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ATE
The Greek Goddess of mischief, rash actions and their results.

Chummymummy
15 DN Left hand grid
Definition = on its own
First = i / 1
Disposed of = sold
Ate= mischief (Greek Goddess of)
15 DN Right hand grid
Definition = mutually
in solvent = (in) ether
(m)acho = macho (ma)le dropped

I've got to defend Araucaria here. He is easily the most original and amusing clue compiler doing broadsheet "normal" (as opposed to barred) crosswords. I've noticed one or two contributors to the Guardian thread recently slating compilers for being too "clever" or "convoluted". Surely that is the point. Araucaria gives you more of those "Oh you sly old fox" moments per crossword than most. This makes solving him that much more satisfying in my book. It is a bit unfair for fellow solvers to garner loads of answers from this thread and then denigrate the setter. As long as the setter is working within the accepted protocols of the cryptic clue, it is our job as solvers to pit our wits against him or her, I think.

Turast #51 - Thanks a lot! Should have 'researched' ATE!

Only one I have a problem with now is 21d in LH grid (see post #50) - any help appreciated!

Turast
Many thanks for help. Agree entirely with your sentiments.

Turast...I agree with you 100%...if people want an easy crossword, they shouldn't be reading The Guardian ! Perhaps they should stick with one of the newspapers for the semi-literate, like The Sun, Star, etc. Araucaria is one of my personal favourites for those "sly fox" moments, although that doesn't stop me cursing him on occasions. I just wish I could understand him more often, thats all.

Another plea for help! Left-hand grid, 14a. Is it SCHOOLMAAM or SCHOOLMARM ? I am coming down on the side of MARM, as the grammar seems more correct but the puzzle wil take either, so what do people think ?

"Some savoury spread" = Marm(ite)!

EB...of course ! Shame me not knowing that as I am most certainly a "marmite person"...nothing better on toast !

14ac is a clue you either love or hate!