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7 across

"Attempt at oomph spelled out?" (5). I have _S_A_ and the answer must be "ESSAY" - an attempt or to attempt.
But for whatever reason does that work?
Is this another "D'oh"! moment - but I cannot for the life of me why?
I've designated a spot on the wall on which to bang my head if it's that obvious!

Essay could sound like the two letter abbreviation loved by many setters..It could be Oomph or other attractive features...

`SA` = sex appeal or sexually attractive?

Must be an age thing! I did cotton on that "ESSAY" could be referring to "SA" phonetically (ironically the two letters I had) but I did not associate "oomph" with sex appeal.

This comes from he who thought for a long time that "LOL" was "lots of love"!

Many thanks - I'll get the Sanatogen warming up!

Hi Malone ... as usual you beat me to the punch! Hope you`re keeping well.
Chopper Erk ... some setters seem stuck in the past using tired old devices such as `char` and `IT` ( another `sex appeal` reference ) .. these devices seem to be only used in crosswords nowadays!

Hello, Tyke51, and thanks. I detest clues that involve SA- far too dated and also a bit lazy at times.No-one ever uses the word, or the others you mentioned, in the real world.

Chopper Erk, glad we could help...though I did so slightly reluctantly - I'd like SA banished!