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I also thought the homophone was the main Pauline clue, that's the one that had me ROFL.

Sounds great Mystogre, I fancy a coffee myself now:-)

In addition to the homophone there is another gigantic Pauline clue in the downs but it relies on knowing a slang term that may not be very well known outside the UK

Aha, thanks Brendan, I'd never have seen that (indeed) gigantic Pauline clue! One of his naughtiest that I can recall, it's going to be polarizing with strong reactions both ways...

I think you're right Geeker,

It is very near the mark, but I'm a liberal minded type of guy so don't have a problem with it - but it will be interesting to read the views of others:-)

Brendan, Wednesday's Indy puzzle (Eccles, 10,861) had an exceedingly Pauline clue that infuriated some 225 posters (admittedly a picky lot) but I found rib-splittingly funny:

23. What onanist wants to do for romance in tall trees (4,5).

The one you spotted today is in the same category.

OMG! That is a classic 🤣 but I am surprised by some of the reactions over at 225.

I was about to ask about how to parse the clue you are referring to, but perhaps I won't now.

Thanks for dialogue over 24. I had 2 answers until I read the advice.
Ex-pat Kiwi so 10 no problem.
But cannot solve 5 (A?S?A?)
or 17 [?E?S?L?S?)
any hints?

Hi Johnson,

5d - Your first A is wrong - definition is "put in" and it covered in my "if you get stuck" section.

17a - 3 letter "novel" + 3 letter "Scandinavian folk literature initially" + 3 letter "remains" - definition is "story just in".

Thanks Brendan
Now just tidying up 4/15…. (I had back-up file….)