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8d is quite ponderous, and (at least in my parsing of it) the cocktail is holding the son as opposed to the other way round. The “a” in the clue features in the answer too (if that’s not too spoilerific) but its position is also seemingly at odds with the parsing.

Unless I’m barking up the wrong tree of course, which is possible. The cocktail I can see involves wine floated on a shot of syrup.

I also couldn’t link “visionary” to 14d. I’m aware that some things which carry that label are 14d, but surely some are the opposite.

Nevertheless, really enjoyed it overall.

Hi Richard,

That cocktail is sounding more delicious by the minute - I see a trip to Waitrose in my crystal ball:-)

14d - I know what you mean but chambers dictionary gives "impractical" as one of the definitions and the thesaurus has the actual answer as one of the synonyms - so no complaints.

I read 8d as an envelope (in) around son with a reversal (rising) of law, but it does appear that the cocktail is holding the son and not the other way round

Hi Jono,

Maybe Everyman had had a few of the cocktails:-)

You can make the cocktail a “royale” if you use champagne, although prosecco gets the same result for less outlay. It’s one I rarely drink but when I do I always say “I should drink this more often.”

Yes fine re 14d, but I’m now going back through the past few years and thinking of the times my boss has called my ideas “visionary”...

LOL - nice one Richard 🤣

Yes, quite hard. Weird anagram indicator in 5d; 21d very weak; despite being a birdwatcher I've never heard of 24a.

Favourites 20a and 19d.

Comforting to see that everyone else has issues with 8D. I'll now give up trying to parse it fully and put it down to one of Everyman's occasional lapses. (Or maybe someone will point out that the clue's different in the printed version, as happened with a head scratcher a couple of months ago.) Incidentally, the OED lists 14D as archaic, so no need to worry Richard, if your boss was having a subtle dig, they were living in the past.

Tricky one today but good 15a I guess identity meaning line but seems vague definition 8d thanks to Brendan for that still not sure of parsing on that enjoy your day all!

Hi Nickos,

15a - Needs careful reading - the definition is "that help's display identity" - in other words it's what goes round your neck and literally hold's up (your) identity (card). - Very clever:-)