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Tough one but satisfying. Think this will take me a couple of days.

Anyone have an idea how 4d parses? I'm pretty sure I have the answer but no clue how the question works

4d parses 2,1,4. The 4 is reversed.

Great, I see it now. Thanks Jono

Just finished it, very enjoyable
FOI 17a LOI 2d
COD lots 16d 2d 21a

Cannot parse 18 & 19d but happy with my answers

Relieved to find I'm not the only one having trouble with some of these clues and the parsing thereof.

I got three on the first read through and then steady progress until I ground to a halt with seven left, mostly in the south east quarter, but including 18d and 19d. I've just taken a break to get the washing in - it was very cold, 4.2C according to my weather station - and finished it off in the dryer. Many not fully parsed. I agree with Chris about lots of the clues and disagree with Rocky about Vlad being fair. Thanks for the hints above, though I don't understand how you halve a letter for 2d. Nor can I think of a plural word for money.

Please can I have a hint for 27ac and 21d and I will go away and see if I can make progress on the remaining answers. Meanwhile my FOI was 12ac followed by two other anagrams.

27a is an anagram of two words in the clue, with an extra letter, fairly clearly indicated. Definition first two words.

21a is three letter official in four letter work. Definition first word. Perhaps not the right nation's symbol for today though.

Made more progress than I thought I would and down to my last two- though I think some of my answers might be questionable.

Just 23d & 25a to solve. Could anyone give me a steer?

23d is "one of nine" - think classical mythology/literature.

25a def is "pass" in the sense of making law.

Thanks Actonhighstreet- all done now. Was tying myself in knots trying to work out the 9 reference