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Thanks, Buddy - a welcome distraction from Australia Day and the AO tennis 🎾

Thanks, buddy. This one was easy but enjoyable. I don’t see why 23D has lose rather than gain, and I’m feeling dense about the five-letter entry at the bottom, although I see the three common letters.

Thanks, buddy.
Took a while to see the five-letter entry, but it was a forehead-slap moment.

Ah, I see. Still wonder about 23D though.

I guess it works. If the ANSWER loses an E it becomes fodder for monster. Is that kosher?

I think so, It would also work if it read "GAIN energy FROM". Like many of his clues, slightly unconventional,

Or maybe "add energy to". Strange surface in any case.

23d puzzled me last night. I agree with aristo@6, though I didn't see it until he pointed it out.

I notice the use of U as an abbreviation for "up" in 45a. and 35d. Is this common in American crosswords?