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Thanks for that drxx. I was confused by another typically unfathomable preamble but now I know where I am going with the eighth item.

Got five items but have a gap SE as can't get 30a, would be grateful for a push.
Acquire fragment of food for local dish (7)

Def is the last word. Letter omitted from the wordplay within a 3 letter slang word for acquire, followed by a 3 letter word for the rest of the clue.

The brainiacs of this parish have tut-tutted this softer puzzle but as a little-brained bear I could complete it and consequently enjoyed it.

The 'eighth item' was very elegant, given its components.

Thank you Apt!

Am I the only one who did not understand the preamble until after I had finished the puzzle?

I found this a straightforward and enjoyable grid fill and identified the seven orders readily enough. However I am struggling with the omitted letters to get me to the eighth item. I've reread the preamble multiple times. As ever drxx has not only cracked it but is prepared to be helpful. Take 14 across. This intercepts a number of objects but I cannot see a missing letter (or three) in either of the double definitions. Have I misunderstood completely? Am I on a par with the Welsh line-out?
It would be a shame to give up so early in the week?

Not all across answers that interact with the items have letters omitted from the wordplay; only those that contribute the one or two letters that have been omitted from wordplay in each item

Hi Willianseal,

14a - I had the same problem and, like you, am thankful to Drxx for explaining it to me.

The full answer is "sizing" but if you remove 3 letters (see preamble) from the answer you will see a 4 letter "expert".

Further to my comment, I should have said that you picked an odd one as an example, as 14a has plenty of omitted letters

sorry final comment as I may understand your confusion William. There are no omitted letters in the clues themselves, merely omitted letters in the wordplay.

Have probably just added to your confusion - sorry!