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Hi Mathi, hi Dscutler,

I agree it's always easier to look at a crossword with fresh eyes, you invariably see something you might otherwise have missed.

I'm nowhere near good enough to be a setter:-(

I raced through this week. I agree 4d “more energy not right” suggests the opposite of the actual answer I have put in.

In going for the “less socially adept” answer, I’m assuming that the middle word of 9ac (my COD) is the regular word you’d find in that phrase.

I suppose it would be possible to put in another 4 letter synonym for that middle word (more often associated with horses!) and that would switch the “r” in 4d to an “e”.

Sorry for being so cryptic but it’s early here in the UK and I don’t want to spoil the fun.

As for 25ac, I’d never heard of it! I had a perfectly good synonym for a puzzle that parsed perfectly by taking even more from the Muslim Holy book and adding a standard crossword two letter response for another holy book. Only when tackling 14d was my error, and the right word for 25ac (which I had to retrospectively look up) revealed.

Really enjoyed this week.

I think you might be on to something Richard. I'm sure we've all got the same answer for 9A, but I'm with you that 4D really should contain the e, not the r, so perhaps the setter is a keen member of the Pony Club who's got grooming on their mind???

... especially after 6A!

I read as more energy (EE) not right

I’ve been reading the Everyman thread for a few weeks now and am finding it really helpful, thanks.
I’m struggling with 14 Down Spies entrap idiot, minor poet regularly following stars (10)
Any hints?

Alternatively (demanding more) (energy not) (right) also works

Hi Adnarim
Spies is an agency, idiot is a common 3 letter word, then apply regularly to minor poet and look up!

Thanks jono, I’m all done now 🙂

14d. I had the answer but had not parsed it. Now I see that. I like that clue. So thanks. All very enjoyable. I like 19a. Can I assume 21d is the Marquis ?