Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Many thanks Brendan

I think I've got the last four, the last two in the last few minutes after the Scandi Noir.

I'd never have got there withour your help and that of others in the Forum. I found it very difficult. I think Picaroon is the hardest setter for me. Plus my brain is failing as I get older. I hope it is easier next week.

It was good to see my daughter today, especially as my shoulder is still very painful. I will see her again next week (Friday) as we'll be getting together with my sisters and their daughters for a pre Christmas family lunch. I have to finish the puddings and cakes before then to pass to them. I just have got the cakes to ice tomorrow. There is a lot to do at this time of year!

I'll be back in touch next week. Best wishes

Finally finished this morning with much help from the forum. Like Roof, I am slower now that I'm getting older and not just at crosswords! Many thanks to Picaroon for a delightful puzzle.

Slow to get started. Had to go through the thread twice to get 3/4 of the way there! I got 23a very late on, I can’t parse it but know it’s right because of the theme.

Please can I have some help so I can finish the SW corner. I’ve got 20a, 16d, 19d and 21d left.
Thank you.

Hi Feebee,

23a - 2 letter "hip" + 4 letter "play" + 2 letter "in (in) French" + "theatre's opening".

20a - 4 letter "ballot" + 4 letter anagram - definition is "one is making thing's dirty"

16d - 5 letter "profanity" around 3 letter anagram - definition is an old word for a "thief".

21d - If you take a 7 letter word for people who have "depressing experiences and then remove the first letter/topless you get a word meaning "they have"

19d - Is a double definition.

Sorry Feebee, slight adjustment to the parsing of ...

21d - It's 7 letter "depressing experiences" then, if you remove the first letter/topless, you get "they have"

Finally have something written in for all clues... can't parse loads of them though so time to read the thread!

Thank you Brendan. I’d made a spelling mistake in 23a which hadn’t helped!
All done now but no way I’d have made it without help. I don’t think my brain is on Picaroon’s wavelength.

Ok I can parse most of it now, had to correct 1D though.

Still can't parse 5D but I know it is correct from other hints.

I wasn't aware of the pants for 14A before so it makes sense now.

Not sure about 7D either but it must be correct, if the "you can't trust us" part is 2,3 it only has one pound in it, I was expecting 2, but I suppose it is fine since the symbol can be single or plural I guess.

19D I have something that makes sense (high part of something) which looks right I suppose.

I can't see a 23A in 23A either, to be super nitpicky ;)

5d parses as a 5 letter word for track around 2 letters (cool) then 1 letter for area