Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Once again I'm left with a single, short clue which I'm unable to parse.
8a Fatality in plant - bug not involved. (4)

I have *O*S and expect the solution to be LOSS. Presumably it's some kind of plant with a "bug" taken out of it but I cannot see it. Can anyone put me out of my misery please?

there's a plant called viper's bugloss (echium)

Thanks ChrisE. Never heard of it - until now!

I'm stuck on one final short one too:

20 Ac Learn about vicious dog in stable (6)

_ N _ R _ E

I can think of plenty of words that fit the pattern, but none the clue! Any suggestions?

Yes, I see the problem. My "research" has at least revealed to me what SNARGE means (you may not want to know).

Are you confident of all your letters?

I think your letters should be *E*U*E

Thank you Zinc, changing 14d from PROVOCATION to PROVOCATIVE, does indeed give me _ E _ U _ E ...

... and that in turn allows 20a to be SECURE.

Job done. Many thanks!

PS And thank you also Chrise (I think!) for broadening my vocabulary with SNARGE. You were right, it's not the nicest of concepts.