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Well this was a welcome relief after yesterday's Masquerade which I have yet to finish.

A relatively gentle but very enjoyable themed Everyman in which, unless I am mistaken, every solution in sone way relates to the theme. Perhaps in order to achieve this not inconsiderate feat, Everyman has just included the usual initials clue, I cannot see any rhyming pairs.

LOI 2d unparsed although I can see all the letters in the wordlplay - can anyone help explain it please?

Thanks Everyman and have a great Christmas everyone.

It’s a composite anagram. “Rice and + ********”

Yes, I found that more straightforward than the last couple of weeks but still a lot of fun.

Trying not to give too much away, 2D is very literally a true statement!

Yes, good fun I thought.

2d is a compound anagram (not something we’ve seen Everyman do previously, I don’t think. You usually see these in barred puzzles and very occasionally in the midweek cryptics).

The chap mentioned in the clue is an anagram of the answer plus two other words from the beginning of the clue. The definition (“this …”) is therefore in the middle of the clue.

To put it another way (A + B)* = C where A is the answer and the clue gives you B and C.

Merry Christmas all!

Some poor clues here, I thought. 9 duck would be better than pheasant. 11 second word isn't clued very cryp[tically. Needed Google to understand 18. 5 definition loose. 6 idiot?

Can't get 15. I have S?N,?R?E?. Are my letters right?

Merry. Christmas to Everyman and to all those who enjoy his puzzles .

An easy one which I really needed after the Maskarade !

2d was my favourite, once I had parsed it
🤶🎄

Correct Chris. It parses 5,1,1,1

Chrise, they're right. It's a word that isn't finished and then some starters.

thanks both - saw it as i was making the bed *not literally, of course!)

i also meant to say that "in" doesn't work in 11a

The pre-Xmas chocolate binge must be addling my brain as I thought this was just as tough as last week! Took me forever to work out what was happening with 2D. Its definition in the middle of the clue, the unusual grid and especially 18A (has anyone on this side of the pond heard of that?!) and 11A lead me to think that the regular setter's taking a break and they've imported a locum from the States. Hopefully there'll be some cricket clues next week to disabuse me of that suspicion. Merry Christmas everyone.