### Clue: Commander's first to cut crime engulfing area – or converse? (4,3,3)
### Answer: CHEW THE FAT 
 ### Explanation: Definition: converse
 **The 1st letter of**(…'s first) "Commander" + HEW(to cut down) + THEFT(a crime) **containing**(engulfing) A(abbrev. for "area").
Defn: To engage in conversation.