Hello everyone
Once again, can I remind everyone that this is a weekly thread with a difference. We are not looking for answers but HELP to try and solve the clues. Every week,someone takes offence at this, but it is open to anyone - its not a "members club" and each week we seem to get at least one new recruit to our ranks. We dont welcome offensive remarks, and tend to ignore them. If you are a purist,this thread is probably not for you, UNLESS of course you want to help those who are perhaps not as proficient as you might be.
Having said that, this weeks puzzle is again a mixed bag. For example "outdoes" in 11a would be better as 2 words, but then it would not make sense, so its a poor clue really.12a quite a nice one as is 7a.
Suggest anyone new to crytpics leaves 5d until you get the 4 letters from the insecting clues as it a darn awful clue and answer thats probably more akin to the Sunday supplements than the RT.
PHILIP