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Hello, Elle!
A steakbake is a pie sort of thing. Very tasty!
9, Dottle. Dish is "dole" with "TT" for dry.
Was my last one.
Particular can mean "own", see Anne Bradford.
Yes, there were some clever clues today.
Makes you think!

Hi, Rusty!
Uhm...
Well, I have never heard of "dottle" for starters!
I'm guessing it means "left over from pipe"?
I have heard of "dole out" and "dish out".......but wouldn't associate "dish" with "dole" without the preposition "out" after the words....?
I don't understand the other clue.......please can you explain?
Yes, I have since seen that Anne B gives "own" for "particular" but am still not seeing the point here?
Where/ how does "type of clue died out" come into it?
Also......there is a word "allocable" for answer in 27a........
It fits the clue nicely and is in Chambers, but I have never heard it used before.
Surely "allocatable" (also in Chambers) is more readily used?
I am not having a good afternoon!
Are you having the steakbake for your tea?
It sounds good!



Hello, Chris!
Sorry, I was away from the computer.....yes, I was looking for answers and explanations.
I am not having a good day!
And the QC has what I think is a cricket reference....my bete noire!
(Sorry, I cannot do a circumflex!)

Hi elle
It was "dish" = DOLE that I wasn't convinced about.

I think the other is just OK - "he does it in his own way" is similar at least to "he does it in his particular way", for example (and it's (d)OWN, of course)

Hello, Elle!
Yes, today's setter makes you think, and why not!
Yes, "dottle" means what is left in the bowl of a pipe.
You could look in Chambers if you are not sure of a word?
Up here "dottled" can mean "daft".
Now, I have no problem with own/particular.
But, expressing why to you takes a bit of thought!
Say, when you are at home, you always sit on the same chair.
You may look upon that chair as your "own" chair, and see that chair as your "particular" chair.
Am I shining any light yet?!!!
The "clue"in the clue is a "down" clue.
Remove "d" for "died" and you have "own".
Is that OK?
allocable/allocatable are words I have never used, or heard used.
But I can say that about more than 90% of the words in Chambers!
I need my Chambers!
Your afternoon is fine.
You are making good progress at the cryptics!
There were some tough clues to solve.
I took around an hour to finish it.

Hi, Rusty!
Thank you for taking so much time and trouble to explain.......
Yes, I understand it now!
Type of clue = down , remove "d" for "died" = "own"
own = particular (def)
I have grasped it finally.
I'm sorry that took such a long time.......it was the "type of clue" that was my hold -up!
(I couldn't see "down")
Did you have the steakbake for your tea?
I hope it was good?
We have had sausages and mash with loads (and loads) of fried onions.
Delicious!
I am reading an Inspector Rebus (Ian Rankin) book, based in Edinburgh.
My Scottish vocabulary is doing well!

Hello, Elle!
I tried to explain as best I could.
It wouldn't be one of my better skills!
You are doing away fine at the cryptics and it was a hard one today
We all get stuck at times with a clue, or I certainly do, anyway.
I used to advise the lads in the pub to try and not think in "tramlines".
They would tackle the Guardian cryptic every day.
Keep an open mind when tackling clues.
And a wee dose of humility would not go amiss.
Some folk and most setters know more than we do, and we should accept that.
And always remember it is the setter's job to mislead us!
I had fish pie for tea.
It was in the "Whoops" cabinet at ASDA.
Just cost a few shillings.
The steakbakes are in my 'fridge!
Your tea sounds great!

Hi, Rusty!
You explained very well!
How else did I get there in the end?
The QC was straightforward, although I had to check in Chambers that "knocks" could mean "batting performances".
I forgot about the ATP tennis this afternoon!
Did you get chance to watch any of it?
I don't even know who was playing?
I shall have to trawl Google to find out what I can........

Hello, Elle!
I'm glad you have your puzzle sorted now!
Yes, a "knock" could mean a spell batting.
Another challenge tomorrow!
No, I have not seen the tennis.
I think Roger was playing today, though.

PS, Elle,
This caught my eye in Bradford's.
Under the letter "R" she has "canine letter" and "dog letter".
So I went down the word mines to see what that was about.
Apparently, pronouncing the letter "R" is meant to sound like a dog snarling!
Chambers gives both, too.
Another new thing I learned today!

Hi, Rusty!
I have just had a zizz.......the cat awakened me for attention!
Now, I may not be fully awakened yet......... but I do not understand?
The "word mines"?
What do you mean?
I have found "canine letter" and "dog letter" in Chambers - both give "the letter R (from its growling sound)"
I am confused?
Is it saying that one should roll one's "r"s....or what?
My brain is definitely malfunctioning today!
Help!
I am going to make a strong coffee.....!