rum".
Maintaining locks in rich area that's been redeveloped (8)	HAIRCARE	Definition: Maintaining locks Anagram of(… that's been redeveloped) RICH AREA.
Setter's note rejected (6)	RENNET	Definition: Setter Reversal of(… rejected) TENNER(a ten-pound banknote/piece of paper money in the UK). Defn: Substance from calves' stomachs used to curdle/set milk in cheese-making.
Mail a newspaperman returned, at first showing indifference (8)	DEADNESS	Definition: indifference Reversal of(… returned) [ SEND(to mail/to forward to) + A + ED(abbrev. for "editor", a newspaperman/one of the newspaper staff) ] *plus(at) 1st letter of*(first) "showing". Defn: …/unresponsiveness.
Twice one's substituted for United? That's realistic (6)	DOABLE	Definition: realistic "double"(twice/twofold) with "a"(in grammar, an article denoting one in quantity) replacing(…'s substituted for) "u"(abbrev. for "united"). Defn: …/achievable.
Get instruction to sheepdog (4,2)	COME BY	Definition: Get Not sure about this: "come-bye"(an instruction for a sheepdog to go clockwise round the sheep) has no alternative spelling that I can find. Is "get" doing double duty as definition and homophone indicator? Defn: …/to acquire, as in "how did you come by that thing".
Does taking time prevent… (5)	DETER	Definition: prevent DEER(the females of which are does) containing(taking) T(abbrev. for "time").
a lot of unnecessary drug paraphernalia? (7)	NEEDLES	Definition: drug paraphernalia All but last letter of(a lot of) "needless"(unnecessary/not needed).
Imagine fringes of tunic getting altered – it's inexplicable (9)	ENIGMATIC	Definition: inexplicable Anagram of(… getting altered) [IMAGINE + 1st and last letters of(fringes of) "tunic" ].
Observe commotion about woman's poetry, essentially (6,2)	ADHERE TO	Definition: Observe ADO(commotion/a state of fuss) containing(about) [ HER(woman's/belonging to a woman) + middle 2 letters of(…, essentially) "poetry" ]. Defn: …/to comply with.
Heavy metal – it could be symbolised by the introduction of Whitesnake (8)	TUNGSTEN	Definition: Heavy metal Cryptic defn: Chemical element whose symbol is/symbolised by the 1st letter of(introduction of) "Whitesnake".
Sort to use 17, amongst others (4)	TYPE	Definition: Sort,to use 17, amongst others Double defn: 1st: …/kind; and 2nd: To use the space bar/answer to 17 down, and other keys on a keyboard to produce text.
Reason to restrict supply of booze (9)	RATIONALE	Definition: Reason RATION(to restrict the supply of/to allow only a fixed amount for each person, of a good or service) ALE(beer, an example of booze/alcoholic drinks). Defn: …/logic behind a course of action or belief.
Key location to get a drink that's out of this world (5,3)	SPACE BAR	Definition: Key SPACE(outer space/out of this world, as an adjective to …) BAR(a location to get a drink). Defn: … on a computer keyboard, say.
Boat to dock beside Irish islands (8)	TRIMARAN	Definition: Boat TRIM(to dock/to reduce) plus(beside) ARAN(group of islands off western Ireland). Star Wars-inspired:
Fat creator of Adrian M (4)	SUET	Definition: Fat [SUE T]( Sue Townsend, the name of the author and creator of the character, Adrian Mole, similarly shortened as the latter is to Adrian M). Defn: Hard white … from the kidneys and loins of cattle and sheep.
Spot with attendant exudation (7)	SEEPAGE	Definition: exudation SEE(to spot/to notice) plus(with) PAGE(a personal attendant to a person of rank, or to a bride at a wedding).
Price, say, a lunatic raised (6)	DAMAGE	Definition: Price Reversal of(… raised) [ EG(abbrev. for "exempli gratia"/for example/say) + A + MAD(lunatic/insane) ]. Defn: An informal term for the price/expense to be paid, as in "what's the damage for this lunch?"
Some use elementary uprising for fights (6)	MELEES	Definition: fights Hidden in(Some) reversal of(… uprising) "use elementary".
Bound to eat last bit of cracker that's stale (5)	TIRED	Definition: stale TIED(bound/restrained) containing(to eat) last letter of(last bit of) "cracker". Defn: …/no longer fresh, interesting or exciting.
Mark crossing United States to find bear (7)	SUSTAIN	Definition: bear STAIN(a mark/a blemish) containing(crossing) US(abbrev. for the United States of America). Defn: …/to support without breaking or falling.
Grass in Foreign Office getting money for liberty (7)	FREEDOM	Definition: liberty REED(a plant of the grass family) contained in(in) FO(abbrev. for the Foreign Office) plus(getting) M(abbrev. for "money").
Ring around one twisted tree (5)	LILAC	Definition: tree Reversal of(… twisted) [ CALL(to ring on the phone) containing(around) I(Roman numeral for "one") ].
Star having drug and drink (9)	SUNDOWNER	Definition: drink SUN(the star in our solar system) plus(having) DOWNER(a depressant/a tranquilising drug). Defn: An alcoholic … taken at sundown.
Pleasing adage about female model making a comeback (10)	SATISFYING	Definition: Pleasing SAYING(an adage/proverb) containing(about) reversal of(… making a comeback) [ F(abbrev. for "female") + SIT(to model/to pose for a painter, say) ].
Label bit of tarnished silver (3)	TAG	Definition: Label 1st letter of(bit of) "tarnished" + AG(symbol for the chemical element, silver).
Metal bird covering angle on front of building that offers no privacy (8,4)	GOLDFISH BOWL	Definition: that offers no privacy [ GOLD(metallic element) + OWL(a nocturnal bird) ] containing(covering) [ FISH(to angle/to catch fish with a rod and line) plus(on) 1st letter of(front of) "building" ]. Defn: Describing say, a house, …./that is open to full view, like a goldfish bowl, literally.
Rashly teeter around consultants' place (6,6)	HARLEY STREET	Definition: consultants' place Anagram of(… around) RASHLY TEETER. Defn: …, specifically, a street in Central London where a large number of private medical specialists have their clinics and hospitals.
Champ regularly lost hat (3)	CAP	Definition: hat "Champ" minus its 2nd and 4th letters(regularly lost).
In favour of invitation that's sinister (10)	FORBIDDING	Definition: sinister FOR(in favour of, as against "con" in "pros and cons") + BIDDING(an invitation/a request for someone to do something).
Intimacy of quiet road by a loch (9)	CLOSENESS	Definition: Intimacy CLOSE(a quiet road/a residential street that's not so busy as it has no through access) plus(by) NESS(specifically Loch Ness, a lake in Scotland).
Trouble on Royal Navy deck (5)	ADORN	Definition: deck ADO(trouble/a commotion) plus(on) RN(abbrev. for the Royal Navy).
Tough and mean boxing king (7)	STRINGY	Definition: Tough STINGY(mean/miserly) containing(boxing) R(abbrev. for "Rex"/king). Defn: …, as applied to food containing tough fibres and so hard to eat.
Conservative's leader Liberal prematurely? Obviously! (7)	CLEARLY	Definition: Obviously 1st letter of(…'s leader) "Conservative" + L(abbrev. for a Liberal, a member of the Liberal Party) + EARLY(prematurely/before the time due).
Publicise place in band (6)	SPLASH	Definition: Publicise PL(abbrev. for "Place") contained in(in) SASH(a band/a long loop of cloth).
Greet cook crossing line (6)	SALUTE	Definition: Greet SAUTE(to cook/to fry quickly in a little hot fat) containing(crossing) L(abbrev. for "line").
Usual charge covering male director (10)	ACCUSTOMED	Definition: Usual ACCUSE(to charge/to claim that someone is guilty a wrongdoing) containing(covering) TOM(male of various animals such as a cat – and not the other feminine meaning) + D(abbrev. for "director").
Unpleasant article written about pen (5)	NASTY	Definition: Unpleasant Reversal of(… written about) AN(an article in grammar) + STY(a pen/an enclosure for pigs).
Moneyman in more elaborate clothes (9)	FINANCIER	Definition: Moneyman IN contained in(… clothes) FANCIER(more elaborate/ornate).
God is grievously upset (4)	EROS	Definition: God Reversal of(… upset, in a down clue) SORE(in archaic usage, grievously/severely). Defn: The Greek … of erotic love.
Gift from party to country (8)	DONATION	Definition: Gift DO(a party/a social function) plus(to) NATION(a country/a sovereign state).
Spoil setter's yellow flower (8)	MARIGOLD	Definition: flower MAR(to spoil/to damage) + I(the setter of this crossword, self-referentially) + GOLD(the colour, yellow).
Shabby commercial block held by small number (10)	THREADBARE	Definition: Shabby [ AD(short for "advertisement"/promotional material for commercial purposes) + BAR(to block/to prevent) ] contained in(held by) THREE(a comparatively small number).
Record past Yankee breakthrough (9)	DISCOVERY	Definition: breakthrough DISC(a musical record, in the shape of, well, a disc) + OVER(past/finished) + Y(letter represented by "Yankee" in the phonetic alphabet).
Selection includes cold small desserts (4,4)	CHOC ICES	Definition: desserts CHOICE(selection/pick) containing(includes) C(abbrev. for "cold") + S(abbrev. for "small").
Review cross section making exit from stage (8)	TRAPDOOR	Definition: exit from stage Reversal of(Review) [ ROOD(cross/a crucifix) + PART(section/piece of a whole) ]. Defn: …, used by actors, and also used by magicians for their disappearing tricks.
Energy displayed in Spanish port and ancient city (6)	VIGOUR	Definition: Energy VIGO(port in north-western Spain) plus(and) UR(city in ancient Mesopotamia).
Period caught in New York office (6)	AGENCY	Definition: office AGE(a distinct time period in history) + [ C(abbrev. for "caught" in cricket scores) contained in(in) NY(abbrev. for New York) ].
Part of revolutionary rubric is absolutely fundamental (5)	BASIC	Definition: fundamental Hidden in(Part of) reversal of(revolutionary) "rubric is absolutely".
Runner perhaps started to lose heart (4)	BEAN	Definition: Runner perhaps "began"(started/initiated) minus its middle letter(to lose heart). Defn: A family of plants, an example of which/perhaps is the runner bean. Also, a runner is a twining plant, an example of which is the bean plant. The plant, pods and beans:
Coat barrel stuffed with rolled leaves (7)	CASSOCK	Definition: Coat CASK(a barrel/cylindrical container bulging out in the middle) containing(stuffed with) reversal of(rolled) COS(leaves, specifically of a variety of lettuce).
Warn of something in harbour part of town? (7)	PORTEND	Definition: Warn of something [ PORT END ](that end/part of town where its harbour/port is located).

Melee of lowlifes surrounding queen (5)

SCRUM

Definition: Melee SCUM(lowlifes/worthless or contemptible persons) **containing**(surrounding) "R"(abbrev. for "Regina"/Queen). Defn: …/a struggle or scuffle involving a crowd.

Attractive objects oldest son scattered around area (10)

LOADSTONES

Definition: Attractive objects **Anagram of**(… scattered) OLDEST SON **containing**(around) A(abbrev. for "area"). Answer: … or lodestones/pieces of a mineral that is naturally magnetised/attractive to other magnetic material.

Feature supporting European summit (8)

FOREHEAD

Definition: Feature FOR(supporting/seconding) + E(abbrev. for "European") + HEAD(summit/the upper end). Defn: … on one's face.

Racing suspended around deserted runway in Rhode Island (8)

HURRYING

Definition: Racing HUNG(suspended/attached to a higher point) **containing**(around) [ **all inner letters deleted from**(deserted) "runway" **contained in**(in) RI(abbrev. for Rhode Island) ].

Polish that is put on small stones (6)

RUBIES

Definition: stones RUB(to polish by rubbing/moving, say, a cloth against a surface) + IE(abbrev. for "id est"/that is) **placed above**(put on, in a down clue) S(abbrev. for "small"). The raw material:

Infrequent fights over drug (6)

SPARSE

Definition: Infrequent SPARS(fights/boxes as a form of training) **placed above** (over, in a down clue) E(abbrev. for "Ecstasy", the drug).

Ace airmen circling at a distance (4)

AFAR

Definition: at a distance A(abbrev. for "ace", as in the playing card) + **reversal of**(… circling) RAF(abbrev. for the Royal Air Force, partly consisting of airmen/pilots).

Target of utter devotion, reportedly (4)

PREY

Definition: Target **Homophone of**(…, reportedly) "pray"(to utter/say prayers as a form of devotion to a deity).

High-altitude bases offering exceptional aspect from Alps (5,9)

SPACE PLATFORMS

Definition: High-altitude bases **Anagram of**(exceptional) ASPECT FROM ALPS.

Chap stopping fool in afternoon meal getting some water (6,3)

TASMAN SEA

Definition: some water [ MAN(chap/a fellow) **contained in**(stopping) ASS(a fool/donkey) ] **contained in**(in) TEA(afternoon meal). Defn: …/sea between Australia and New Zealand.

Bird regrettably chokes (5)

EGRET

Definition: Bird **Hidden in**(… chokes) "regrettably".

English easy about rubbish (5)

BILGE

Definition: rubbish **Reversal of**(… about) [ E(abbrev. for "English") + GLIB(describing the words or a speaker who is fluent and implying that something is easy, when it is not) ].

Bitterness shown by Turkey abandoning Mediterranean port in campaign (9)

GALLIPOLI

Definition: campaign GALL(bitterness/resentment) **plus**(shown by) [ "TR"(International Standardised Code for the country, Turkey) **deleted from**(abandoning) "Tripoli"(Mediterranean port in Lebanon or Libya, take your pick) ]. Defn: …/a series of military operations in the First World War, specifically in Turkey.

Ruin, perhaps as a march crushes Left (8)

DEMOLISH

Definition: Ruin DEMO-ISH(in the manner of "devil/devilish", as/like a protest march/demonstration) **containing**(crushes) L(abbrev. for "left").

Border gradually moving (6)

EDGING

Definition: Border,gradually moving Double defn.

Idyllic spot in Sudan axed following setback (6)

XANADU

Definition: Idyllic spot **Hidden in**(in) **reversal of**(… following setback) "Sudan axed". Defn: An idealised …, as portrayed in Coleridge's poem, Kubla Khan. Site of Shangdu (from whence, Xanadu), once the capital city of Kublai Khan's empire:

Moderate team primarily needing a goal to equalise? (4,4)

TONE DOWN

Definition: Moderate **1st letter of**(… primarily) "team" + [ONE DOWN](in a, say, football match, losing by a goal and therefore needing a goal to equalise the score).

For example, a toothbrush might initially get rid of persistent pain (9)

MOUSTACHE

Definition: For example, a toothbrush **1st letter of**(… initially) "might" + OUST(to get rid of/to depose from a position) + ACHE(persistent pain).

Old bandmaster provided by America (5)

SOUSA

Definition: Old bandmaster SO(an archaic form of "provided that" as given by Collins – does anyone have any example of such a use?) **plus**(by) USA(abbrev. for the United States of America). Answer: …, John Philip, bandmaster and composer of military marches in the Romantic era.

Large old ship that's broad and slow (5)

LARGO

Definition: broad and slow L(abbrev. for "large") + ARGO(the legendary ship of Jason in search for the Golden Fleece). Defn: In music, a direction to play …/at a slow, strong and stately tempo.

Turkey with plain dressing served around northern resort (9)

LLANDUDNO

Definition: resort DUD(a turkey/a failure) **contained in**(with … dressing) LLANO(a South American treeless grassy plain) **containing**(served around) N(abbrev. for "northern"). Defn: … in NW Wales.

Beneath loose pants, grip is inferior (14)

UNDERSTRAPPING

Definition: inferior UNDER(beneath/below a specified position) + **anagram of**(loose) PANTS, GRIP.

European tax-based changes more than sufficient to encourage antisocial behaviour (3,1,3,7)

SET A BAD EXAMPLE

Definition: to encourage antisocial behaviour **Anagram of**(… changes) [ E(abbrev. for "European") + TAX-BASED ] + AMPLE(more than sufficient/aplenty).

Son of David rating peace for Israel — that's not hard (7)

ABSALOM

Definition: Son of David AB(abbrev. for "able-bodied seaman"/a seaman or naval rating) + "shalom!"("Peace!", as a greeting among the Jewish people of Israel) **minus**(that's not) "h"(abbrev. for "hard"). Defn: … in the Bible.

Ignoring poll, shouted about celebrity with a glossy exterior (9)

ENAMELLED

Definition: with a glossy exterior **Its 1st letter**(… poll /the head) **deleted from**(Ignoring) "yelled"(shouted loudly) **containing**(about) NAME(a celebrity/a well-known personality).

Final flag hoisted above ship's stern, done in desperation at the eleventh hour (4-4)

LAST GASP

Definition: done in desperation at the eleventh hour LAST(final/the one coming at the end) + **reversal of**(… hoisted, in down clue) SAG(to flag/to weaken) **placed above**(above, in a down clue) **last letter of**(…'s stern) "ship".

Corridor covered with it — rising fungus and lichen, say (6)

THALLI

Definition: fungus and lichen, say HALL(a corridor/a passageway just inside the entrance of a house) **contained in**(covered with) **reversal of**(… — rising, in a down clue) IT. Defn: Plant bodies that show no distinct parts such as stems, leaves and roots, examples of which/say, are fungus and lichen.

In seconds, forget about people slain with daggers (5)

OBELI

Definition: daggers **2nd letters, respectively, of**(In seconds) "forget about people slain with".

Refuse working with international telecom pioneer (7)

MARCONI

Definition: telecom pioneer MARC(the refuse from grapes that have been pressed in wine-making) + ON(working/operating, such as an electrical appliance) **plus**(with) I(abbrev. for "international"). Answer: …, Guglielmo, Italian inventor of a practical radiotelegraphy system, a pioneering telecommunications technology.

Deceiving band in double-cross that's been planned throughout (9,5)

STRINGING ALONG

Definition: Deceiving RING(a circular band) **contained in**(in) STING(a double-cross/a deception that has been planned) + ALONG(moving in a constant direction/through/throughout?, as in "we walked along/through the passageway", whereas "we walked all along/throughout the given route".

Embellished by dodgy press dude (7,2)

DRESSED UP

Definition: Embellished **Anagram of**(dodgy) PRESS DUDE.

Negative duo that won't bond on record is entering retreat (4,4)

LONE PAIR

Definition: Negative duo that won't bond [ON + EP(abbrev. for an "extended play record", a musical recording with more tracks than a single) ] **contained in**(is entering) LAIR(an animal's den/a retreat). Defn: In chemistry, a …/a pair of (negatively charged) electrons in an atom in a molecule that are not shared by other atoms in that molecule, ie. are not in a chemical bond.

Heartless upstart right to cut gas for which there's no charge (7)

NEUTRON

Definition: for which there's no charge [ **All inner letters deleted from**(Heartless) "upstart" + R(abbrev. for "right") ] **contained in**(to cut) NEON(an inert gas). Defn: A subatomic particle without an electric charge.

Pseudo switched, heading for interdisciplinary church organisation (4,3)

OPUS DEI

Definition: church organisation **Anagram of**(… switched) PSEUDO + **1st letter of**(heading for) "interdisciplinary". Defn: …, specifically in the Roman Catholic church.

Explains about constant contributors to immune response (1-5)

T-CELLS

Definition: contributors to immune response TELLS(explains/communicates information) **containing**(about) C(in maths, the symbol for any constant/non-variable; and in physics, the symbol for the speed of light in a vacuum).

Steak essentially rubbery in quality (1-4)

T-BONE

Definition: Steak ***Middle letter of***(essentially) "rubbery" **contained in**(in) TONE(the quality/the feel about something, such as a place).

Corrupt villain beginning to ebb into depression (8)

DECADENT

Definition: Corrupt [ CAD(villain/rogue) + **1st letter of**(beginning to) "ebb" ] **contained in**(into) DENT(a depression/a slight hollow in an even surface).

Set off stuck in reverse, disheartened (6)

DEPART

Definition: Set off **Reversal of**(… in reverse) TRAPPED(stuck/being unable to extricate oneself) **minus ****its middle letter**(disheartened). Defn: … on a journey, say.

Let in or on (8)

ADMITTED

Definition: Let in,on Double defn: 2nd: Let on/disclosed/acknowledged that something is true.

Verbally compare fungus with algae (6)

LICHEN

Definition: fungus with algae **Homophone of**(Verbally) "liken"(to compare/to point out the similarities between one thing and another). Defn: A composite organism of algae living amongst fungi, symbiotically.

Amply recover after eruption of bile (9)

LIBERALLY

Definition: Amply RALLY(to recover/to get better after, say, a sickness) **placed after**(after) **anagram of**(eruption of) BILE.

Seconds involving extremely rude customs (5)

MORES

Definition: customs MOS(plural of "mo", short for "moment"/a second, as in "wait a second/a mo") **containing**(involving) **1st and last letters of**(extremely) "rude".

Guns, and where one might find them (4)

ARMS

Definition: Guns,where one might find them Double defn: 1st: Firearms; and 2nd: Where guns may be found when in use.

Authorise adjustment – it lengthens trousers (7)

ENTITLE

Definition: Authorise **Hidden in**(… trousers/takes/pockets) "adjustment – it lengthens". Defn: …/give someone a legal right to do something.

Rainbow iridescence originally seen in various types of mineral (7)

PYRITES

Definition: mineral **1st letters, respectively, of**(… originally) "Rainbow iridescence" **contained in**(seen in) **anagram of**(various) TYPES. Defn: … containing iron and sulphur. Aka fool's gold:

Rifle fire (4)

SACK

Definition: Rifle,fire Double defn: 1st: To steal/plunder; and 2nd: To dismiss from employment.

Minor role advanced by job centre (5)

CAMEO

Definition: Minor role CAME(advanced/moved towards a place) **plus**(by) **middle letter of**(… centre) "job". Defn: … in a play or film, played by a distinguished actor or celebrity. Madonna cameo-ing in Die Another Day:

Still tense about election's initial turn out (9)

EVENTUATE

Definition: turn out EVEN(still/to a greater degree, as in "it's still better to be open about it") + **reversal of**(… about) TAUT(tense/without any slack) **containing**(about) **1st letter of**(…'s initial) "election".

Graduate managed to drink last drop of rum – he's often seen in the pub (6)

BARMAN

Definition: he's often seen in the pub BA(abbrev. for "Bachelor of Arts", a graduate) + RAN(managed/controlled an organisation, say) **containing**(to drink) **last letter of**(last drop of) "rum".

Maintaining locks in rich area that's been redeveloped (8)

HAIRCARE

Definition: Maintaining locks **Anagram of**(… that's been redeveloped) RICH AREA.

Setter's note rejected (6)

RENNET

Definition: Setter **Reversal of**(… rejected) TENNER(a ten-pound banknote/piece of paper money in the UK). Defn: Substance from calves' stomachs used to curdle/set milk in cheese-making.

Mail a newspaperman returned, at first showing indifference (8)

DEADNESS

Definition: indifference **Reversal of**(… returned) [ SEND(to mail/to forward to) + A + ED(abbrev. for "editor", a newspaperman/one of the newspaper staff) ] ***plus***(at) ***1st letter of***(first) "showing". Defn: …/unresponsiveness.

Twice one's substituted for United? That's realistic (6)

DOABLE

Definition: realistic "double"(twice/twofold) **with** "a"(in grammar, an article denoting one in quantity) **replacing**(…'s substituted for) "u"(abbrev. for "united"). Defn: …/achievable.

Get instruction to sheepdog (4,2)

COME BY

Definition: Get Not sure about this: "come-bye"(an instruction for a sheepdog to go clockwise round the sheep) has no alternative spelling that I can find. Is "get" doing double duty as definition and homophone indicator? Defn: …/to acquire, as in "how did you come by that thing".

Does taking time prevent… (5)

DETER

Definition: prevent DEER(the females of which are does) **containing**(taking) T(abbrev. for "time").

a lot of unnecessary drug paraphernalia? (7)

NEEDLES

Definition: drug paraphernalia **All but last letter of**(a lot of) "needless"(unnecessary/not needed).

Imagine fringes of tunic getting altered – it's inexplicable (9)

ENIGMATIC

Definition: inexplicable **Anagram of**(… getting altered) [IMAGINE + **1st and last letters of**(fringes of) "tunic" ].

Observe commotion about woman's poetry, essentially (6,2)

ADHERE TO

Definition: Observe ADO(commotion/a state of fuss) **containing**(about) [ HER(woman's/belonging to a woman) + **middle 2 letters of**(…, essentially) "poetry" ]. Defn: …/to comply with.

Heavy metal – it could be symbolised by the introduction of Whitesnake (8)

TUNGSTEN

Definition: Heavy metal Cryptic defn: Chemical element whose symbol is/symbolised by the **1st letter of**(introduction of) "Whitesnake".

Sort to use 17, amongst others (4)

TYPE

Definition: Sort,to use 17, amongst others Double defn: 1st: …/kind; and 2nd: To use the space bar/answer to 17 down, and other keys on a keyboard to produce text.

Reason to restrict supply of booze (9)

RATIONALE

Definition: Reason RATION(to restrict the supply of/to allow only a fixed amount for each person, of a good or service) ALE(beer, an example of booze/alcoholic drinks). Defn: …/logic behind a course of action or belief.

Key location to get a drink that's out of this world (5,3)

SPACE BAR

Definition: Key SPACE(outer space/out of this world, as an adjective to …) BAR(a location to get a drink). Defn: … on a computer keyboard, say.

Boat to dock beside Irish islands (8)

TRIMARAN

Definition: Boat TRIM(to dock/to reduce) **plus**(beside) ARAN(group of islands off western Ireland). Star Wars-inspired:

Fat creator of Adrian M (4)

SUET

Definition: Fat [SUE T]( Sue Townsend, the name of the author and creator of the character, Adrian Mole, similarly shortened as the latter is to Adrian M). Defn: Hard white … from the kidneys and loins of cattle and sheep.

Spot with attendant exudation (7)

SEEPAGE

Definition: exudation SEE(to spot/to notice) **plus**(with) PAGE(a personal attendant to a person of rank, or to a bride at a wedding).

Price, say, a lunatic raised (6)

DAMAGE

Definition: Price **Reversal of**(… raised) [ EG(abbrev. for "exempli gratia"/for example/say) + A + MAD(lunatic/insane) ]. Defn: An informal term for the price/expense to be paid, as in "what's the damage for this lunch?"

Some use elementary uprising for fights (6)

MELEES

Definition: fights **Hidden in**(Some) **reversal of**(… uprising) "use elementary".

Bound to eat last bit of cracker that's stale (5)

TIRED

Definition: stale TIED(bound/restrained) **containing**(to eat) **last letter of**(last bit of) "cracker". Defn: …/no longer fresh, interesting or exciting.

Mark crossing United States to find bear (7)

SUSTAIN

Definition: bear STAIN(a mark/a blemish) **containing**(crossing) US(abbrev. for the United States of America). Defn: …/to support without breaking or falling.

Grass in Foreign Office getting money for liberty (7)

FREEDOM

Definition: liberty REED(a plant of the grass family) **contained in**(in) FO(abbrev. for the Foreign Office) **plus**(getting) M(abbrev. for "money").

Ring around one twisted tree (5)

LILAC

Definition: tree **Reversal of**(… twisted) [ CALL(to ring on the phone) **containing**(around) I(Roman numeral for "one") ].

Star having drug and drink (9)

SUNDOWNER

Definition: drink SUN(the star in our solar system) **plus**(having) DOWNER(a depressant/a tranquilising drug). Defn: An alcoholic … taken at sundown.

Pleasing adage about female model making a comeback (10)

SATISFYING

Definition: Pleasing SAYING(an adage/proverb) **containing**(about) **reversal of**(… making a comeback) [ F(abbrev. for "female") + SIT(to model/to pose for a painter, say) ].

Label bit of tarnished silver (3)

TAG

Definition: Label **1st letter of**(bit of) "tarnished" + AG(symbol for the chemical element, silver).

Metal bird covering angle on front of building that offers no privacy (8,4)

GOLDFISH BOWL

Definition: that offers no privacy [ GOLD(metallic element) + OWL(a nocturnal bird) ] **containing**(covering) [ FISH(to angle/to catch fish with a rod and line) **plus**(on) **1st letter of**(front of) "building" ]. Defn: Describing say, a house, …./that is open to full view, like a goldfish bowl, literally.

Rashly teeter around consultants' place (6,6)

HARLEY STREET

Definition: consultants' place **Anagram of**(… around) RASHLY TEETER. Defn: …, specifically, a street in Central London where a large number of private medical specialists have their clinics and hospitals.

Champ regularly lost hat (3)

CAP

Definition: hat "Champ" **minus ****its 2nd and 4th letters**(regularly lost).

In favour of invitation that's sinister (10)

FORBIDDING

Definition: sinister FOR(in favour of, as against "con" in "pros and cons") + BIDDING(an invitation/a request for someone to do something).

Intimacy of quiet road by a loch (9)

CLOSENESS

Definition: Intimacy CLOSE(a quiet road/a residential street that's not so busy as it has no through access) **plus**(by) NESS(specifically Loch Ness, a lake in Scotland).

Trouble on Royal Navy deck (5)

ADORN

Definition: deck ADO(trouble/a commotion) **plus**(on) RN(abbrev. for the Royal Navy).

Tough and mean boxing king (7)

STRINGY

Definition: Tough STINGY(mean/miserly) **containing**(boxing) R(abbrev. for "Rex"/king). Defn: …, as applied to food containing tough fibres and so hard to eat.

Conservative's leader Liberal prematurely? Obviously! (7)

CLEARLY

Definition: Obviously **1st letter of**(…'s leader) "Conservative" + L(abbrev. for a Liberal, a member of the Liberal Party) + EARLY(prematurely/before the time due).

Publicise place in band (6)

SPLASH

Definition: Publicise PL(abbrev. for "Place") **contained in**(in) SASH(a band/a long loop of cloth).

Greet cook crossing line (6)

SALUTE

Definition: Greet SAUTE(to cook/to fry quickly in a little hot fat) **containing**(crossing) L(abbrev. for "line").

Usual charge covering male director (10)

ACCUSTOMED

Definition: Usual ACCUSE(to charge/to claim that someone is guilty a wrongdoing) **containing**(covering) TOM(male of various animals such as a cat – and not the other feminine meaning) + D(abbrev. for "director").

Unpleasant article written about pen (5)

NASTY

Definition: Unpleasant **Reversal of**(… written about) AN(an article in grammar) + STY(a pen/an enclosure for pigs).

Moneyman in more elaborate clothes (9)

FINANCIER

Definition: Moneyman IN **contained in**(… clothes) FANCIER(more elaborate/ornate).

God is grievously upset (4)

EROS

Definition: God **Reversal of**(… upset, in a down clue) SORE(in archaic usage, grievously/severely). Defn: The Greek … of erotic love.

Gift from party to country (8)

DONATION

Definition: Gift DO(a party/a social function) **plus**(to) NATION(a country/a sovereign state).

Spoil setter's yellow flower (8)

MARIGOLD

Definition: flower MAR(to spoil/to damage) + I(the setter of this crossword, self-referentially) + GOLD(the colour, yellow).

Shabby commercial block held by small number (10)

THREADBARE

Definition: Shabby [ AD(short for "advertisement"/promotional material for commercial purposes) + BAR(to block/to prevent) ] **contained in**(held by) THREE(a comparatively small number).

Record past Yankee breakthrough (9)

DISCOVERY

Definition: breakthrough DISC(a musical record, in the shape of, well, a disc) + OVER(past/finished) + Y(letter represented by "Yankee" in the phonetic alphabet).

Selection includes cold small desserts (4,4)

CHOC ICES

Definition: desserts CHOICE(selection/pick) **containing**(includes) C(abbrev. for "cold") + S(abbrev. for "small").

Review cross section making exit from stage (8)

TRAPDOOR

Definition: exit from stage **Reversal of**(Review) [ ROOD(cross/a crucifix) + PART(section/piece of a whole) ]. Defn: …, used by actors, and also used by magicians for their disappearing tricks.

Energy displayed in Spanish port and ancient city (6)

VIGOUR

Definition: Energy VIGO(port in north-western Spain) **plus**(and) UR(city in ancient Mesopotamia).

Period caught in New York office (6)

AGENCY

Definition: office AGE(a distinct time period in history) + [ C(abbrev. for "caught" in cricket scores) **contained in**(in) NY(abbrev. for New York) ].

Part of revolutionary rubric is absolutely fundamental (5)

BASIC

Definition: fundamental **Hidden in**(Part of) **reversal of**(revolutionary) "rubric is absolutely".

Runner perhaps started to lose heart (4)

BEAN

Definition: Runner perhaps "began"(started/initiated) **minus ****its middle letter**(to lose heart). Defn: A family of plants, an example of which/perhaps is the runner bean. Also, a runner is a twining plant, an example of which is the bean plant. The plant, pods and beans:

Coat barrel stuffed with rolled leaves (7)

CASSOCK

Definition: Coat CASK(a barrel/cylindrical container bulging out in the middle) **containing**(stuffed with) **reversal of**(rolled) COS(leaves, specifically of a variety of lettuce).

Warn of something in harbour part of town? (7)

PORTEND

Definition: Warn of something [ PORT END ](that end/part of town where its harbour/port is located).