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Thanks, Prospero. Got 23 after considering the right answer ages ago and then for some reason rejecting it. Agree that this was a good deal more entertaining than some of the recent Genius puzzles.

I agree aspria, a lot of fun and very cleverly done. Thank you, Hamish!

Thoroughly enjoyed this but still stuck on 1d and 21d. Any hints please?

1d - a word I'd never heard of meaning the first three words is the definition. Wordplay: the three "tails" surrounded by a word for estimates missing its usual u, with a French number replaced.
21 Chaucerian word for unexpected event made up by abbreviation for chapter, synonym for one (an) and the same substitution..

Thanks Prospero, got them now!

Thanks to everyone’s comments I only have 3 unsolved. 8a, 3d and 18d. Despite all the hints I am still flummoxed so if anyone can give me a further push over the finishing line I would be grateful!

8 - an obvious word for something that carries a flame, without "love" at the beginning opposites at bridge around centre of choirgirl. French and English for same figure substituted in each.
Def intelligence. The number is English and the rest is hidden.
18 take husband and I out of hurricane. Number is German

I've taken ages doing this but all your hints have helped me. The only one I have left is 9d Any further hints on this would be appreciated - thanks

I think I have this now. Is the third "letter" a word with 5 letters?

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1709866.html