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Brendan,
I used to enviously read 225 solutions pointing out Ninas, and finding one became my crossword Great White Whale. I finally ticked that off the list last year, and this is the third or fourth one I've spotted.

Very slyly indicated by the key thematic clue we discussed at the top of the thread!

Geeker, that's the beauty of the wink emojis, you can look clever without having to back it up - perfect for a pseud like me 😉😂

Roof - we haven't heard from you for a couple of weeks - I hope everything is okay 😀

Hi Brendan et al

Yes, I'm here.
I've been very busy the last couple of weeks with packing and unpacking china and books and moving furniture for the decorator (two rooms). He finished on Thursday and we started putting things back yesterday. Unfortunately, I did my back in last Sunday, so taking care not to over tax it, but it is much better now - I'm not so sure about my brain!.

Last week, I did start the Paul at 8.00pm and did half of it before the 9.00pm deadline for The Promise. My friend helped me finish it on Sunday. Today, I started at 4.00pm and have only got three and a half so far, including 19d. I've just read through the thread and plan to get lots more. I found myself falling asleep in the sun in my sitting room. I'll be back.

Hi Roof,

Good to hear from you and very glad that everything is okay (apart from your back!). I think that, once you get into it, you'll find this quite a bit easier than last week's puzzle by Paul.

"I'll be back" - Roof the Terminator:-)

I've been helping a friend who is going in for an operation on her cruciate ligament. So 6 down made me smile twice. I sent it to her, with the letters in place and the anagram.

Thank you to you all for your helpful hints - I am getting back to cryptic crosswords and have welcomed your help these last few months! I've just discovered the "elegant feature" to which Geeker referred, and confess I am blown away!

Hi Minno,

6d is indeed an excellent clue and my COD. Did you send it your friend because it's a good clue or is there a reason related to her forthcoming operation?

Hi Neville,

Welcome to the Forum (I think this is your first post?). That added touch of brilliance referred to by Geeker is the cherry on top of what is a great puzzle by Picaroon:-)

I have read the various hints about the NW corner but I’m still stuck, on 1,4, 7 and 9. On 9A I have ?I?W?O???. The only possible entry would bear no relation to the clue. Also on 10A I have ?E?N? But no idea about the solution! Help please.

brendan @48
just say the first two syllables slowly! the last one might be what she said...