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You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Express's quiet about Conservative power grab (6) | ### Answer: PUTSCH
### Explanation: Definition: power grab
PUT (express – as in "put it this way") + C in SH |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: They reward theatrics from the likes of Blair? (6) | ### Answer: TONIES
### Explanation: Definition: They reward theatrics
Double definition – the Tony Awards (more often pluralised as Tonys, I think) are for excellence in live Broadway theatre |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: In charge in any pub, moving stock up frantically (5,3) | ### Answer: PANIC BUY
### Explanation: Definition: stock up frantically
IC in (ANY PUB)* – this clue is the nearest reference I've seen to the current situation in a daily puzzle: maybe just a coincidence, though there was some panic buying, particularly of toilet rolls, for some time before the lockdown |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Put up with someone hard to put up with (4) | ### Answer: BORE
### Explanation: Definition: Put up with
Double definition: I originally guessed BEAR, but the first "put up" in the clue is in the past tense |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: One in the balance on horse almost balances (10) | ### Answer: EQUILIBRIA
### Explanation: Definition: balances
EQUI[ne] *(or more likely EQUI[d])* (horse) + I in LIBRA (scales, balance) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Effortless adoption thus returned second sibling (7) | ### Answer: OSMOSIS
### Explanation: Definition: Effortless adoption
Revere of SO (thus) + MO (moment, second) + SIS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Hygiene issue not even in town (7) | ### Answer: BOROUGH
### Explanation: Definition: town
BO (body odour) + ROUGH (uneven) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Condition of lush sauces by Arab American (10) | ### Answer: DIPSOMANIA
### Explanation: Definition: Condition of lush
DIPS (sauces) + OMANI (Arab) + A[merican] – a lush is a drunkard |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Desire heterosexual embraces (4) | ### Answer: EROS
### Explanation: Definition: Desire
Hidden in hetEROSexual |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Stylish and posh, favourite clothing brand (8) | ### Answer: UPMARKET
### Explanation: Definition: Stylish
U (upper-class, posh) + MARK (brand) in PET (favourite) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Setter and setter drinking drink and drink (6) | ### Answer: IMBIBE
### Explanation: Definition: drink
I (the setter) + BIB (drink) in ME (the setter again) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Deer's back, lassoed by worker's chain (6) | ### Answer: ANKLET
### Explanation: Definition: chain
Reverse of ELK in ANT |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Covers no more songs (8) | ### Answer: OVERLAYS
### Explanation: Definition: Covers
OVER (no more – as in "trips to the pub are no more") + LAYS (songs) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Adoring hip-hop singer in pieces without awful noise (4-11) | ### Answer: HERO‑WORSHIPPING
### Explanation: Definition: Adoring
~~Reverse of~~ ROW (noise) in (HIP HOP SINGER) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bobby Charlton's header, running fast after cut back by reserve (6,9) | ### Answer: POLICE CONSTABLE
### Explanation: Definition: Bobby
This took me a while to parse: it's POL (reverse of LOP, cut) + ICE (reserve) + C[harlton] + ON (running) + STABLE (fast, as in firm, fixed) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Disapproval for Mister Barking's promotional activity (10) | ### Answer: BOOSTERISM
### Explanation: Definition: promotional activity
BOOS + MISTER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: One with no degree of theatre work in Tudor plays (7) | ### Answer: DROPOUT
### Explanation: Definition: One with no degree
OP (work in an operating theatre) in TUDOR |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Paper bags quietly turned around (4) | ### Answer: SPUN
### Explanation: Definition: turned around
P in SUN (newspaper) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Where people are both in and out of capital? (11,4) | ### Answer: STOCKBROKER BELT
### Explanation: Definition: Where people are both in and out of capital
Double/cryptic definition: the stockbroker belt is outside of London, and stockbrokers work in capital (i.e. money) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Moralising work of Corbyn is trashed with gusto (8,3,4) | ### Answer: SCOUTING FOR BOYS
### Explanation: Definition: Moralising work
(OF CORBYN IS GUSTO) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Appear with the greatest film doubles (10) | ### Answer: LOOKALIKES
### Explanation: Definition: doubles
LOOK (appear) + ALI (The Greatest) + KES (film) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Jack ejected from meeting for insincere emotion (7) | ### Answer: UNCTION
### Explanation: Definition: insincere emotion
JUNCTION (meeting) less J |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Strip and remove shell of jet plane (4) | ### Answer: KITE
### Explanation: Definition: plane
KIT (strip – as in sportswear) + [j]E[t] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: How bird might attack pig in London? (7) | ### Answer: PECKHAM
### Explanation: Definition: in London
PECK HAM |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Where to worship American actress (6) | ### Answer: TEMPLE
### Explanation: Definition: Where to worship
Double definition: I took the actress to be child star Shirley Temple, but no doubt there are others to choose from |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Figure skater's endlessly upset to hide Queen's disease from sheep (5,3) | ### Answer: LIVER ROT
### Explanation: Definition: disease from sheep
ER in reverse of [Jayne] TORVIL[L] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: He's a wizard craftsman (6) | ### Answer: POTTER
### Explanation: Definition: He's a wizard
Double definition; no doubt about the name this time: it's Harry POTTER |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Deregulation left big airlines in trouble (12) | ### Answer: LIBERALISING
### Explanation: Definition: Deregulation
L + (BIG AIRLINES) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Gerrard's dribbling around United's area for defensive players (10) | ### Answer: REARGUARDS
### Explanation: Definition: defensive players
U + A in (GERRARDS) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Unit expresses surprise with onset of march (3) | ### Answer: OHM
### Explanation: Definition: Unit
OH! (expression of surprise) + M[arch]. The ohm is the unit of electrical resistance |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Goes without outer garments when it's this? (3) | ### Answer: HOT
### Explanation: Definition: Goes without outer garments when it's this
SHOTS (tries, goes) without its outer letters, &lit |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Ruthless king invades? Had a little trap recalled (4-6) | ### Answer: HARD-BITTEN
### Explanation: Definition: Ruthless
R (king) in HAD BIT + reverse of NET |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Doctor: ' … er, you're still lacking determination' (12) | ### Answer: IRRESOLUTELY
### Explanation: Definition: lacking determination
(ER YOU'RE STILL) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Properties of 19 rivers (6) | ### Answer: HOUSES
### Explanation: Definition: Properties
H[ot] + OUSES; normally it would be odd to have a plural of a river name, but there are several OUSES in England |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Crack, Viagra, injecting cocaine and ecstasy at church residence … (8) | ### Answer: VICARAGE
### Explanation: Definition: church residence
C[ocaine] in VIAGRA* + E[cstasy] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: … begging rector to quit coughing up (6) | ### Answer: PAYING
### Explanation: Definition: coughing up
PRAYING less R |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Those searching find M is his and ____ (7) | ### Answer: FISHERS
### Explanation: Definition: Those searching
In contrast to M[ale] is his, F[emale] IS HERS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: European cry at a bullfight under pressure (4) | ### Answer: POLE
### Explanation: Definition: European
P[ressure] + OLÉ |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: 50% off Royalist's wine (4) | ### Answer: CAVA
### Explanation: Definition: wine
Half of CAVAlier |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Husband's mistake at home? Gutting ginormous fish! (8) | ### Answer: HERRINGS
### Explanation: Definition: fish
H + ERR (to mistake) + IN (at home) + G[inormou]S |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sculptor, extraordinary inside? (5) | ### Answer: MOORE
### Explanation: Definition: Sculptor
The answer (Henry Moore) was clear from the crossing letters, but the parsing to me a little longer: we have to "lift-and-separate" "extraordinary" to get MORE (extra) with O (ordinary) inside |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Foreign state finally caps toxic waste (6) | ### Answer: EXOTIC
### Explanation: Definition: Foreign
[stat]E + TOXIC |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cat tiptoes around in underwear (10) | ### Answer: PETTICOATS
### Explanation: Definition: underwear
(CAT TIPTOES) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Feeling of anger from pledge to marry? Run for good (10) | ### Answer: ENRAGEMENT
### Explanation: Definition: Feeling of anger
ENGAGEMENT (pledge to marry) with G[ood] replaced by R[un] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Praised twin somersaulting over short boy (6) | ### Answer: LAUDED
### Explanation: Definition: Praised
Reverse of DUAL (twin) + ED |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Mischievous piece on man of the cloth (10) | ### Answer: ARCHBISHOP
### Explanation: Mischievous piece on man of the cloth (10)
ARCH (mischievous) + BISHOP (chess piece) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Unable to toss buyer over river in Kent (10) | ### Answer: CANTERBURY
### Explanation: Definition: in Kent
CAN'T ([is] unable) + R[iver] in BUYER* – the second instance of using "in X" to mean "a place in X" – see also 1a: not my favourite device |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Productive story needs no introduction (6) | ### Answer: ARABLE
### Explanation: Definition: Productive
[P]ARABLE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Maybe Venus shall aim poorly on first serve (8) | ### Answer: WILLIAMS
### Explanation: Definition: Maybe Venus
WILL (shall) + AIM* + S[erve] – the definition refers to the tennis player |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Moving east, the navy is behind (6) | ### Answer: ASTERN
### Explanation: Definition: behind
EAST* + R[oyal] N[avy] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Article about one following crook (5) | ### Answer: THIEF
### Explanation: Definition: crook
I in THE + F[ollowing] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Feeble, energy dropping? Become animate (4) | ### Answer: WAKE
### Explanation: Definition: Become animate
WEAK with the E "dropping" to the end |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: During flights, we push back seats (4) | ### Answer: PEWS
### Explanation: Definition: seats
Hidden in reverse of flightS, WE Push |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Meet South African model returning before start of fashion year (7) | ### Answer: SATISFY
### Explanation: Definition: Meet
SA + reverse of SIT (to model) + F[ashion] + Y |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Try getting place in athletic 23 (4,3) | ### Answer: SHOT PUT
### Explanation: Definition: athletic 23
SHOT (a try, as in "give it a shot") + PUT (to place) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Join university side, leaving in the morning (5) | ### Answer: UNITE
### Explanation: Definition: Join
UNI + TEAM less A.M. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Charm hostage over a time (9) | ### Answer: CAPTIVATE
### Explanation: Definition: Charm
A T in CAPTIVE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Party has a politician that's informative (10) | ### Answer: REVELATORY
### Explanation: Definition: informative
REVEL (party) + A TORY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Heat black fossil fuel (4) | ### Answer: BOIL
### Explanation: Definition: Heat
B + OIL |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Remaining excellent (11) | ### Answer: OUTSTANDING
### Explanation: Definition: Remaining
Double definition |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Firework in love story about foreign land (5,6) | ### Answer: ROMAN CANDLE
### Explanation: Definition: Firework
LAND* in ROMANCE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Works a treat, reversing to include charge (4) | ### Answer: TASK
### Explanation: Definition: charge
Hidden in reverse of worKS A Treat |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: No pay rise, as few agree arrangement before final letter to Europe (4,6) | ### Answer: WAGE FREEZE
### Explanation: Definition: No pay rise
(FEW AGREE)* + Z (final letter) + E[urope] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Feature sensible dinner service (9) | ### Answer: CHINAWARE
### Explanation: Definition: dinner service
CHIN (feature) + AWARE (sensible, in an older sense of the word) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Old first to be present (5) | ### Answer: EXIST
### Explanation: Old first to be present (5)
EX (old, former) + 1ST |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Left top off groups of bananas as meals (7) | ### Answer: LUNCHES
### Explanation: Definition: meals
L + [B]UNCHES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Nominal time in strange ritual (7) | ### Answer: TITULAR
### Explanation: Definition: Nominal
T in RITUAL |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: True Conservative shape (6) | ### Answer: SQUARE
### Explanation: Definition: True
Three definitions |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pinch article about one empty vehicle (6) | ### Answer: THIEVE
### Explanation: Definition: Pinch
I (one) in THE (article) + V[ehicl]E |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Entranced by time before spring (10) | ### Answer: SPELLBOUND
### Explanation: Definition: Entranced
SPELL (a time) + BOUND (to spring) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Leaders of yesteryear approach captain helming tourist vessel (5) | ### Answer: YACHT
### Explanation: Definition: vessel
First letters of Yesteryear Approach Captain Helming Tourist |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Curtains put up across mantle regularly pulled apart (9) | ### Answer: SEPARATED
### Explanation: Definition: pulled apart
Alternate letters of mAnTlE in reverse of DRAPES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Notice of death from mosquito bite (4) | ### Answer: OBIT
### Explanation: Definition: Notice of death
Hidden in mosquitO BITe |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Non-physical complaint head of medicine dismissed wrongly (8) | ### Answer: PLATONIC
### Explanation: Definition: Non-physical
Anagram of COMPLAINT less M[edicine] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Old record those people keep for study of religion (8) | ### Answer: THEOLOGY
### Explanation: Definition: study of religion
O LOG in THEY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Tender name broadcast as expression of love (10) | ### Answer: ENDEARMENT
### Explanation: Definition: expression of love
(TENDER NAME) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Hooligans drop onto a path leading south (9) | ### Answer: TEARAWAYS
### Explanation: Definition: Hooligans
TEAR (rhyming with "beer" – a drop) + A WAY + S |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Crazy mount rearing following quiet procedure (8) | ### Answer: PROTOCOL
### Explanation: Definition: procedure
P followed by reverse of LOCO (crazy) + TOR (hill, mount) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Love calling for exclusion (8) | ### Answer: OMISSION
### Explanation: Definition: exclusion
O (zero, love) + MISSION (calling) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Den raised after a bit of excitement in the air (6) | ### Answer: AERIAL
### Explanation: Definition: in the air
A + E[xcitement] + reverse of LAIR (den) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Fool rejects shuffling with no clubs (6) | ### Answer: JESTER
### Explanation: Definition: Fool
Anagram of REJECTS less C[lubs] |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: English opening race perhaps (5) | ### Answer: EVENT
### Explanation: Definition: race perhaps
E + VENT (opening) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Clean with volcanic dust (4) | ### Answer: WASH
### Explanation: Definition: Clean
W[ith] + ASH |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Plant, during historical period, run inside spy organisation (9) | ### Answer: CINERARIA
### Explanation: Definition: Plant
IN ERA + R in CIA |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Source of news heard in 1045 and 1115, for instance (5) | ### Answer: TIMES
### Explanation: Definition: Source of news
The newspaper, and 1045 and 1115 can both be seen as times of day – "heard", I suppose, because you would expect some punctuation in them, as 10:45 and 11:15 |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: They're out every year, you said, breaking records (7) | ### Answer: ANNUALS
### Explanation: Definition: They're out every year
U ("you") in ANNALS – the annuals could be either annual plants or books |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Opening of games at Scottish town that got off to flying start in 1930 (7) | ### Answer: GATWICK
### Explanation: Definition: that got off to flying start in 1930
G[ames] AT WICK – according to Wikipedia. "Gatwick opened as an aerodrome in the late 1920s; it has been in use for commercial flights since 1933", but the official Gatwick website says that "Gatwick Airport began life in 1930 as the Surrey Aero Club" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Noted runners from previous era hurrying back (5) | ### Answer: HARES
### Explanation: Definition: Noted runners
Hidden in reverse of previouS ERA Hurrying |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: In 2001 he computed a bit less than 45 minutes? (3) | ### Answer: HAL
### Explanation: Definition: In 2001 he computed
The name of the computer in the film *2001: A Space Odyssey* – I think the wordplay is a truncated HAL[f], referring to the 45 minutes of the halves of a game of football ("a games of two halves") |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Agreement commemorated in 2015 revised as act (anagram) (5,5) | ### Answer: MAGNA CARTA
### Explanation: Definition: Agreement commemorated in 2015
(ACT ANAGRAM) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Lecherous racist misbehaving around end of century (7) | ### Answer: SATYRIC
### Explanation: Definition: Lecherous
[centur]Y in RACIST |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: From 2020, produces scores in sections over short time (7) | ### Answer: BISECTS
### Explanation: Definition: From 2020, produces scores
SEC[ond] in BITS (sections). If you bisect 2020 you get two 20s, or scores |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Fun starting in 1913 irritated a lot left out (9) | ### Answer: CROSSWORD
### Explanation: Definition: Fun starting in 1913
CROSS (irritated) + WORLD (a lot) less L. The famous "word-cross" puzzle by Arthur Wynne was published in 1913 |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Dispersed in mass burial in 1666 (5,9) | ### Answer: ANNUS MIRABILIS
### Explanation: Definition: 1666
(IN MASS BURIAL IN)*. Several years have been described as an *annus mirabilis*: 1666 was one which was particularly fruitful for Isaac Newton (while he was sheltering from the Great Plague) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: MP in 1983, initially, he was recalled for 1984 (5) | ### Answer: BLAIR
### Explanation: Definition: MP in 1983
Tony Blair was first elected as an MP in 1983, and Eric Blair, aka George Orwell, wrote 1984 (or, more accurately, *Nineteen Eighty-four*) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Eve of historic event in 1916, for which date's varying with year (6,3) | ### Answer: EASTER DAY
### Explanation: Definition: Eve of historic event in 1916
The Irish Easter Rising began on Easter Monday, 1916; and the date of Easter varies from year to year *and more cleverly, as Lord Jim points out in the comments, it's an anagram of DATE'S + YEAR |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Historical tax for one joining union in 1707 (4) | ### Answer: SCOT
### Explanation: Definition: Historical tax
Scot is an old tax (as in "scot free"), and the union of Scotland (i.e. the SCOTs) and England took place in 1707 |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Call number set up, like a momentous step taken in 1969? (3-3) | ### Answer: ONE-MAN
### Explanation: Definition: like a momentous step taken in 1969
Reverse of NAME NO, and a reference to Neil Armstrong's "one small step for [a] man", which could be described as a "one-man step" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: France's extremely dated monarch, unwelcome visitor (10) | ### Answer: TRESPASSER
### Explanation: Definition: unwelcome visitor
TRES (French "very", extremely) + PASSÉ + R (king or queen, monarch) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Prepares for 2027 and 2029, for example (6) | ### Answer: PRIMES
### Explanation: Definition: Prepares
Double definition: 2027 and 2029 are both prime numbers. A famous unsolved problem in number theory, the Twin Primes conjecture, is whether there are infinitely many pairs of primes that differ by 2 |