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I really enjoyed this Everyman and think it's a definite step up in quality.

FOI was 4d followed by 6d.

I'd say it's a bit trickier than usual but, of course, these things are very subjective.

I haven't fully parsed 23a yet but hopefully the penny will drop before too long.

If you do get stuck I recommend looking for two very long anagrams, one in the acrosses and one in the downs.

COD - Lots to choose from this week with the short and sweet 8a and 3d but I've gone for the excellent 12a which has a lovely surface.

Thanks to Everyman for a great puzzle to start of the new year.

I think we had three new posters join our friendly Everyman thread last week so let's keep that going. Remember, if you get stuck just ask for a hint, there's always people willing to help.

Stay safe:-)

Hi Brendan, I agree, good puzzle. I liked some of the inventive definitions, especially for the long anagrams.
Re 23a, There is a clothing brand called (initial) and (initial). I probably should have heard of it, but I hadn't.

Ah! It rings a bell but I don't think I've ever bought any of their clothes.

I know what you mean about the inventive definitions, 4d's "town crier's descendents" - excellent. I also really liked 1a with "crows" - great stuff.

Many thanks Mattrom.

All I’ll say is “mmmmmm”

Hi all.
Brendan, you forgot to mention the “primarily” clue is there but with a different feel. The usual subtractive anagram too.
The whole thing seemed a bit more cohesive today and, yes, I think there is a clothing brand involved in 23a.
I also enjoyed the crows.

Hi Mystogre, hi Jono,

It's a small sample size, I know, but so far we've all given a big 👍😉

Late start but fun to do throughout. Sadly, the clothing brand is not doing well in the pandemic. (And no - that's not a cryptic clue.)

Hello all, woke up in middle of night so a very early start. HNY. Grappled with this one, very enjoyable. Great clues, agree with all the comments on clever definitions, good anagrams, etc. My COD is 24a. Wonderful. Should catch lots of people trying to fit in 'N' somewhere. Over.

Hi Alzy, hi Yevrah,

24a - Add me to the list of people who tried to fit an N in:-)

thanks for parsing 23a -- i couldn't quite get there. I might not have understood 8a... what's going on there?