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Romped through until last one 10a Surgically devastating device makes prick flop. s?a?t ?o?b . Must be smart bomb -but how does smart =prick ?

"to smart" is given in Chambers definition of "prick"

Thanks -I think I read a comment in one of the Times crossword blogs this week that said something like "Chambers may have it , but I've never thought those two words are the same". If I prick my finger, it may smart but it doesn't prick.

I had the same issue. You're never going to say "Ow, that's going to prick".

However, I'm stuck on final two: "23d. Faction of Labour is enduring having relinquished seats? (5)" [ R * S * ? ] and "27a. As it was written: 'a thousand head' getting BSE? (8)" [S * C * ? * S * ] which cross at the '?'.
Any hints welcomed.

First one is hidden in the clue, which gives you an N for the next one…

d'oh, thank you Jono. Missed that embed completely, and the other was straightforward then.

Does anybody else feel that Cyclops' puzzzles are a little less fun lately? Just feels like there's a bit less sparkle than there used to be ... maybe it's just me.

I think there has been too many clues knocking Trump and Boris . Whether you like them or not, it's boring when you get it every fortnight.

Some help with 24a please?
Boozer turned on Mark, another boozer (7)
T?S????

Thanks!!

Tos - Sot, boozer, reversed and Spot, mark. Tosspot, another boozer.

Thanks Malone, much appreciated!!