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WEEKEND PEER REVIEW 176


Welcome to our weekend competition to compose a cryptic clue to be judged by your fellow contestants. You may enter as many clues as you like, and everyone is welcome, particularly new entrants. Feel free to explain your clue. if you think it will help, or to ask another entrant to parse their clue.

However, please don't comment on the clues before voting closes.

Clues should be posted before noon (UK time) on Sunday, March 19th, when voting opens. Voting closes at 8 p.m. (UK time) the same day.

This weekend's challenge is

BUDDY (5)

Weekend rules: Each entrant has six votes to allocate across any of one to six clues (no fractional votes allowed). For example, the allocation might be 3/2/1 for the top 3 clues, and many other allocations are possible. In the event of a tie, the number of first place votes will be taken into consideration (if those are equal, 2nd place votes, etc).

Have fun!

Future setters should note that a complete list of previously used words on Clueless, Peer Review and Weekend Peer Review is available at https://tinyurl.com/4dzss5np

The Uxbridge English Dictionary defines "sprout-like" as "mate" (5)

Theologist acquisition*, pal! (5)

DD buyout

Companion starts to blossom under dry desert yucca (5)

Blooming China (5)

Correction to 3 (posted before daily cup of coffee):

Theologian acquisition, pal. (5)

DD buyout

Man's best friend gets Pal or Chum (5)

In case they're not well-known in the UK, Pal and Chum are dog food brands.

Bomb exploding in close was a "friendly" (5)

anag DUD in BY

Dub over vacuous Doris Day supporting act (5)

Bloody lout said he was my friend (5)

("l"- out, homophone)