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Corrected 13d thanks to you, Rogissimo. Can see the antonym of 13a. though not the synonym!

Reminds me of word tennis, a beast of a word association game where one part of the linked words isn't spoken out loud.

Oh, yes! Got it now.

I have read some of these comments and I am baffled. Crosswords are a leisure activity, and nobody is obliged to attempt any of them. If you do not have the time or patience for the more complex recent offerings, go for something else. For me, I regard examples like the Guardian Genius or the Christmas/New Year specials as a battle of wits between compiler and solver. I am perpetually amazed at the ingenuity of the former, and always have a glow of satisfaction if/when I complete the challenge.
PS: I think there is a misprint in the clue to 29D - I believe "shiver" should be "sliver".

Well, if I was lacking in brain power following the festive period Brummie certainly gave us a fine workout there. Well over usual solving time for me but it's definitely one that benefits from putting down for a while and coming back. Thanks Brummie for something a bit different to kick off 2025.

I can't parse 1d and I don't know the actual word for 26d. I just have the antonym.

Happy New Year all.

For those who enjoyed the little extra stretch today don’t forget the Guardian Genius which is published online on the first Monday of every month (so, this coming Monday will be the first one of 2025).
There’s always a thread here … and there’s a £100 prize!

Buzzybee. I'm not sure.

Think of the meaning as in Shiver me timbers. That's how I saw it anyway.

BuzzyBee, I think shiver and sliver are both synonyms for the clue answer. Chambers equates them both to a splinter…

Yes Jono you are correct. Had not considered that meaning of "shiver"

Thanks to prospero , rogissimo, Snowwhite and buzzybee for your comments . The work put into compiling any cryptic is amazing but add to that the complexities of the specials and I am so in awe of the compilers . My thanks to all of them for the challenges they provide.

Agree that people getting steamed up about a crossword being too ingenious or tricky should just seek a different crossword. (Unless they've done all the crosswords ever, then they'll just have to endure the wait of ... one whole day).

I enjoyed this but still cannot figure out the balance part of 30a or the parsing of 31a.