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That's something I'd like to see, alwayspuzzled - we see a few of them around here but only their undersides in flight (occasionally I've been eyeballed by one from its perch - but I'm not easy enough prey... yet).

DR, it seems odd to be asked to highlight an entry which would fit the context nicely when you entered it but has now become a non-word!

I'm not sure I understand, rad - the highlighted words are still real words (the 'clue' can be applied to either result of resolving the clashes - although the whole of the 2 word answer would be required for the discarded possibility, if it's the 'h...' part that you're trying to justify in the wordplay).

Thanks. I must have got something wrong.

My assessment of the theme agrees with rad’s. I can’t follow drxx’s post. I have everything needed to work out the theme but could do with help for 4d. and 37a.

Pentomino, for 4 D you need a five-letter word for 'the smallest degree' (amount), then remove a letter, 'wants Academy'. The definition is the first three words.

37 A. A four letter word for 'close', with a letter added, 'Taking time'. The definition is 'hole delicately', though the word itself has quite a few other meanings.

pentomino - I thought rad might be opting for a particular resolution of the clashes when both are equally valid.

That’s it, Drxx, thanks. I don’t think I have ever come across the alternative before, and I must admit I’m disappointed to lose the better-known version. The setter has found a devious way to get us to choose the one that was intended.

Yes, rad - and I think he came up with a very clever and economical device to do so (I enjoyed every part of this puzzle).

Thank you malone for the hints, grid now complete. Also thank you drxx, I now follow your logic.