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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: Papa, on hair appearing in a new way: 'It's a sign of puberty'? (10) | ### Answer: PARAPHONIA
### Explanation: Definition: It's a sign of puberty
(PAPA ON HAIR) |
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 friend, one left out before dark? That can be explained (10) | ### Answer: ANALYSABLE
### Explanation: Definition: That can be explained
AN ALLY less one L + SABLE (black, dark) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Material for milady's shoes, range in hide once old (8) | ### Answer: PRUNELLO
### Explanation: Definition: Material for milady's shoes
RUN (range) in PELL (obs. word for skin or hide, related to "pelt") + O. Variant form of "prunella" – "a strong silk or woollen material formerly used for .. women's shoes" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Crush, constant with race getting into school (7) | ### Answer: SCRUNCH
### Explanation: Definition: Crush
C + RUN (again!) in SCH |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Storm: what'll one do about damaged map? (7) | ### Answer: RAMPAGE
### Explanation: Definition: Storm
MAP* in RAGE (what storms do) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sound of guns, worrying rattle one with frequency apprehended (6) | ### Answer: RAFALE
### Explanation: Definition: Sound of guns
A F in RALE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Curve like this limits rising rent (6) | ### Answer: SPIRIC
### Explanation: Definition: Curve
Reverse of RIP (rent) in SIC |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Rock resident, ancient character brought up on principle of thrift (5) | ### Answer: MAGOT
### Explanation: Definition: Rock resident
Reverse of OGAM (Pictish/Celtic character) + T[hrift]. I briefly, though implausibly, suspected Azed of confusing "principle" and "principal", but Chambers gives "a source, root, origin" as its first definition of the former |
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 attempt aiming for lady's rear (5) | ### Answer: GOATY
### Explanation: Definition: Lecherous
GO (attempt) + AT (aiming for) + [LAD]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: Indicating a complete lack of hospitals (4) | ### Answer: SANS
### Explanation: Definition: Indicating a complete lack of
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: Poor Joe B getting totally disheartened? Admiration often expressed for his opponent (2,5,1,5,3) | ### Answer: I’M DOING A GREAT JOB
### Explanation: Definition: often expressed for his opponent
Anagram of JOE B G[ettin]G ADMIRATION. Often expressed *by* his opponent, surely, though of course, as in most cases, it's about himself. This was almost my last one in, perhaps because there's such a large collection of idiotic Trumpisms 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: Intelligence but not at the top? (7) | ### Answer: LOWDOWN
### Explanation: Definition: Intelligence
Double/cryptic 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: Government policy co-ordinator that's arguably not all there (4) | ### Answer: TSAR
### Explanation: Definition: Government policy co-ordinator
Hidden in thaT'S ARguably – as in "drugs tsar" and similar titles |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Taking unrealistic view of claims by agent and Adele? (10) | ### Answer: IDEALISING
### Explanation: Definition: Taking unrealistic view
The agent might say I DEAL and Adele I SING |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Scares female away, which one's entitled to (6) | ### Answer: RIGHTS
### Explanation: Definition: which one's entitled to
FRIGHTS less F |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Elected idiot state's accommodated — there's no sense in it (8) | ### Answer: INSANITY
### Explanation: Definition: there's no sense in it
IN (elected) + NIT (idiot) in SAY (state) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pained by return of crazy government? (5) | ### Answer: STUNG
### Explanation: Definition: Pained
Reverse of NUTS + G |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: The last time doctor's coming round (5) | ### Answer: OMEGA
### Explanation: Definition: The last
Reverse of AGE M.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: Soldier's new bride touring capital (9) | ### Answer: BRIGADIER
### Explanation: Definition: Soldier
RIGA in BRIDE |
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 you learn fellow in charge intended to be taken seriously (8) | ### Answer: UNIRONIC
### Explanation: Definition: intended to be taken seriously
UNI[versity] + RON (man's name) + I.C. |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Married before the end of three months — she's in the club (6) | ### Answer: MEMBER
### Explanation: Definition: she's in the club
M[arried] + EMBER (ending of Sept, Nov and Dec) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Could be Chinese food mainly at the back (3,7) | ### Answer: FAR EASTERN
### Explanation: Definition: Could be Chinese
FARE (food) + ASTERN (at the back of a ship, hence "mainly"= at sea) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Lamented ignorant broadcast? (4) | ### Answer: RUED
### Explanation: Definition: Lamented
Homophone of "rude" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Carry On Priests? Unlikely (7) | ### Answer: PERSIST
### Explanation: Definition: Carry On
PRIESTS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Quarantine on island long overdue (7) | ### Answer: ISOLATE
### Explanation: Definition: Quarantine
I[sland] + SO LATE, with "Quarantine" as a verb for the 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: Is to talk to police after money's disappeared (7) | ### Answer: MISSING
### Explanation: Definition: disappeared
M[oney] + IS + SING (talk to police, e.g. to betray an accomplice) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Wealthy American's brother keeping silent in turn (5) | ### Answer: OPRAH
### Explanation: Definition: Wealthy American
Reverse of HARPO (who was silent in the Marx Brothers' films). Oprah Winfrey's wealth is close to $3 billion |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Punch American — listen to riot outside (7) | ### Answer: NAILSET
### Explanation: Definition: Punch
A[merican] in LISTEN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Looking intelligent, like a Member of Parliament? (6) | ### Answer: OWLISH
### Explanation: Definition: Looking intelligent
Double definition, referring to the collective term "a parliament of owls" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Having division speak badly of West Ham? (9) | ### Answer: DISUNITED
### Explanation: Definition: Having division
DIS (speak badly of) UNITED (West Ham United, football team) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Inspirational leader isn't now failing … (7) | ### Answer: WINSTON
### Explanation: Definition: Inspirational leader
(ISN'T NOW) |
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 short, that is correct — I'm as dynamic as the very best governments? (13) | ### Answer: MERITOCRACIES
### Explanation: Definition: the very best governments
Anagram of I.E. (short for "that is") + CORRECT + I'M AS. Is meritocracy the best form of government? Discuss.. *See comments: meritocracy is "government by the very best" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: School agree head's showing great enthusiasm (9) | ### Answer: EAGERNESS
### Explanation: Definition: great enthusiasm
Anagram ("school") of AGREE + NESS (headland) |
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 gives couple authority? (7) | ### Answer: MANDATE
### Explanation: Definition: authority
A couple might consist of a MAN and his DATE. *See comments: a better parsing is that M AND ATE gives "mate", or couple |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Boyish young ladies wearing sports skirts (7) | ### Answer: GAMINES
### Explanation: Definition: Boyish young ladies
IN (wearing) "skirted by" GAMES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Huge rear — about to slip into underwear, the biggest of its kind (7) | ### Answer: EVEREST
### Explanation: Definition: the biggest of its kind
[hug]E + RE (about) in VEST |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Carol uplifted by one's spiritual awareness? (6) | ### Answer: GNOSIS
### Explanation: Definition: spiritual awareness
Reverse of SONG (carol) + I'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: Man's timeless lesson (5) | ### Answer: MORAL
### Explanation: Definition: lesson
MORTAL 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: Change colour visibly from goitre — pain throbbing (7) | ### Answer: REPAINT
### Explanation: Definition: Change colour visibly
Hidden in goitRE PAIN Throbbing |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Tramps given clothes — about time (7) | ### Answer: TOERAGS
### Explanation: Definition: Tramps
ERA (time) in TOGS (clothes) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: This is reality: being ruthless to make time (5) | ### Answer: TRUTH
### Explanation: Definition: reality
If you remove RUTH from TRUTH you get T = time |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Composer working in orchestral movies cut lavish set pieces (9) | ### Answer: MORRICONE
### Explanation: Definition: Composer
Anagram of IN ORCHESTRAL MOVIES less ("cut") the letters of LAVISH SET. Ennio Morricone composed scores for many films, notably *The Good, the Bad and the Ugly*; he died last month |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Note what 10, 13 and 22 did: restored calm (10) | ### Answer: RECOMPOSED
### Explanation: Definition: restored calm
RE (note, as in do re mi) + COMPOSED. As the clues referred to all contain the word "composer" this was easy to solve first |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Boatman goes on south to get sun? (4) | ### Answer: STAR
### Explanation: Definition: sun
S + TAR (sailor, boatman) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Boatman taken in, new to love and so on — about time (4,3,4) | ### Answer: NONE TOO SOON
### Explanation: Definition: about time
ONE (I, referring to the setter) in N[ew] TO O + SO ON |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Not really at all queer, I figure that's the same on all sides (11) | ### Answer: EQUILATERAL
### Explanation: Definition: figure that's the same on all sides
(AT ALL QUEER 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: Yearn for sleep? About time (4) | ### Answer: PANT
### Explanation: Definition: Yearn
Reverse of NAP + 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: Composer of music and player of it: so damn wild (4,6) | ### Answer: FATS DOMINO
### Explanation: Definition: Composer of music and player
(OF IT SO DAMN) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Part of tent peg and rod lie around (5,4) | ### Answer: RIDGE POLE
### Explanation: Definition: Part of tent
(PEG ROD LIE) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Declare time to head off (5) | ### Answer: AVERT
### Explanation: Definition: to head off
AVER (declare) + 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: Liberal, easy, not into enforcing norms toward beginners (7) | ### Answer: LENIENT
### Explanation: Definition: Liberal, easy, not into enforcing norms toward beginners
Initial 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: Unruly girl, out of time: liability inside bar, British (7) | ### Answer: LADETTE
### Explanation: Definition: Unruly girl
DEBT (liability) less ("bar") B in LATE (out of time) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: About time, vessel determines to go back (6) | ### Answer: RETURN
### Explanation: Definition: to go back
RE + T + URN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: At no time taken in by blow to belly (6) | ### Answer: PAUNCH
### Explanation: Definition: belly
AT less T in PUNCH (blow) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cruelly using Indian's skin over colour, chiefly, they say (10) | ### Answer: INHUMANELY
### Explanation: Definition: Cruelly
The "skin" of I[ndia]N + ~~HU[e] ("chiefly" meaning "most of..") + homophone of "mainly"~~ *simpler than that – homophone of "hue mainly" |
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 fulfilled? About time (5) | ### Answer: TEMPO
### Explanation: Definition: time
Reverse of OP MET |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Scourge of people between rock and hard place (9) | ### Answer: TORMENTOR
### Explanation: Definition: Scourge
MEN between two occurrences of TOR, which has the two (rather similar) meanings of "rock" and "hard place" (Chambers gives "a hill, a rocky height") |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Throw out — time's up (4) | ### Answer: EMIT
### Explanation: Definition: Throw out
Reverse of TIME |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Acceptance of taking our time over choice (8) | ### Answer: ADOPTION
### Explanation: Definition: Acceptance
AD (Anno Domini, "our time", i.e. the era we live in) + OPTION (choice) |
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 poet, at no time stopping chorus of contempt (8) | ### Answer: SNEERING
### Explanation: Definition: contempt
NE'ER (poetic "never") in SING (to chorus) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Composer of old, once with movement about conflict (4,6) | ### Answer: NOEL COWARD
### Explanation: Definition: Composer
WAR (conflict) in (OLD ONCE) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Besotted with clue to stun (4,5) | ### Answer: NUTS ABOUT
### Explanation: Definition: Besotted with
NUTS ABOUT (i.e. reverse NUTS) could be a clue to STUN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Johnson returns with nothing in bungled alert — about time (8) | ### Answer: TEMPORAL
### Explanation: Definition: about time
Reverse of PM + O in ALERT |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Retired at fun run — lead didn't cut the odds (6,2) | ### Answer: TURNED IN
### Explanation: Definition: Retired
Even letters (i.e. we "cut the odds") of aT fUn RuN lEaD dIdN'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: Terrible about time, to be frank (6) | ### Answer: DIRECT
### Explanation: Definition: frank
DIRE (terrible) + C (circa, about) + 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: Centrally imposed overtime, holder of innumerable letters — one's job (6) | ### Answer: POSTIE
### Explanation: Definition: letters — one's job
Central letters imPOSed + T (taking "overtime" as "over time") + the outer letters or "holder" of I[nnumerabl]E ~~, with an &littish definition~~ *Thanks to Lord Jim for clarifying the 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: Time to put letters in order (5) | ### Answer: SPELL
### Explanation: Definition: Time
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: Time out of time — it's simple (4) | ### Answer: MERE
### Explanation: Definition: simple
METRE (musical time) 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: Reward staggering, but no end to poverty (6) | ### Answer: BOUNTY
### Explanation: Definition: Reward
(BUT NO)* + [povert]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: Very brief dance around yard (6) | ### Answer: FLYING
### Explanation: Definition: Very brief
Y in FLING |
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-time dance from theatre's top male surgeons? (3,7) | ### Answer: THE LANCERS
### Explanation: Definition: Old-time dance
T[heatre] + HE LANCERS (lancer is another name for a surgeon's lancet) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: I didn't catch that release (6) | ### Answer: PARDON
### Explanation: Definition: I didn't catch that
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: European match abandoned — accepted by Brown (8) | ### Answer: DUTCHMAN
### Explanation: Definition: European
MATCH* in DUN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Central company in theatre production (2,3,4) | ### Answer: AT THE CORE
### Explanation: Definition: Central
CO in 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: Shrub came back to life — army mobilised! (8) | ### Answer: ROSEMARY
### Explanation: Definition: Shrub
ROSE (came back to life) + ARMY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Stuffing knocked out of Lulu in break of service — retiring (9) | ### Answer: RECLUSIVE
### Explanation: Definition: retiring
L[ul]U in SERVICE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Secret drinker comes to earth in Morecambe? (8) | ### Answer: ESOTERIC
### Explanation: Definition: Secret
SOT + E[arth] in ERIC (Morecambe, comedian) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: High Court division disposes of hollow ruby, making fortune (6) | ### Answer: CHANCE
### Explanation: Definition: fortune
CHANCERY less R[ub]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: Take butterfly and name 'Bambi'? (10) | ### Answer: COMMANDEER
### Explanation: Definition: Take
COMMA (type of butterfly) + N + DEER (e.g. Bambi) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Folk hero's bonnet (4) | ### Answer: HOOD
### Explanation: Definition: Folk hero
Double definition – Robin Hood is the hero; I wondered whether a hood was the same as a bonnet, but of course as well as headgear they're also US and British names for part of a car |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Musical token of affection cut short by opera house (6) | ### Answer: KISMET
### Explanation: Definition: Musical
KIS[S] + MET (the Metropolitan Opera House in New York) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Strong punch that would make you croak? (6,4) | ### Answer: DEADLY BLOW
### Explanation: Definition: Strong punch that would make you croak
Just a cryptic definition, I think, with the surface trying to bring the drink to mind: not very successfully if you ask me |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Clanger: left out large fixed capital (7) | ### Answer: BELFAST
### Explanation: Definition: capital
BELL (clanger) less L[arge] + FAST (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: Nothing outstanding, no ring, no spouse! (5) | ### Answer: UNWED
### Explanation: Definition: no spouse
UNOWED ("nothing outstanding") less O (ring-shaped 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: Inca dances, led by bird, that didn't go down well (7) | ### Answer: TITANIC
### Explanation: Definition: that didn't go down well
TIT (bird) + INCA |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Building's unprofitable, as well as lacking love (4-2) | ### Answer: LEAN-TO
### Explanation: Definition: Building
LEAN (unprofitable) + TOO (as well) less 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: California-located, hilarious people working together (2,7) | ### Answer: IN CAHOOTS
### Explanation: Definition: working together
IN CA[lifornia] + HOOTS (as in "he's a hoot!") |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Dress put on mature bull (7) | ### Answer: GARBAGE
### Explanation: Definition: bull
GARB + AGE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Showing an ironic sort of loving care, secret minder fiddled with electronic implant (6,7) | ### Answer: TENDER MERCIES
### Explanation: Definition: an ironic sort of loving care
E[lectronic] in (SECRET MINDER) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Compact newspaper? That's novel (4,5) | ### Answer: HARD TIMES
### Explanation: Definition: novel
HARD (compact) + TIMES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Got the wrong idea Adam is too kind at heart (7) | ### Answer: MISTOOK
### Explanation: Definition: Got the wrong idea
Hidden in adaM IS TOO Kind |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: City relieving poor Uncle Remus of total raised (7) | ### Answer: LUCERNE
### Explanation: Definition: City
Anagram of UNCLE REMUS less the final MUS, which is the reverse of SUM (total) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Year after Hugo's first success (7) | ### Answer: VICTORY
### Explanation: Definition: success
VICTOR + 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: Sweep following round Peeler? (6) | ### Answer: ORANGE
### Explanation: Definition: Peeler
O (round) + RANGE (sweep) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Louse's elevated state kept under wraps (5) | ### Answer: APHID
### Explanation: Definition: Louse
Reverse of PA (Pennsylvania) + HID |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Stock answer about new and current Bullingdon Club members, say (8) | ### Answer: OXONIANS
### Explanation: Definition: Bullingdon Club members, say
N (new) + I (electric current) in ~~OX (part of the stock on a farm)~~ OXO (stock cube) + ANS. The Bullingdon is a posh drinking club at Oxford University, which famously once had David Cameron and Boris Johnson as members *(Thanks to Roger N for correction) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Problem in pirouettes after a bad feeling (6) | ### Answer: ANIMUS
### Explanation: Definition: bad feeling
A + reverse of SUM IN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: After husband leaves, kicks ornaments (6) | ### Answer: TRILLS
### Explanation: Definition: ornaments
THRILLS (kicks) less H. Trills are musical ornaments |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Walk out with host, perhaps Oprah Winfrey once (4,4) | ### Answer: TALK SHOW
### Explanation: Definition: perhaps Oprah Winfrey once
(WALK HOST)* – "perhaps" because Oprah's show is an example of a talk show, and "once" because it ended in 2011 |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: The way things stand in lawsuits, ignoring the odds (2,2) | ### Answer: AS IS
### Explanation: Definition: The way things stand
The even letters of lAwSuItS |