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This would have been so much easier if I'd actually noticed the special instruction from Philistine!

Every now and then I'd come across a clue where the wordplay clearly led to a specific answer, but I couldn't see a definition. After this happened for the third time I thought "something's going on here" - and indeed something was.

Other than that, there's lot to like here with some quite brilliant clues - 12a, 17,20a, 19d but my COD is the outstanding 15d Silence ego? (3,7)

I'm still not totally sure of 24a where I can't marry (geddit?) the answer with the clue.

Thanks to Philistine for a clever and witty crossword.

Stay safe:-)

Thanks, Philistine. This was a delight.
Back in business this week after a couple of poor showings.
24 was my LOI and COD, really clever wordplay.

Hi Geeker,

@24a It's frustrating because I'm sure the wordplay is staring me in the face but I just can't see it - I'll look again tomorrow with fresh eyes:-)

I think the majority of solvers will be very pleased with Philistine's offering this week.

On a first superficial pass, I feared not being able to get a single clue! Slowly filled in a few short ones, figured out the theme, and then made steady progress. Many witty constructions, even some relatively "easy" ones like 12 and 22 brought a smile. Will also mention (17, 20) and 19d as near-COD status.

@24a Just seen it - absolutely brilliant!!

24a: Yes, it a newspaper from there!

I’ve just started doing the prince in the last few weeks - definitely a step up from the Everyman. There are definitely levels to cryptic crosswords!

Thanks for the heads up Brendan - I had not seen the special instructions before reading your post, which helped a lot.

I am far from an expert in today’s theme so I had to google a lot.

Had to look really hard at 24a but when I got it, has to be my CO 2020!

17, 20 would have been my COD but for 24a.

I’m exhausted! Time for a beer.

“Prize” not “prince” - autocorrect.....

Also, I cannot parse 8d. I get 23d though

Hi Matador,

The parsing of 23,8d had me perplexed for a while but I think "second" refers to the 2nd letter of "public disgrace + 3 letter synonym for "court" + (or)D(er) 'essentially'.

Hi Mathi,

24a it's so obvious - once you see it!!:-)

Sorry Matador, I see you'd already parsed 23d.