All right, thank you for the entries for a tough phrase to clue. I think I remember seeing it in a Guardian puzzle not too long ago. Anyway, our newcomer simond9x bravely got the ball rolling with a tricky construction. I liked his revised version at 6. As for buddy @4 all I can say is indeed. SS @5, Jagger I presume? I liked tyke’s rhyme at 7, and geeker’s Everyman reference at 8. Clever definition that was also used by buddy at 23. I liked jono’s 11 better than his revision at 12 actually. Very nice anagram with the abbreviated “dockyard.” Another great construction from jono at 20; clearly the break has not taken anything from his crossword mind. Geeker @21, randy Mothra? I shudder. Another intricate construction, this time buddy @22, was well done. Those certainly aren’t easy for the longer clues. Finally, sam73 @26 was short but sweet. Thanks for the explanation for us Yanks.
Your final standings:I have buddy @22 in third, with second and first both occupied by Jono. I give the slight edge to 11,
Common men cut short dockyard mirth and merriment (3,4,3,5)
Congratulations, and welcome back! Here are your prizes:
Tom:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO0A0XcWy88
Dick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-HsXBPWH3Y
(very long but if you’ve never seen the show, it’s fantastic)
Harry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E07s5ZYygMg