instruction
stringclasses
1 value
input
stringlengths
16
143
output
stringlengths
40
1.17k
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Model of ineptitude breaking off shutter's opener? (5)
### Answer: LOSER ### Explanation: Definition: Model of ineptitude [C]LOSER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Shakespeare's woven together complex suits in what's recorded (12)
### Answer: ENTERTISSUED ### Explanation: Definition: Shakespeare's woven together SUITS* in ENTERED
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Shot dominating point being withdrawn (7)
### Answer: SHYNESS ### Explanation: Definition: being withdrawn SHY + NESS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Niche that's followed by deerstalker (4)
### Answer: SLOT ### Explanation: Definition: Niche Double definition – the second is from the meaning a deer's footprints
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: What's left in cup becoming increasingly cold (7)
### Answer: BLEAKER ### Explanation: Definition: increasingly cold L in BEAKER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Ties being knotted round head creates link for pedallers (7)
### Answer: TIRASSE ### Explanation: Definition: link for pedallers RAS in TIES* – the pedallers here are organists
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: It perks up old wine, substance including last in vat (4)
### Answer: STUM ### Explanation: Definition: It perks up old wine [va]T in SUM
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Questions for the Scots about independence press for resolution (6)
### Answer: SPEIRS ### Explanation: Definition: Questions for the Scots I in PRESS
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Cooking pot not once found in place (6)
### Answer: POSNET ### Explanation: Definition: Cooking pot NE (archaic "not") in POST
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Rising deposit men dredged in coastal waters (5)
### Answer: TIDES ### Explanation: Definition: coastal waters Reverse of SEDIMENT less MEN
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Greek conflict with East in historical past (5)
### Answer: AGONE ### Explanation: Definition: historical past AGON + 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: Drunken 'aye aye' (does one assume?) including sailor's first attempt (5)
### Answer: ESSAY ### Explanation: Definition: attempt S[ailor] in AYES
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Sharp detectives returned fool to court (8)
### Answer: DISTINCT ### Explanation: Definition: Sharp DIS (Detective Inspectors) + reverse of NIT (fool) + CT
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Resilience of black cat (6)
### Answer: BOUNCE ### Explanation: Definition: Resilience B + OUNCE (the Snow Leopard)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Prang rear end of jeep (4)
### Answer: BUMP ### Explanation: Definition: Prang BUM (bottom, rear) + [jee]P
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Recent sex: cold, messy and unnecessary (10)
### Answer: EXCRESCENT ### Explanation: Definition: unnecessary Anagram of RECENT SEX C; the noun form "excresence" is perhaps more common – often used as an insult by Bertie Wooster
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Mix up wet earth with roots of old laurel tree (6)
### Answer: MUDDLE ### Explanation: Definition: Mix up MUD (wet earth) + last letters ("roots") of olD laureL treE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Let raven free in wind from the east (8)
### Answer: LEVANTER ### Explanation: Definition: wind from the east (LET RAVEN)* – another less-common word, though easily gettable from the anagram and a few crossers
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Powerful ballad captures Beatrice's heart (6)
### Answer: STRONG ### Explanation: Definition: Powerful [Bea]TR[ice] in SONG
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Excessively craving grass after good year (6)
### Answer: GREEDY ### Explanation: Definition: Excessively craving G + REED (grass) + 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: First exam includes one trap (8)
### Answer: ORIGINAL ### Explanation: Definition: First I GIN (trap) in ORAL (exam0
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Sample from tesla plant (6)
### Answer: TASTER ### Explanation: Definition: Sample T (tesla – unit of magnetic induction) + ASTER; I think the "tesla" in the clue would benefit from a capital T, as the surface is suggesting the car company
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Caught milliner with case for windbag (10)
### Answer: CHATTERBOX ### Explanation: Definition: windbag C + HATTER + BOX
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Verbally cross and discourteous (4)
### Answer: RUDE ### Explanation: Definition: discourteous Homophone of "rood" – old English name for a cross, supplanted by the Latin/French word we now use
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Creature fell finally during hostilities with America (6)
### Answer: WALRUS ### Explanation: Definition: Creature [fe]L in WAR + US
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Affairs where cats entertain ladies regularly (8)
### Answer: LIAISONS ### Explanation: Definition: Affairs Alternate letters of lAiDiEs in LIONS
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 squire dancing, having consumed posh drinks (8)
### Answer: LIQUEURS ### Explanation: Definition: drinks U (posh) in anagram of L SQUIRE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Stamp stuck to envelope portrayed heads (4)
### Answer: STEP ### Explanation: Definition: Stamp First letters ("heads") of Stuck To Envelope Portrayed; I suppose a stamp is a sort of 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: Start to smoke joints audibly, showing sign of irritation (6)
### Answer: SNEEZE ### Explanation: Definition: sign of irritation S[moke] + homophone of "knees" (joints)
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 boy has computer paper (8)
### Answer: OBSERVER ### Explanation: Definition: paper OB + SERVER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Curse can be broken for pirates (10)
### Answer: BUCCANEERS ### Explanation: Definition: pirates (CURSE CAN BE)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Voices concerns about candlestick (6)
### Answer: SCONCE ### Explanation: Definition: candlestick Hidden in voiceS CONCErn
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Touch hat covering Charlie King (6)
### Answer: TICKLE ### Explanation: Definition: Touch C K in TILE (hat)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Embarrassed about own goal, a politician becomes offensive (10)
### Answer: DEROGATORY ### Explanation: Definition: offensive Reverse of RED + O.G. + 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: Aroma around poles inside of tent is rubbish (8)
### Answer: NONSENSE ### Explanation: Definition: rubbish N S (poles) + [t]EN[t] in NOSE (aroma – as in wine)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Diligently ignoring timeline in order to be flexible (8)
### Answer: YIELDING ### Explanation: Definition: flexible Anagram of DILIGENTLY less T[ime] and L[ine]
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Posh lass hiding fling with general (6)
### Answer: GLOBAL ### Explanation: Definition: general LOB (to throw, fling) in GAL (girl, as said by a toff)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Upset after woman rising to increase temperature again (6)
### Answer: REHEAT ### Explanation: Definition: increase temperature again Reverse of HER + EAT (to worry, upset)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Volunteers mutant superhero to be one overseeing duty (6)
### Answer: TAXMAN ### Explanation: Definition: one overseeing duty TA (Territorial Army) + X-MAN (one of the X-Men)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Smooth surface partly turned over for race (4)
### Answer: RUSH ### Explanation: Definition: race Hidden in reverse of smootH SURface
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Managing to be top (6)
### Answer: COPING ### Explanation: Definition: Managing Double definition – coping is a top layer of a brick wall, also seen in "coping-stone"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Short garments — test out the cloth (8)
### Answer: MINISTRY ### Explanation: Definition: the cloth MINIS (miniskirts) + TRY (test out); cloth as in "man of the cloth"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Greek character, sailor, about to cross river — the quickest route? (3,3)
### Answer: RAT RUN ### Explanation: Definition: the quickest route R[iver] in NU (Greek letter) + TAR (sailor), all reversed
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Perplexing activity on the cricket field (8)
### Answer: STUMPING ### Explanation: Definition: Perplexing 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: Support wickedness, bumping off one in proximity (11)
### Answer: PROPINQUITY ### Explanation: Definition: proximity PROP (support) + INIQUITY less the second I. The word reminds me of the quip "nothing propinks like propinquity", which (as I think I once knew but had forgotten) is said by Felix Leiter in the James Bond novel *Diamonds are Forever
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Bar money in famous wedding location (7)
### Answer: CANTINA ### Explanation: Definition: Bar TIN (money) in CANA (site of the wedding where Jesus turns water into wine in John 2)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Perform inadequately as less fancied competitor? Not good (7)
### Answer: UNDERDO ### Explanation: Definition: Perform inadequately UNDERDOG less ~~D~~ G – not a common word, but easy to get from the wordplay
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Donkey isn't moving with energy — a hard problem (6,5)
### Answer: KIDNEY STONE ### Explanation: Definition: a hard problem (DONKEY ISN'T)* + 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: Messengers and companions wasting time (8)
### Answer: COURIERS ### Explanation: Definition: Messengers COURTIERS less 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: Smooth language (6)
### Answer: POLISH ### Explanation: Definition: Smooth Another (very familiar) 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: A gremlin up in the air is a malicious type (8)
### Answer: MALIGNER ### Explanation: Definition: a malicious type (A GREMLIN)* – I saw the anagram almost at once, but wasn't sure it was right, asking myself "is there such a word as malig-ner?" Of course it's actually one who maligns
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 attempted to switch sides (6)
### Answer: TOUGHS ### Explanation: Definition: Hooligans SOUGHT (attempted) with the outer letters swapped
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: To cancel, one rings (6)
### Answer: ANNULI ### Explanation: Definition: rings ANNUL + I
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Broadcast from underworld with acclaim (10)
### Answer: DISTRIBUTE ### Explanation: Definition: Broadcast DIS (Roman underworld) + TRIBUTE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Demoralised, like the Tories with Theresa gone? (8)
### Answer: DISMAYED ### Explanation: Definition: Demoralised DIS-MAY-ED, as the Tories were when Theresa May ceased to be leader and PM
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Get cover quickly behind vehicle (8)
### Answer: CARAPACE ### Explanation: Definition: cover CAR + APACE
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Like a plant in difficulty — spots show this (3-5)
### Answer: POT-BOUND ### Explanation: Definition: Like a plant in difficulty POT is "bound" in sPOTs
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Namely, loveless idiot (4)
### Answer: TWIT ### Explanation: Definition: idiot TO WIT less O (love)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Immature adult — a Parisian lacking discipline (4)
### Answer: YOGA ### Explanation: Definition: discipline YOUNG A less UN (French "a")
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: When in Paris, stars will create difficult situations (10)
### Answer: QUANDARIES ### Explanation: Definition: difficult situations QUAND (French "when") + ARIES (constellation). Seems a bit strange to have Parisian/in Paris in consecutive clues
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Slobbering attracted Heather, it's said (8)
### Answer: DROOLING ### Explanation: Definition: Slobbering Homophone of "drew ling"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Jewish historian to tease our sort, penning record (8)
### Answer: JOSEPHUS ### Explanation: Definition: Jewish historian EP (record) in JOSH US – this was easy for me from the definition, as I don't think I could name another Jewish historian
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Oxford literary group in Cam­bridge college, entertaining learner (8)
### Answer: INKLINGS ### Explanation: Definition: Oxford literary group L in IN KING'S. The Inklings included C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Boy that's 5? You've got it! (4,2)
### Answer: SPOT ON ### Explanation: Definition: You've got it POT in SON. We have to read "that's" as "that has" for the cryptic meaning
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Being heartless, get away with trick (4)
### Answer: SCAM ### Explanation: Definition: trick SCRAM less its middle letter
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Good shot brings oppressor to premature end (4)
### Answer: BULL ### Explanation: Definition: Good shot BULL[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: Sign, say, over vehicle (6)
### Answer: GEMINI ### Explanation: Definition: Sign E.G. ("say") reversed + MINI (car), for the astrological "sign"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Park employee called King Edward? (6)
### Answer: RANGER ### Explanation: Definition: Park employee RANG (called) + E.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: Work away, almost leisurely, to get a lot of money (4)
### Answer: SLOG ### Explanation: Definition: Work away SLO[W] ("leisurely") + G (grand, 1000 pounds or dollars)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Denouncer's unorthodox antics 'cool' (10)
### Answer: ICONOCLAST ### Explanation: Definition: Denouncer (ANTICS COOL)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Bit of a mishap: Grand Canal emptied and burning (6)
### Answer: GLITCH ### Explanation: Definition: Bit of a mishap G[rand cana]L + ITCH (burning). I spent a while trying to make this out of GC and LIT for "burning"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Pull back, being a much-travelled character (8)
### Answer: GULLIVER ### Explanation: Definition: a much-travelled character LUG reversed + LIVER (one who lives, a being). Gulliver is a proposed European mission to collect samples from the Martian moon Deimos, so called because *Gulliver's Travels* describes the scientists of Laputa knowing of two moons orbiting Mars, over a century before they were actually found
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Energy-packed NCO material (9)
### Answer: CORPOREAL ### Explanation: Definition: material E in CORPORAL
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: World title cracked by amateur (4)
### Answer: MARS ### Explanation: Definition: World A[mateur] in MRS (title)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Don Juan's undone and missing a godly partner (4)
### Answer: JUNO ### Explanation: Definition: a godly partner Anagram of DON JUAN minus AND. In Roman mythology, Juno is the wife of Jupiter
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Qualifier, Jet, overwhelmed with advice (9)
### Answer: ADJECTIVE ### Explanation: Definition: Qualifier (JET ADVICE)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Trials take place here shortly — one has to be still (8)
### Answer: INACTIVE ### Explanation: Definition: still Trials taks place IN A C[our]T, + I'VE (I have = one has)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: For example, Sebastian Drive, backing onto ancient city (not eastern) (6)
### Answer: MARTYR ### Explanation: Definition: For example, Sebastian Reverse of RAM (to drive) + TYRE less E. St Sebastian was a third-century Christian martyr
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Pioneer father secures source of hieroglyphic discovery (10)
### Answer: PATHFINDER ### Explanation: Definition: Pioneer H[ieroglyphic} + FIND (discovery) in PATER
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Greens getting a conspicuous star (4)
### Answer: VEGA ### Explanation: Definition: conspicuous star VEG (vegetables, greens) + A
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Roger, protected by criminal, arrives at low point (6)
### Answer: TROUGH ### Explanation: Definition: low point R[oger] in TOUGH (criminal)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Alarm — time to put on slip (6)
### Answer: TERROR ### Explanation: Definition: Alarm T + ERROR. The opposite construction (removing T from TERROR to give ERROR) has already appeared twice in FT puzzles this week, so I was primed for this one
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Inquisition victim, young woman associated with international sign (7)
### Answer: GALILEO ### Explanation: Definition: Inquisition victim GAL (girl, young woman) + I[nternational] + LEO (another astrological sign)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Force could, possibly (5)
### Answer: MIGHT ### Explanation: Definition: Force 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: In no case loose the rein (7)
### Answer: NEITHER ### Explanation: Definition: In no case (THE REIN)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: God represented by parrot wearing a ring (6)
### Answer: APOLLO ### Explanation: Definition: God POLL (parrot) in A O
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Impertinence shown by terrible old ruler — time to run around (9)
### Answer: GALLIVANT ### Explanation: Definition: to run around GALL (impertinence) + IVAN (the Terrible) + 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: Artist, British actor and, finally, Francis Bacon (7)
### Answer: RASHERS ### Explanation: Definition: Bacon RA (artist) + SHER (Sir Antony Sher, actor) + [Franci]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: Crude hooligan, Desperate Dan, has cash (5,3,5)
### Answer: ROUGH AND READY ### Explanation: Definition: Crude ROUGH (hooligan) + DAN* + READY (cash)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Obvious liar about to cut Chopin composition, Zeus's lover (9)
### Answer: PINOCCHIO ### Explanation: Definition: Obvious liar C (circa, about) in CHOPIN* + IO (Greek mythology this time – Io was a mortal lover of Zeus). Pinocchio was an "obvious liar" because of the nose-growing thing
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Vessel on which folk duo member found objects of rubbish (4,3)
### Answer: JUNK ART ### Explanation: Definition: objects of rubbish JUNK (vessel) + ART (Garfunkel, as in Simon and..)
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Term wasted with eel that's prone to disease (3,4)
### Answer: ELM TREE ### Explanation: Definition: that's prone to disease (TERM EEL)* – the British Elm population was devastated by Dutch Elm disease in the 1970s
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Drake versus duck with a grey cast? (7)
### Answer: VOYAGER ### Explanation: Definition: Drake V[ersus] O (zero, duck) + (A GREY)* – as a definition-by-example this really needs a "maybe" after "Drake"
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Marauding type of short woman married to ruler (6)
### Answer: VIKING ### Explanation: Definition: Marauding type VI (woman's name, short for Violet) joined or "married" to KING (ruler). Perhaps a better definition than "pirate", as in Monday's Quiptic
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Dog collar's hem old parson turned up? (5)
### Answer: ROVER ### Explanation: Definition: Dog Last letter or "hem" of collaR + O + reverse of REV. I wonder if any dogs are still called Rover (or Fido) these days
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Bald eagle: fly off with cold chill around North (8,10)
### Answer: FOLLICLY CHALLENGED ### Explanation: Definition: Bald Anagram of EAGLE FLY COLD CHILL N. This facetious or euphemistic phrase isn't in Chambers, but does appear in several online dictionaries
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Teacher's to take one school to collect college books (6)
### Answer: SCOTCH ### Explanation: Definition: Teacher's to take one C[ollege] OT (Old Testament) in SCH; "to take one" means that Teacher's is an example of a Scotch whisky
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Gangster stole one (8)
### Answer: SCARFACE ### Explanation: Definition: Gangster SCARF + ACE. Scarface was a nickname of Al Capone
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: Cry as body of collier found in coalface? (6)
### Answer: SCREAM ### Explanation: Definition: Cry C[ollie]R in SEAM (coalface). I'm not sure how "body" can mean the outer letters
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation.
### Clue: A good sign for workers here (8)
### Answer: APIARIES ### Explanation: Definition: workers here A + PI (pious, good) + ARIES (astrological sign); the workers are bees