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Malone

Thanks. I try to take care with "about" clues. I remember a great one

Double about about about a duke (5)

Grunger, I like your clue... even though I haven't solved it.

My brain skips over some crossword words - about (on, re), take (r, recipe), do (for 'ut') ... as they've been used so often.

Malone

I am sure you will solve it.

I like clues and sentences with the same word used consecutively a number of times. jigjag posted some examples a few months ago.

Grunger, I've tried ... but failed to solve your clue. Sorry!

grunger

is the def "about a duke"? if so ive got it

yes

Grunger, jigjag's question got me over the line (eventually). Thanks, it's a good clue.

All done, but I'm having trouble parsing 1 across.

Short couple returning pawnbroker's gem (9)

Given the letters I've got, it can only be CARBUNCLE...

...but why?

Brace would be the couple/pair. Short = drop the last letter, so Brac. Returning = Carb+ Uncle, common word for pawnbroker.

...and Carbuncle, gem.

Phew! Thanks, Malone! I was so far away from that!

I didn't know carbuncle was slang for pawnbroker, nor that it is a gemstone. And hadn't guessed the rest. No wonder I was having trouble!

I can sleep easy now....