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Granama, I am in exactly the same position. I have 7 members (an extremely eclectic collection!) and 4 words, the last of which seems the most likely to be a “category” - albeit very loose indeed. Further enlightenment wholly eludes me. I realise that is no help to you at all - but at least I can offer heartfelt sympathy!

Jack - I was the same as you for ages. Try lengthening your category. That helps with the synonyms too.

Thanks all! 👍Got it. Just need to do the path and gaps. (The Inquisitor is a bit of a toughie but I can put this one to bed and forget all about 'extra-terrestrial' journeys. 😄).

Don't think the gaps are really necessary.
Yes, IQ looks hard to crack this weekend. Will post on the thread.

Thank you, Simond9x. Truly a d’oh! moment!

I think I must have severe brain fog this weekend after a very trying week! I am still stuck on the grid fill. Could someone kindly give another hint for 5a and hints for 7a and 9a.

5a, the definition is "cruel master", think Dickens.
7a, "wolf" is a verb here.
9a, "close" is a synonym for a three-letter word somewhere in the middle of the answer.

Of course that last was a hint to 8a, apologies... 9a "first" is the definition, "fails" means remove something

'close' is in 8a.
9a 'first (class)' is the def - take 'he' from a slightly archaic word for 'command.'

Thank you, Claretgold. Definitely brain fog after unfortunate encounters with vermin!! All three seem so obvious now!