Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

ah! yes, my 23,26 I solved as a 6/5 rather than a 5/6, a frequent mistake of mine. I had one of the rivers as "plate". It all makes sense now - many thanks!

Hi Tanglewood

I can't parse it either, but perhaps I have the wrong answer. My crossers are S?A?U?A

I haven't finished yet; five left in the bottom half. Any hints for 17ac and 21ac would be gratefully received.

17ac Wearing dress, emcee beginning to tremble as place emptied (5,4)
I have ?W??? T?W? I'm guessing it is ?W??G TOWN

21ac Rare earth element cut out with impure rocks (8)
I have ?U?O???E and have no idea

As usual posting a request nearly always helps me get the answers. I don't know why. Of course I had the second word of 8d wrong. No wonder I couldn't parse it! Once I realised that I got 17ac, 24ac and 21ac and the last two down clues in no time at all.

17a letters should be ?H??T town...dress = gown emcee - you need a 4 letter synonym

21 anagram of ou(out cut short) + impure defn is rare earth element

1d. s-a-u-a are correct letters.
Hint. for parsing 'It inspires me.'
You either have it or you don't.
Inspire as opposed to exhale.

If me is in the clue always look at who the setter is!