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I did the same as well! Maybe still enjoying the clever 10a.

A benefit from advancing years came in answering 9d as I had read Kerouac's On the Road in the 60s while at university. It offsets some of the difficulties encountered when trying to solve clues requiring knowledge of rap singers! LOI 24a. CODs 6d and 15a (which I initially thought might be Moonraker). I first thought that the answer to 14d should be a noun and not a verb, unless my solution is incorrect. Rather too many anagrams to be a satisfying Everyman for me. Otherwise enjoyable.

Obscure second definitions of 4 and 20 scuppered me. Didn't get the cryptic elements the long clues 5 and 9.

Thanks for the hints for 18a, without them I'm not sure I would have got it. 25a I spent longer than I should have as I was misdirected by the first word of the clue

9d I just guessed, and I must admit I don't remember Ginsberg and Kerouac being in star trek !!

^

Very quick finish today. Can't parse 20d though? Thanks in advance.

Ok got it Double Definition.🙂

Hi Nickos,

20d - it's a double definition with the "go" part as in 'to return' or 'to take oneself' or 'to resort' (Chambers)

Hi Nhaus, I also can't parse 9d; I just guessed it from the two names. Can anyone else explain??

5d; the first two letters are the usual abbreviation for 'about' and the rest is the word for describing the position of the foetus.

COD was 6d which made me laugh out loud, but also a shout-out for 23a which I thought was one of the best first-letters clues I've seen. Also really enjoyed the spoonerism.

Hi Jules,

9d - 4 letter "all in" as 'tired' then a synonym of "reproduction"