Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Apologies in advance for the sporting cliché, but this was a real game of two halves for me.

The top was done pretty quickly but I then really struggled with the bottom (ooh err).

I think the clue that held me up the longest was 26a, even though the instruction as to how to rearrange the answer to get "cups" is literally written in the clue!

Also, that meaning of "howl" in 10a is one that I only know because of crosswords, and the same with the "gorse" homophone referred to in 22d.

COD - I have 4 stand-out clues this week: 17a, 14d for its use of "aviators" (which completely fooled me) and the wonderfully clever 2d, but my fav is 3d - Charlie and Les getting credit for wicked thing (11) Brilliant:-)

Thanks to Everyman for a most enjoyable and challenging puzzle:-)

How did you enjoy it? Let us know how you got on and if, like me, you run in to problems, just post your query on here.

Stay safe:-)

I loved this one, especially 26. Managed to complete it reasonably quickly. Two rhyming pairs I think? Or even a rhyming triple at a pinch. Some very clever clues.

Hi Bowergirl,

Yes, it was a very enjoyable solve. I always seem to miss rhyming pairs so it's no shock that I did so here!

Similar experience for me. Over here the only familiar synonym for gorse is pest. I'm wondering if I've got 9 wrong. Without giving it away can someone please explain the definition?

Hi Paulnz,

9a - definition is a term meaning "no longer with us" but I have a feeling it is a Britishism.

Thanks Brendan. Turns out I had the wrong currency & didn't notice I'd given 5 an extra ess.

Cockney rhyming slang

The gorse homophone appears in the first sentence of Kipling's "Stalky and Company."

Good fun I thought and perhaps a little easier than the last couple of weeks. Enjoyed ‘aviators’ and ‘cups’!

I too got stuck on 9a (thank you all for your hints!) which as you say is rhyming slang but would never have thought of it on my own! I still don't really get 18d although there only seems to be one logical answer ?