2D remains for me. It's pretty clear what the answer is as there aren't many words that fit (somewhat dubious definition?) but I'm not able to parse it. Any hints that won't give it away to others would be appreciated. Oh, can't parse 18D either but will search here some more. Thanks.
2d discussed above in many places.
Definition is first 2 words of clue (not great IMO).
Parsing involves the old setter trick of letter substitution derived from an operation on a Roman numeral.
Thanks geeker. I'm familiar with roman numerals but still can't see it. Never mind, I'll wait for 225.
I'm sure there's a better clue for this that Vlad could have used. A common problem with these puzzles, in my opinion.
Has anyone else noticed a connection between this Guardian prize crossword and the Guardian quiptic 1314 from today (the day after)? They share the same grid layout and there seems to be an in-joke / easter egg in there that makes one of the prize clues work even better… My guess is that the Quiptic is also Vlad…
jenna, on 2d take a 5-letter word for (a form of) "cash" and alter the first letter via Roman numeral arithmetic. ;-)
The definition is a weak point of the clue IMO.