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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: Without cuts in bread, dug in excitedly (10) | ### Answer: UNABRIDGED
### Explanation: Definition: Without cuts
(BREAD DUG 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: Train outside of Eastbourne carrying coin (7) | ### Answer: EDUCATE
### Explanation: Definition: Train
DUCAT (coin) in the "outside" of E[astbourn]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: Stop calling drummer loudly (4,3) | ### Answer: RING OFF
### Explanation: Definition: Stop calling
RINGO + FF (fortissimo, very loudly) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Chagall's frame on the next page with plant-like design (10) | ### Answer: CLOVERLEAF
### Explanation: Definition: plant-like design
C[hagal]L + OVERLEAF (on the next page) |
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 who may inflame aching back (4) | ### Answer: EROS
### Explanation: Definition: Figure who may inflame
Reverse of SORE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Reviled old rogue? (8) | ### Answer: EVILDOER
### Explanation: Definition: Reviled old rogue
Anagram of REVILED O, &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: Person who hates games teacher, last in contest (6) | ### Answer: RABBIT
### Explanation: Definition: Person who hates games
RABBI + [contes]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: Primitive scourge is polished (6) | ### Answer: URBANE
### Explanation: Definition: polished
UR (original, primitive) + BANE (scourge) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Absent-minded copper's distinguishing feature (8) | ### Answer: DISTRAIT
### Explanation: Definition: Absent-minded
DI'S TRAIT |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Articulate way of speaking is a plus in post (7,8) | ### Answer: EXPRESS DELIVERY
### Explanation: Definition: a plus in post
EXPRESS (to articulate) + DELIVERY (way of speaking) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Parliamentarians were on one side of this chair, swivelling around (7,5,3) | ### Answer: ENGLISH CIVIL WAR
### Explanation: Definition: Parliamentarians were on one side of this
(CHAIR SWIVELLING)* – the two sides in the English Civil War were the Parliamentarians and Royalists, or, as *1066 And All That* puts it, the Cavaliers (Wrong but Wromantic) and the Roundheads (Right but Repulsive) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Before ruler, fathers and sons have to meet the standard (4,6) | ### Answer: PASS MUSTER
### Explanation: Definition: meet the standard
PAS + S + MUST (have to) + ER (ruler) |
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 butt is awfully hot, sat by sunlight (7) | ### Answer: ASHTRAY
### Explanation: Definition: Where butt is
Anagram of (H SAT)* + RAY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Sacred hearts not breaking any laws (8) | ### Answer: HALLOWED
### Explanation: Definition: Sacred
H[earts] + ALLOWED |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bachelor poet detailed superficial suffering (5-6,4) | ### Answer: FIRST‑DEGREE BURNS
### Explanation: Definition: superficial suffering
A Bachelor's is a FIRST DEGREE + (Robert) BURN[S]. First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Blunder, as one may in Balmoral? (3,4,4,2,2) | ### Answer: PUT ONE’S FOOT IN IT
### Explanation: Definition: Blunder
Double definition – the Balmoral is type of shoe |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Most unusual, smuggling dope in threatened area (10) | ### Answer: RAINFOREST
### Explanation: Definition: threatened area
INFO (dope) in RAREST |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pair of journos about to accept shocking rag's disgrace (7) | ### Answer: DEGRADE
### Explanation: Definition: disgrace
RAG* in ED reversed, twice |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Advice unsuited to shy type attending fancy dress party (2,8) | ### Answer: BE YOURSELF
### Explanation: Definition: Advice unsuited to shy type attending fancy dress party
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: Chances of good kids getting half cut (4) | ### Answer: ODDS
### Explanation: Definition: Chances
The second halves of goOD kiDS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Medical approach entailing silent treatment? (3,2,5) | ### Answer: NIL BY MOUTH
### Explanation: Definition: Medical approach
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: European knocked over loses a necklace (4) | ### Answer: TORC
### Explanation: Definition: necklace
Reverse of CROAT less 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: Actor embodied outcome of Little Bighorn, according to Spooner (6,6) | ### Answer: BUSTER KEATON
### Explanation: Definition: Actor
Spoonerism of "Custer beaten": rather nice, I thought, though the "Custer" part is easy to guess |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Additional indicators (four in all) found in this puzzle (4,5) | ### Answer: PLUS SIGNS
### Explanation: Definition: Additional indicators
The grid has four plus signs formed by black squares |
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 house often mocked in the suburbs (5) | ### Answer: TUDOR
### Explanation: Definition: Old house
Double definition: the House of Tudor, and a reference to the mock-Tudor style of houses found in suburbs |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Serious award given to senior … (5) | ### Answer: SOBER
### Explanation: Definition: Serious
OBE in SR – "given to" is perhaps a slightly dodgy insertion indicator, but I suppose it makes sense; see also 1d |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: … evicted, with seller hiding underground (6,3) | ### Answer: TURNED OUT
### Explanation: Definition: evicted
UNDER* (i.e. under "ground") in TOUT (seller) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Engineer's rig somehow providing power again (2-10) | ### Answer: RE‑ENERGISING
### Explanation: Definition: providing power again
(ENGINEER'S RIG) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Something Blue gets an occasional Epsom run (4) | ### Answer: PORN
### Explanation: Definition: Something Blue
Alternate letters of ePsOm RuN (with the capitalisation suggesting that Something Blue is the name of a racehorse, as might run at Epsom – as apparently it is) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Cut line into heart? Funny story that (3,7) | ### Answer: RIB TICKLER
### Explanation: Definition: Funny story
RIB (a cut of meat) + L[ine] in TICKER (heart). Chambers only gives this as hyphenated rather than two words |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Catch Euripides play on vacation (4) | ### Answer: ESPY
### Explanation: Definition: Catch
Outer letters of EuripideS PlaY – i.e. they are emptied or "vacated" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Gorse and grass running wild — they will become belligerent (10) | ### Answer: AGGRESSORS
### Explanation: Definition: they will become belligerent
(GORSE GRASS) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Offer to acquire new tie (4) | ### Answer: BIND
### Explanation: Definition: tie
N[ew] in BID (offer) – again, "acquire" is unusual as an insertion indicator, but makes sense |
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 out for the old record format (4) | ### Answer: YELP
### Explanation: Definition: Cry out
YE (old "the", as in Ye Olde Gifte Shoppe – of course the Y should actually be a thorn) + LP (long-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: Insult nurse in conversation — that's fine for you? (2,4,6) | ### Answer: UP YOUR STREET
### Explanation: Definition: that's fine for you
UP YOURS (an insult) + TREET (homophone of "treat", to nurse) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Small but perfectly formed animal (5) | ### Answer: STOAT
### Explanation: Definition: animal
S + TO A T – the "but" is needed to make the cliché, though it doesn't make much sense in 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: Busy retailers rarely see one when they open (4,5) | ### Answer: LATE RISER
### Explanation: Definition: rarely see one when they open
RETAILERS* – if you're a late riser then you won't get to the shops until after they're open |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Type of salesman providing non-stop transport service? (4-2-4) | ### Answer: DOOR-TO-DOOR
### Explanation: Definition: Type of salesman
Double definition, though door-to-door transport needn't be non-stop: "direct" might have been better |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Back rank is just not good enough (6-4) | ### Answer: SECOND-RATE
### Explanation: Definition: just not good enough
SECOND (back) + RATE (rank) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: American marines sent here lack preparation (12) | ### Answer: LEATHERNECKS
### Explanation: Definition: American marines
(SENT HERE LACK)* – I didn't know this nickname for the US Marines: it probably comes from an old protective piece of their uniform |
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's often abused by grocers dealing with multiples (10) | ### Answer: APOSTROPHE
### Explanation: Definition: It's often abused by grocers dealing with multiples
Reference to the grocer's (or greengrocer's) apostrophe, as seen on signs such as "apple's and pear'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: Purchase protection, but may get popped eventually! (6,4) | ### Answer: BUBBLE WRAP
### Explanation: Definition: Purchase protection
Extended definition – bubble wrap can protect your purchases, and you might want to pop it afterwards |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Wins with standard moves (4,5) | ### Answer: GETS GOING
### Explanation: Definition: moves
GETS (wins) + GOING (standard – as in "the going rate", I suppose) |
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 tasty piece raised spirit (5) | ### Answer: SATYR
### Explanation: Definition: spirit
Hidden in reverse of veRY TASty |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: She inspired historians starting to chart life in Oxford (4) | ### Answer: CLIO
### Explanation: Definition: She inspired historians
Initial letters of Chart Life In Oxford – Clio is the Muse of History |
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 text describing benefits (4) | ### Answer: PROS
### Explanation: Definition: benefits
PROS[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: Random motion of particles when speed is altered (7) | ### Answer: PEDESIS
### Explanation: Definition: Random motion of particles
(SPEED IS)* – I didn't know this alternative name for Brownian motion |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Punishment not supported, basically (7) | ### Answer: HANGING
### Explanation: Definition: Punishment
Double definition – I'm not sure why "basically" is there, unless it's that something hanging is not supported at its base |
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 story about not switching energy (5) | ### Answer: CONTE
### Explanation: Definition: Short story
C (circa, about) + NOT* + 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: Computer entry a pundit corrected (time advanced) (5,4) | ### Answer: INPUT DATA
### Explanation: Definition: Computer entry
(A PUNDIT)* + T[ime] + A[dvanced] |
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, following destruction of Reims, is close to death (2,8) | ### Answer: IN EXTREMIS
### Explanation: Definition: close to death
I NEXT (following) + REIMS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Extremely insensitive (4) | ### Answer: DEAD
### Explanation: Definition: Extremely
Double definition – for the first, dead = very = extremely |
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 early form of cocaine belonging to French? (5,2,4) | ### Answer: CRACK OF DAWN
### Explanation: Definition: Very early form
CRACK (form of cocaine) + OF DAWN (belonging to comedian D. French) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Street cred possibly involves a hush-hush manufacturing advantage (5,6) | ### Answer: TRADE SECRET
### Explanation: Definition: hush-hush manufacturing advantage
A in (STREET CRED) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Still, a reticent person needs a change of heart (4) | ### Answer: CALM
### Explanation: Definition: Still
CLAM (reticent person) with the middle letters 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: Reverend's mistake: lovey-dovey type is married (10) | ### Answer: SPOONERISM
### Explanation: Definition: Reverend's mistake
SPOONER (one who spoons) + IS + 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: Old Cicero's untidy file (9) | ### Answer: CROCODILE
### Explanation: Definition: file
(OLD CICERO)* – as in a file of walking children |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Say backing away from offence is a shadowy area (5) | ### Answer: UMBRA
### Explanation: Definition: shadowy area
UMBRAGE (offence) less reverse of E.G. (say) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: 'Brummie King' breaks shower dish (7) | ### Answer: RAMEKIN
### Explanation: Definition: dish
ME (the setter, Brummie) + K in RAIN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Plea from French criminal (7) | ### Answer: DEFENCE
### Explanation: Definition: Plea
DE (French of, from) + FENCE (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: Excursion — choose to cut both ends off (6) | ### Answer: PICNIC
### Explanation: Definition: Excursion
PIC[k] (choose) + NIC[k] (cut) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Rough end absorbed by outstanding city (6) | ### Answer: DUNDEE
### Explanation: Definition: city
END* in DUE (outstanding, as in a debt) |
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 better means of seeing the sights (10) | ### Answer: SPECTACLES
### Explanation: Definition: A better means of seeing
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: Do exceptionally well in cutting a Victorian adventure novel (5) | ### Answer: SHINE
### Explanation: Definition: Do exceptionally well
IN in SHE (novel by H Rider Haggard) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Seasonal worker's dance, a groundbreaker, about to get backing (3-6) | ### Answer: HOP-PICKER
### Explanation: Definition: Seasonal worker
HOP (dance) + PICK ("groundbreaker") + reverse of RE (about) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Shock over bananas (4) | ### Answer: NUTS
### Explanation: Definition: bananas
Reverse of STUN – I've seen variations of this a few 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: A Yardie's ground, supposedly (1,4,3) | ### Answer: I DARE SAY
### Explanation: Definition: supposedly
(A YARDIE'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: Shielding us, having disposed of a large sum of cash (8) | ### Answer: GUARDING
### Explanation: Definition: Shielding
GUARDIAN (us) less the second A + G (a grand – £1000) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Dicky, given article and box, improvised (3,3,4) | ### Answer: OFF THE CUFF
### Explanation: Definition: improvised
OFF (dicky – in poor condition) + THE (article) + CUFF (to 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: Revocation of a legacy, one associated with Piedmont organisation (9) | ### Answer: ADEMPTION
### Explanation: Definition: Revocation of a legacy
A + PIEDMONT* – another new word for me, from "adeem", which Chambers defines as "to cancel (a bequest) by destruction or sale of the thing bequeathed" |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Racer shares coach (5,3) | ### Answer: STOCK CAR
### Explanation: Definition: Racer
STOCK (shares in a company) + CAR (coach, e.g. of a train) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Here are the ins and outs of a large office (8) | ### Answer: MAILROOM
### Explanation: Definition: Here are the ins and outs of a large office
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: Historian, a big swinger (6) | ### Answer: GIBBON
### Explanation: Definition: Historian
Double definition – Edward Gibbon of the *The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Run through one's barrier (6) | ### Answer: IMPALE
### Explanation: Definition: Run through
I'M (one is) + PALE (fence, barrier) |
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 and minus one, continuously (2,3) | ### Answer: ON END
### Explanation: Definition: continuously
ONE + AND less A (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: Diamond tip (4) | ### Answer: ROCK
### Explanation: Definition: Diamond
Double definition, with tip=rock as verbs |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Maps Congo randomly like this for small dinosaur (13) | ### Answer: COMPSOGNATHUS
### Explanation: Definition: small dinosaur
(MAPS CONGO)* + THUS |
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 group singing hearts out for The Sweet Flag (6) | ### Answer: ACORUS
### Explanation: Definition: The Sweet Flag
A CHORUS less H |
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 buckle, e.g. Sam Browne's end piece? (5) | ### Answer: CHAPE
### Explanation: Definition: Part of buckle
CHAP (Sam is an example of a man's name) + [Brown]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: Form of riata in leather, typical of steppe-dwellers? (8) | ### Answer: TATARIAN
### Explanation: Definition: typical of steppe-dwellers
RIATA* in TAN |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Vehicle on end of tail – waits may give you this (5) | ### Answer: CAROL
### Explanation: Definition: waits may give you this
CAR + O (on) + [tai]L – waits are carol-singers |
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 may be shown by fancier fa-la isn't tremolo (8) | ### Answer: FANTAILS
### Explanation: Definition: What may be shown by fancier
(FA-LA ISN'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: What's sacred to Hindus leaving its source in the Himalaya etc? (6) | ### Answer: RANGES
### Explanation: Definition: the Himalaya etc
R[iver] [G]ANGES |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Tackle rings engineers dipped in solvent liquid (7) | ### Answer: TERRETS
### Explanation: Definition: Tackle rings
RE in TERTS (tetrachloroethylene, a solvent) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Natural amphitheatres created by state of affairs, we hear (7) | ### Answer: CIRQUES
### Explanation: Definition: Natural amphitheatres
Homophone of "circs", slang shortening of "circumstances"; when I've had cause to use this word (I'd be more likely to use the Gaelic-derived "corrie") I've pronounced it in French style as "seerk", but Chambers only gives the anglicised version |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Mum has added salt with a spicy dish (6) | ### Answer: MASALA
### Explanation: Definition: spicy dish
MA + SAL + 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: Decorated with distinction that's overdue when it's about waste conveyor (8) | ### Answer: LAUREATE
### Explanation: Definition: Decorated with distinction
UREA in LATE |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Bony girls I fancy, odd ones being ignored (5) | ### Answer: ILIAC
### Explanation: Definition: Bony
Even letters of gIrLs I fAnCy |
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 look masculine in unit of light or dull brown (8) | ### Answer: PHILOMOT
### Explanation: Definition: dull brown
I + LO + M in PHOT – I got myself into trouble by carelessly entering PHILAMOT here, as it works equally well; both spellings are variants of "filemot", from French *feuillemorte* = dead leaf |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Nursemaid, girl getting in a state (5) | ### Answer: NANNY
### Explanation: Definition: Nursemaid
ANN in NY |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Pineal shaped plant of upland regions (6) | ### Answer: ALPINE
### Explanation: Definition: plant of upland regions
PINEAL |
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 abdomen cradling hot rubbery bottle, portable (usually large) (13) | ### Answer: GHETTO-BLASTER
### Explanation: Definition: portable (usually large)
H + BOTTLE* in GASTER (part of an insect's abdomen) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Training with computers, very good for processing crude petroleum (11) | ### Answer: CAT-CRACKING
### Explanation: Definition: processing crude petroleum
CAT (Computer-Assisted Training) + CRACKING (very good) |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Learns flying with this light plane – on thermals (4) | ### Answer: MOTH
### Explanation: Definition: light plane
Composite anagram: LEARNS + MOTH is an anagram of ON THERMALS |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Blitz causing painful sensation round centre of Liverpool (5) | ### Answer: PRANG
### Explanation: Definition: Blitz
[Live]R[pool] in PANG |
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 browsing, gaining in confidence about folio (6) | ### Answer: SURFER
### Explanation: Definition: One browsing
F[olio] in SURER |
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 was a time of idleness, accepted behaviour with ten relaxing inside (7) | ### Answer: NON-TERM
### Explanation: Definition: It was a time of idleness
TEN* in NORM |
You are an expert level solver of cryptic crosswords. You are presented with a clue as input. Respond with the answer and explanation. | ### Clue: Hat rim damaged? Jock's may make a twang (6) | ### Answer: THAIRM
### Explanation: Definition: Jock's may make a twang
(HAT RIM) |
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 two-wheeler difficult daughter's abandoned on field (6) | ### Answer: HARLEY
### Explanation: Definition: Powerful two-wheeler
HARD less D + LEY |
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 makes the eccentric fret, artless? No crank, certainly (11) | ### Answer: SELF-STARTER
### Explanation: Definition: No crank, certainly
(FRET ARTLESS) |