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Thanks to Paul for an enjoyable but gentle Prize this week.

Unusually quick solve, but many nice clues that drew smiles.

FOI 1d, LOI 25, though I didn't parse 1a until after the grid was full.

COD has to be a tie between 12 and 19 because of unusual syntax/wordplay. 10 gets bronze because of tenuous chess connection. Also enjoyed 1a, 15, 23, 27 and 3.

Hi Geeker,

Yes, thanks to Paul for an entertaining and witty Prize puzzle:-)

Like you, I found this relatively straightforward but there are still 2 clues I haven't yet fully parsed:-

4d - I'm unsure how the final letter is clued - if it comes from "it" then that would mean "me" is a 2 letter contraction of 1,2 but I don't think they mean the same thing.

5a - I can see a "boozer" but not the "language" or "suggestion".

If you do get stuck there are at least two long anagrams in the downs.

COD - I really liked 6,24 and 27a but I have to choose the brilliant and original 19d - talk about say what you see! 😂

Did you find this one of Paul's easier crosswords or did you think it was more difficult?

Let us know in the comments.

Stay safe:-)

Brendan,

4 parses as 1, 2, 2 where (2, 2) is a 2-word phrase for "it's me".

I think 5a is a trifle dubious (the L is not really required, among other things). Think of the 4 (or 3) letter suffix concluding (the words for) many languages. The clue seems to be a cryptic definition of sorts, not one of the puzzle's standouts.

Got it, thanks Geeker.

Good fun I thought. Some original (some might say, sneaky) devices on display in 19, 12 and 6,24. I think I’d describe 5a as whimsical (if I’m being kind)!

I hadn’t appreciated the scale of the “oft disputed” reference in 25a, but according to Wikipedia one such case led to murder!

Yes, straightforward. I wasn't sure about the last 4 letters in 5a either.
I don't see the wordplay for 12a, or 6,24.
19 was very nice. I'll look out for that trick in future!

Surprised Paul didn’t use the first word in 7d as an anagram of someone also associated with 14,9 where there’s arguably an 11 going on and a fair amount of 17!

Hi Chris,

6,24 - the first word is an instruction for what to do with elements of the clue to create the second word.

Chris, for 12a, consider a four letter word that the answer is 75% of, then do the math (as they say)!

Nope, still don't get 6, 24 Brendan, despite your hint!