Stinker time! You can tell because it’s that one setter who likes to use every letter of the alphabet in the grid. That, and, you know, all the clues are nails. Good, though, in the main. For a puzzle so peppered with exotic solutions, it was weird that it took me so long to figure out TEST-FLEW. Go figure.

Anyway, you can find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them helpful. If a recent Jumbo has run off with your washing line, bras and all, then you might find solace in my Just For Fun page, where you’ll find links to solutions for the last 180+ of the things. Elsewhere there are the usual ancient book reviews and a story of mine.

Thanks as ever for the kind words and input, folks. They are much appreciated and it’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of other solvers once their pens are stilled. As the next Jumbo won’t be till 27th Dec, let me take the opportunity to wish you a safe and happy Christmas. I’ll probably be a little late in posting the next one, assuming they haven’t closed all the pubs by then. (Bloody Omicron.) Anyhoo, have a good ‘un, keep well and I’ll see you soon.

LP

With thanks to Sue in the comments for the fix to 7d

Across clues

1. Gold tooth maybe is one doing the rounds? (7)

Answer: ORBITER (i.e. “one doing the rounds”). Solution is OR (i.e. “gold” in heraldry) followed by BITER (i.e. “tooth maybe” – other nibblers are available).

5. Tendency to escape from unhealthy air associated with a metropolis (8)

Answer: FUGACITY (i.e. “tendency to escape”). Solution is FUG (i.e. “unhealthy air”) followed by A and CITY (i.e. “metropolis”).

9. Record performance by musicians that’s not at all moving (6)

Answer: LOGJAM (i.e. “not at all moving”). Solution is LOG (i.e. “record”) followed by JAM (i.e. “performance by musicians”).
[EDIT: Thanks to Sue in the comments for the typo fix. I’d accidentally written JOGJAM, which brings to mind a thick immobile cluster of irate joggers all getting angry with one another. Drivers rejoice! Cheers, Sue! – LP]

13. Soft, expensive cape wrapping about neck (16)

Answer: PRESUMPTUOUSNESS (i.e. brass, nerve or “neck”). Solution is P (i.e. “soft”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “piano” in musical lingo), SUMPTUOUS (i.e. “expensive”) and NESS (i.e. “cape”, both geographical features) all “wrapped” around RE (i.e. regarding or “about” – think email replies), like so: P-(RE)-SUMPTUOUS-NESS.

14. Where police may be disposing of old drug (6)

Answer: STATIN (i.e. “drug”). Solution is STATION (i.e. “where police may be”) with the O removed (indicated by “dropping old” – O being a recognised abbreviation of “old”).

16. A number, it’s assumed, evens out (5)

Answer: ISSUE (i.e. “a numbered” magazine or newspaper). “Evens out” indicates the solution is derived from every other letter of IT’S ASSUMED.

17. Clouds of blue an expansion initially sent out (7)

Answer: NEBULAE (i.e. “clouds”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “sent out”) of BLUE AN and E (i.e. “expansion initially”, i.e. the first letter of “expansion”).

18. Awful, violent crime: men torn apart (9)

Answer: ABHORRENT (i.e. “awful”). Solution is ABH (i.e. “violent crime”, specifically Actual Bodily Harm) followed by OR (i.e. “men”, specifically the Other Ranks of the British Army) and RENT (i.e. “torn apart”).

19. Most exclusive clubs left: in Paris, who’s admitting one? (9)

Answer: CLIQUIEST (i.e. “most exclusive”). Solution is C (a recognised abbreviation of “clubs” used in card games) followed by L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) and QUI EST (i.e. “in Paris, who’s”, i.e. the French for “who is”) all wrapped around or “admitting” I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: C-L-(I)-QUI-EST.

21. Sales pitch, outwardly well done, just empty talk? (7)

Answer: BRAVADO (i.e. “empty talk”). Solution is AD (i.e. “sales pitch” or advertisement) placed in or having “outwardly” BRAVO (i.e. “well done”), like so: BRAV(AD)O.

22. What helps to make a hip drinking venue, one’s concluding (5)

Answer: PUBIS (i.e. a bone that “helps to make a hip” joint). Solution is PUB (i.e. “drinking venue”) followed by I’S (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one’s”).

23. Note a lot of Liverpool fans after return game (5)

Answer: POKER (i.e. “game”). Solution is RE (i.e. “note” in the sol-fa notation) and KOP (i.e. “a lot of Liverpool fans”, referring to the Kop end of Anfield football stadium) all reversed (indicated by “after return”), like so: POK-ER.

25. Chocolate was not consumed after devouring snail (9)

Answer: SLOWCOACH (i.e. “snail”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “devouring” – not one I’m keen on. Digesting, yes; devouring, no) of CHOCOLATE WAS once the ATE has been removed (indicated by “not consumed”).

27. Fare from Italy to drop, with channel crossing (7)

Answer: LASAGNE (i.e. “fare from Italy”). Solution is SAG (i.e. “to drop”) placed in or “crossed by” LANE (i.e. “channel”), like so: LA(SAG)NE.

29. Your setter cried allowed, getting stared at (9)

Answer: EYEBALLED (i.e. “stared at”). I suspect “allowed” in the clue was supposed to be “aloud”, indicating a homophone. That way the solution comprises homophones of I (i.e. “your setter”, from the point of view of the setter) and BAWLED (i.e. “cried”).

31. The butt’s a part of a rifle that goes on without a problem (8,5)

Answer: LAUGHING STOCK (i.e. “the butt” of the joke). Solution is STOCK (i.e. “part of a rifle”) placed “on” or after LAUGHING (i.e. “without a problem”).

34. Inferring from Irangate plot times are a-changing! (13)

Answer: EXTRAPOLATING (i.e. “inferring from”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “are a-changing”) of IRANGATE PLOT and X (i.e. “times”, as in the multiplication symbol).

35. Churchgoer’s spirits at last excellent after taking in cricket match (9)

Answer: METHODIST (i.e. “churchgoer”). Solution is METHS (i.e. “spirits”) and T (i.e. “at last excellent”, i.e. the last letter of “excellent”) all wrapped around or “taking in” ODI (i.e. “cricket match”, specifically a One Day International), like so: METH(ODI)S-T.

37. With river advancing, beneath vessel, prepare to swim? (7)

Answer: UNDRESS (i.e. “prepare to swim”). Solution is UNDER (i.e. “beneath”) with the R (a recognised abbreviation of “river”) brought forward a notch (indicated by “advancing”). This is then followed by SS (i.e. “vessel”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a steamship), like so: UNDE(R)-SS => UND(R)E-SS.

39. Short quote from champ appearing on channel (9)

Answer: SOUNDBITE (i.e. “short quote”). Solution is BITE (i.e. to “champ”) placed “on” or after SOUND (i.e. “channel”, referring to the geographical features), like so: SOUND-BITE.

42. Idiot to cancel final – a sort of football revolution! (5)

Answer: TWIRL (i.e. “revolution”). Solution is TWIT (i.e. “idiot”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “to cancel final”) and the remainder followed by RL (i.e. “a sort of football”, specifically Rugby League), like so: TWI-RL.

43. Pet for children’s party going without meat? Unknown! (5)

Answer: DOGGY (i.e. “pet for children”, i.e. a child’s word for a dog). Solution is DO (i.e. “party”) followed by GG (i.e. “going without meat”, i.e. the word “going” with all its middle letters removed) and Y (i.e. “unknown” – setters love referring to X, Y or Z in solutions as unknowns).

45. Glaswegian’s protracted attempt to find old actress (7)

Answer: Lillie LANGTRY (i.e. “old actress”). Solution is LANG (i.e. “Glaswegian’s protracted”, i.e. the Scots form of “long”) followed by TRY (i.e. “attempt”).

47. Call I answer after day in German state (9)

Answer: THURINGIA (i.e. “German state”). Solution is RING (i.e. “call”), I and A (a recognised abbreviation of “answer”, as in Q&A) all placed “after” THU (i.e. “day”, specifically a shortened form of Thursday), like so: (THU)-RING-I-A. The wordplay came to the rescue here. I struggle enough with local geography.

49. Crime by one with posh hairdo inside car (9)

Answer: SUPERMINI (i.e. a “car” allegedly somewhere “between a mini-car and a small saloon” (Chambers). Sounds more like a sales gimmick to me). Solution is SIN (i.e. “crime”) and I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) all wrapped around or having “inside” U (i.e. “posh”, being a recognised abbreviation of the upper classes if you observe such distinctions) and PERM (i.e. “hairdo”), like so: S(U-PERM)IN-I.

50. American actor’s spoken line of Shakespeare? (7)

Answer: Jason ROBARDS (i.e. “American actor” who starred in movies such as All The Presidents Men and Once Upon A Time In The West. I couldn’t place him, to be honest. One for the cineastes, perhaps). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “spoken”) of ROW (i.e. “line”) followed by BARD’S (i.e. “of Shakespeare”), like so: RO-BARD’S.

52. Depression has so far not entirely regressed (5)

Answer: FOSSA (i.e. a pit or “depression”). “Not entirely” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, while “regressed” indicates the solution has been reversed, like so: H(AS SO F)AR. One of those nailed through the wordplay and a quick check of my Chambers.

54. Niche firm in East London’s cut by 50 per cent (6)

Answer: ALCOVE (i.e. “niche”). Solution is CO (i.e. “firm”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “company”) placed in ‘ALVE (i.e. “East London’s cut”, i.e. the word HALVE with its H removed, as in ‘ow all ‘em cockneys are always dropping their bleedin’ aitches, inney? That and letting serial killers into their fictional streets whenever the viewing figures take a dip), like so: ‘AL(CO)VE.

55. To get nowhere is to be sufficient with pop groups (2,5,2,7)

Answer: GO ROUND IN CIRCLES (i.e. “to get nowhere”). Solution is GO ROUND (i.e. “be sufficient”) followed by IN (i.e. “pop” or popular) and CIRCLES (i.e. “groups”).

56. All there is to follow vermouth, flipping fruit tea! (6)

Answer: TISANE (i.e. “fruit tea” – chalk one to my Bradford’s here). Solution is SANE (i.e. “all there”) placed after or “following” IT (i.e. “vermouth”, short for Italian vermouth apparently – another win for the Bradford’s) once it has been reversed (indicated by “flipping”), like so: (TI)-SANE.

57. For trial, took up with Left: set to agitate (4-4)

Answer: TEST-FLEW (i.e. “for trial, took up” an aircraft). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “to agitate”) of W (a recognised abbreviation of “with”), LEFT and SET.

58. Cheat also, it’s said, getting prison sentence (3-4)

Answer: TWO-TIME (i.e. to “cheat” on one’s other half). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “it’s said”) of TOO (i.e. “also”) followed by TIME (i.e. “prison sentence”).

Down clues

1. Following rule, cricket league stops pop star joining cricket side (2,9)

Answer: ON PRINCIPLE (i.e. “following rule”). Solution is IPL (i.e. “cricket league”, specifically the Indian Premier League) placed in or “stopping” PRINCE (i.e. “pop star”). This is all then placed after or “joining” ON (i.e. “cricket side” – being “the side on which the batsman stands when waiting to receive the ball” (Chambers)), like so: (ON)-PRINC(IPL)E.

2. British not so in favour (5)

Answer: BLESS (i.e. to approve or “favour”). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”) followed by LESS (i.e. “not so” much).

3. Briefly tense after interruption from impolite old prime minister (7)

Answer: Pierre TRUDEAU (i.e. “old prime minister” of Canada, and Justin’s dad). Solution is TAUT (i.e. “tense”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “briefly”) and the remainder wrapped around or being “interrupted” by RUDE (i.e. “impolite”), like so: T(RUDE)AU.

4. Fresh from southern Oz, Liverpudlian poets do get back from across the channel (8,3,4,5)

Answer: REPONDEZ S’IL VOUS PLAIT (i.e. RSVP or “do get back from across the channel”, as in this being a French phrase). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “fresh”) of S (a recognised abbreviation of “southern”) and OZ LIVERPUDLIAN POETS.

5. Piece of timber: product that’s a cube? (4-2-3)

Answer: FOUR-BY-TWO (i.e. “piece of timber”). Solution also satisfies “product that’s a cube”, taking “product” to mean multiplication. 4×2 gets you 8, which happens to be a “cube” number: being 2^3 or 2x2x2.

6. Large English egg chopped up hardly appetising fare (5)

Answer: GRUEL (i.e. “hardly appetising fare”). Solution is L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”), E (ditto “English”) and URGE (i.e. to “egg” on) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “chopped”). The whole is then reversed (indicated by “up” – this being a down clue), like so: GRU-E-L.

7. Train ran once a month originally for remote Irish destination (9)

Answer: CONNERAMA CONNEMARA (i.e. “remote Irish destination”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “train”) of RAN ONCE A and M (i.e. “month originally”, i.e. the first letter of “month” – a rare bone thrown by the setter, I think, given M is a recognised abbreviation of “month”. The clue would have worked without “originally”). Another deduced from the wordplay, but only once all the intersecting letters had been filled in.
[EDIT: Thanks to Sue in the comments for repairing this one. I’d gotten the M and R the wrong way around, like a berk. Told you I was rubbish at geography! Cheers, Sue! – LP]

8. Mexican meal from hopper covering stone article (7)

Answer: TOSTADA (i.e. “Mexican meal”). Solution is TOAD (i.e. “hopper”) wrapped around or “covering” ST (a recognised abbreviation of “stone”) and followed by A (i.e. “article”, i.e. a word like a, an or the), like so: TO(ST)AD-A.

10. Rock one can see on sale at bird food store (7)

Answer: OUTCROP (i.e. “rock one can see” – over to Chambers again: “an exposed edge of rock or of a mineral vein at ground surface”). Solution is OUT (i.e. “on sale”) followed by CROP (i.e. “bird food store” – I guess this generally means grain-producing plants, but I could be missing something clever).
[EDIT: Sue adds more meat to this solution, pointing out that a CROP is another word for a craw, being “the throat or first stomach of fowls” (Chambers). Thanks again, Sue! – LP]

11. Pitcher containing beer moving bishop to dance! (9)

Answer: JITTERBUG (i.e. “dance”). Solution is JUG (i.e. “pitcher”) wrapped around or “containing” BITTER (i.e. “beer”) once the B (a recognised abbreviation of “bishop” used in chess) has been “moved” along, like so: J((B)ITTER)UG => J(ITTER(B))UG.

12. Notes type of wood cut for table (6,5)

Answer: MINUTE STEAK (i.e. meat “cut for table”). Solution is MINUTES (i.e. “notes” of a meeting) followed by TEAK (i.e. “type of wood”).

15. Work of member of Parliament admired by the queen (3,3,3,3,8)

Answer: THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT (i.e. “work” by Edward Lear). The clue plays on the collective noun for an owl being a parliament, and a queen being a female cat. “Member of Parliament” therefore gets you THE OWL – ignoring the misleading capitalisation – while “the queen” gets you THE PUSSYCAT. Not sure where “admired by” fits into all this though.
[EDIT: Thanks again to Sue in the comments for clarifying the “admired by” part of the clue. In the poem the pair generally chat each other up during their trip and agree to marry. Apparently there was an unfinished sequel to this where the pair have kids. Paging Doctor Moreau… – LP]

20. Varied content of skip, etc, is most revolting (7)

Answer: ICKIEST (i.e. “most revolting”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “varied”) of KI (i.e. “content of skip”, i.e. the middle letters of “skip”), ETC and IS.

21. Letters on French wine included in unwelcome post? One cause for complaint! (7)

Answer: BACILLI (i.e. “cause for complaint” or disease). Solution is AC (i.e. “letters on French wine”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of appellation contrôlée, which is “a guarantee that the product conforms to certain specified conditions of origin, strength etc” (Chambers). I’ve learned something today. Shame I don’t drink much French wine) placed “in” BILL (i.e. “unwelcome post”) and followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: B(AC)ILL-I.

24. Maybe stout resistance met by each trio omitting Les? (4,3)

Answer: REAL ALE (i.e. “maybe stout” – other varieties of fally-down juice are available). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “resistance”) followed by EA (ditto “each”) and LA and LE (i.e. “trio omitting Les” – ignore the misleading capitalisation, this is a play on the three French forms of the word “the”: LA (female), LE (male) and LES (collective). A bit naughty of the setter to omit a French indicator from the clue, if I have this right).

26. Flat or house? I’m not sure (2-3)

Answer: HO-HUM (i.e. “flat”). Solution is HO (a recognised abbreviation of “house”) followed by HUM (i.e. “I’m not sure”). Probably my favourite clue of the puzzle.

28. Crack alarms us – so utilise clamps (4,3)

Answer: SUSS OUT (i.e. “crack”). “Clamps” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: ALARM(S US SO UT)ILISE.

30. Guts shown by inexperienced visiting CID officer (5)

Answer: DRAWS (i.e. “guts”, as in hang, draw and quarter). Solution is RAW (i.e. “inexperienced”) placed in or “visiting” DS (i.e. “CID officer”, specifically a Detective Sergeant), like so: D(RAW)S.

32. Silly young lad’s outside far too early (7)

Answer: UNGODLY (i.e. “far too early”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “silly”) of YOUNG and LD (i.e. “lad’s outside”, i.e. the first and last letter of “lad”).

33. Declaring cipher secure, up to date, and good (7)

Answer: OPINING (i.e. “declaring”). Solution is O (i.e. “cipher” – another win for my Bradford’s. Over to Chambers again, a cipher can be “formerly, the character 0” in mathematics. No, me neither) followed by PIN (i.e. to “secure”), then IN (i.e. fashionable or “up to date”) and G (a recognised abbreviation of “good”).

34. Just as far behind horse, perhaps, first soldier? (11)

Answer: EQUIDISTANT (i.e. “just as far”). Solution is EQUID (i.e. “horse”) followed by IST (i.e. “first”, with the 1 represented by its Roman numeral equivalent) and ANT (i.e. “soldier”).

36. Unlikely to start August: gets to visit American capital (11)

Answer: TALLAHASSEE (i.e. “American capital” of Florida). Solution is TALL (i.e. “unlikely”) followed by A (i.e. “to start August”, i.e. the first letter of “August”), then HAS (i.e. “gets”) and SEE (i.e. “to visit”).

38. Said PC could be moved with 1kg boxes (9)

Answer: DIGIPACKS (i.e. paperboard-bound “boxes” for compact discs – ask your grandparents, kids). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “moved”) of SAID PC and IKG – 1 again replaced by its Roman numeral equivalent.

40. What the keenest do to win a speaking competition? (9)

Answer: UTTERMOST (i.e. “what the keenest do”). When written as UTTER MOST the solution also playfully satisfies “to win a speaking competition”.

41. Audience were mostly thrilled with invite (9)

Answer: INTERVIEW (i.e. an “audience” with someone). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “thrilled”) of WER (i.e. “were mostly”, i.e. the word “were” with its last letter removed) and INVITE.

44. City, years before, leading division (7)

Answer: YEREVAN (i.e. capital “city” of Armenia). Solution is Y (a recognised abbreviation of “years”) followed by ERE (poetic form of “before”) and VAN (i.e. “leading division”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “vanguard”). Another nailed through the wordplay, if I’m honest.
[EDIT: Thanks to Neil in the comments for repairing this one. I’d misspelled YEREVAN, writing YEREVEN instead. Cheers, Neil! – LP]

46. A few with premier going on offensive (7)

Answer: NOISOME (i.e. “offensive”). Solution is SOME (i.e. “a few”) placed “on” or after NO I (i.e. leading or “premier” – again with use of the Roman numeral I), like so: (NO-I)-SOME.

48. Reason acceptable for raising hell (7)

Answer: INFERNO (i.e. “hell”). Solution is INFER (i.e. to “reason”) followed by ON (i.e. “acceptable”) once reversed (indicated by “raising” – this being a down clue), like so: INFER-NO.

51. Don’t permit anything short to be worn (5)

Answer: BANAL (i.e. cliched, tired or “worn”). Solution is BAN ALL (i.e. “don’t permit anything”) once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “short”).

53. Was once successful in sales – making money no longer (5)

Answer: SOLDI (i.e. “money no longer”, specifically an old Italian coin). When written as SOLD I the solution also satisfies “was once successful in sales”, i.e. having sold one, using the Roman numeral I to represent “one”.

For the most part this was a relatively straightforward puzzle. Unless you tried starting the thing in the top-right-hand corner, in which case… well, that noise mechanics make when you ask how the MOT went? Yeah, that noise. Ouch. I rarely enjoy uneven puzzles and this didn’t do much to buck the trend. Still, at least there were a few nicely disguised clues to enjoy.

You can find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them useful. If a recent Jumbo has stolen all your currant buns then you might find solace in my Just For Fun page, where you’ll find links to the last 180 of them. Elsewhere there are the usual ancient book reviews and a story of mine.

Thanks once again for the kind words and input. They’re much appreciated, and it’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of other solvers. Till next time, mask up and stay safe out there, kids.

LP

Across clues

1. Striking Tories perhaps without qualification (8)

Answer: OUTRIGHT (i.e. absolute or “without qualification”). Solution is OUT (i.e. noticeable or “striking”) followed by RIGHT (i.e. “Tories perhaps”, politically speaking).

5. Argument stated, reserve knocked over (4-2)

Answer: BUST-UP (i.e. “argument”). Solution is PUT (i.e. “stated”) and SUB (i.e. “reserve”, short for substitute) all reversed (indicated by “knocked over”), like so: BUS-TUP.

9. Considerate deed farthest off you feel, always ending on the periphery (7)

Answer: TACTFUL (i.e. “considerate”). Solution is ACT (i.e. “deed”) placed in or having “on the periphery” TFUL (i.e. “farthest off you feel, always ending”, i.e. the last letters of “farthesT“, “ofF“, “yoU” and “feeL“), like so: T(ACT)FUL.

14. Sending out chef, start on breakfast (6,5)

Answer: FRENCH TOAST (i.e. “breakfast”). “Sending out” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of CHEF START ON.

15. Runs bagged, another top ground for cricket perhaps (11)

Answer: ORTHOPTERAN (i.e. “cricket perhaps” – other such insects are available). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “runs”) placed in or “bagged” by an anagram (indicated by “ground”) of ANOTHER TOP, like so: O(R)THOPTERAN. The wordplay was reasonably obvious but good grief this took some dictionary wrangling!

16. Bring joy to conclusion of life story’s retrospective? (5)

Answer: ELATE (i.e. “bring joy to”). Solution is E (i.e. “conclusion of life”, i.e. the last letter of “life”) followed by TALE (i.e. “story”) all reversed (indicated by “retrospective”), like so: ELAT-E.

17. Time Carol is knocking off (7)

Answer: ERASING (i.e. “knocking off”). Solution is ERA (i.e. “time”) followed by SING (i.e. to “carol” – ignore the misleading capitalisation).

18. Trouble’s back: certainly coach seeing problem (9)

Answer: EYESTRAIN (i.e. “seeing problem”). Solution is E (i.e. “trouble’s back”, i.e. the last letter of “trouble”) followed by YES (i.e. “certainly”) and TRAIN (i.e. “coach”).

19. Somewhat hot here, torrid coming to that (7)

Answer: THERETO (i.e. “coming to that”). “Somewhat” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: HO(T HERE TO)RRID.

20. Allowing for changes, autumn mist is tad different (7,8)

Answer: MUTATIS MUTANDIS (i.e. “allowing for changes” in Latin, because, you know, The Times). “Different” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of AUTUMN MIST IS TAD. Another where the wordplay was fairly obvious, and another that took some dictionary thumbing to get.

22. Sound of rapper, villain penning all the best dross (3-1-3-3)

Answer: RAT-A-TAT-TAT (i.e. “sound of rapper” or one knocking). Solution is RAT (i.e. “villain”) wrapped around or “penning” TATA (i.e. farewell or “all the best”) and followed by TAT (i.e. “dross”), like so: RA(TATA)T-TAT.

23. Entertain Royal Engineers, primarily (6)

Answer: REGALE (i.e. “entertain”). Solution is REGAL (i.e. “royal” – ignore the misleading capitalisation) and E (i.e. “engineers, primarily”, i.e. the first letter of “engineers”).

25. You and I see, certainly (4)

Answer: YEAH (i.e. “certainly”). Solution is YE (i.e. “you”) followed by AH (i.e. “I see”).

28. Recover after a mauling when lioness won and duck lost (4,4,6)

Answer: LICK ONE’S WOUNDS (i.e. “recover after a mauling”). “Lost” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of LIONESS WON and DUCK.

30. Girl, she’s drunk a huge amount of water (5,3)

Answer: IRISH SEA (i.e. “huge amount of water”). Solution is IRIS (i.e. a “girl’s” name) followed by an anagram (indicated by “drunk”) of SHE, then A, like so: IRIS-HSE-A.

32. Particular things, matches involving French team? (8)

Answer: NICETIES (i.e. “particular things”). When written as NICE TIES the solution also satisfies “matches involving French team”.

34. Blue fluff on one’s tongue, perhaps? (4,2,3,5)

Answer: DOWN IN THE MOUTH. Solution satisfies “blue” or feeling low, and “fluff on one’s tongue, perhaps”, fluff being all downy and that.

37. Arsenal, looking back, compact and organised (4)

Answer: SNUG (i.e. “compact and organised”). Solution is GUNS (i.e. “arsenal”) reversed (indicated by “looking back”).

38. Loyal subject ultimately out of practice (6)

Answer: TRUSTY (i.e. “loyal”). Solution is T (i.e. “subject ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “subject”) followed by RUSTY (i.e. “out of practice”).

39. Relevant where taper’s heading? (2,3,5)

Answer: TO THE POINT. Solution satisfies “relevant” and “where taper’s heading”.

43. Purplish, purplis and purpli mouse? (9,6)

Answer: SHRINKING VIOLET (i.e. a timid person or “mouse”). The first part of the clue plays on how PURPLISH (i.e. “violet”) is seen to SHRINK one letter at a time.

45. Holidaymaker, one freaking out? (7)

Answer: TRIPPER. Solution satisfies “holidaymaker” and “one freaking out”.

47. Nation, one entertained by an American refrain (9)

Answer: AUSTRALIA (i.e. “nation”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) placed in or “entertained by” A US (i.e. “an American”) and TRA-LA (i.e. a simple song or “refrain”), like so: A-US-TRA-L(I)A.

49. What’s lost, finding a way to cut pay (7)

Answer: WASTAGE (i.e. “what’s lost”). Solution is A and ST (i.e. “way”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “street”) both placed in or “cutting” WAGE (i.e. “pay”), like so: W(A-ST)AGE.

51. Sign on end of rope, near hole in the middle (5)

Answer: ENROL (i.e. “sign on”). Solution is E (i.e. “end of rope”, i.e. the last letter of “rope”) followed by NR (a recognised abbreviation of “near”) and OL (i.e. “hole in the middle”, i.e. the middle letters of “hole”).

52. Puzzle isn’t a doddle, unfinished brother admits (11)

Answer: BRAINTEASER (i.e. “puzzle”). Solution is AIN’T EASY (i.e. “isn’t a doddle”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “unfinished”) and the remainder placed in or “admitted” by BRER (i.e. “brother” in Southern US dialect), like so: BR(AIN’T-EAS)ER.

53. Telling stories is generally nice, all kicking off should I be unable to do so (11)

Answer: SIGNIFICANT (i.e. “telling”). Solution is SIGN (i.e. “stories is generally nice, all kicking off”, i.e. the first letters of “Stories”, “Is”, “Generally” and “Nice”) followed by I and CAN’T (i.e. “be unable to do so”).

54. Sponges in sediment mopping up last bits of classic French wine (7)

Answer: LEECHES (i.e. “sponges” off of). Solution is LEES (i.e. “sediment”) wrapped around or “mopping up” CHE (i.e. “last bits of classic French wine”, i.e. the last letters of “classiC“, “FrencH” and “winE“), like so: LEE(CHE)S.

55. Some hollow fruit collected (6)

Answer: SEDATE (i.e. “collected”). Solution is SE (i.e. “some hollow”, i.e. “some” with its middle letters removed) followed by DATE (i.e. “fruit”).

56. It having broken ornamental stone, daughter upset (8)

Answer: AGITATED (i.e. “upset”). Solution is IT placed in or “breaking” AGATE (i.e. “ornamental stone”) and followed by D (a recognised abbreviation of “daughter”), like so: AG(IT)ATE-D.

Down clues

1. On holiday, whip is eccentric (7)

Answer: OFFBEAT (i.e. “eccentric”). Solution is OFF (i.e. “on holiday”) followed by BEAT (i.e. “whip”).

2. Remedial teacher I put in a spin (11)

Answer: THERAPEUTIC (i.e. “remedial”). “In a spin” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of TEACHER I PUT.

3. Harsh material’s ending in secure boxes (9)

Answer: INCLEMENT (i.e. “harsh”). Solution is IN and CEMENT (i.e. “secure”) wrapped around or “boxing” L (i.e. “material’s ending”, i.e. the last letter of “material”), like so: IN-C(L)EMENT.

4. Play dirty with handle on weapon, bet the elbow bent going in? (3,5,3,4)

Answer: HIT BELOW THE BELT (i.e. “play dirty”). Solution is HILT (i.e. “handle on weapon”) wrapped around or having “in” an anagram (indicated by “bent”) of BET THE ELBOW, like so: HI(TBELOWTHEBE)LT.

6. Separating foolish peacekeepers, head of security puts things straight (8)

Answer: UNTWISTS (i.e. “puts things straight”). Solution is S (i.e. “head of security”) placed in or “separating” UN TWITS (i.e. “foolish peacekeepers”, UN being the United Nations), like so: UN-TWI(S)TS.

7. Improbable cerebral talent, however pedestrian activity (7-7)

Answer: THOUGHT-READING (i.e. “improbable cerebral talent”). Solution is THOUGH (i.e. “however”) followed by TREADING (i.e. “pedestrian activity”).

8. Snooker player’s stick somewhere in Hertfordshire (7,3)

Answer: POTTER’S BAR (i.e. “somewhere in Hertfordshire”). Solution is POTTER’S (i.e. “snooker player’s”) followed by BAR (i.e. “stick”).

9. American writer you no longer read briefly visits (7)

Answer: Henry David THOREAU (i.e. “American writer”). Solution is THOU (i.e. “you no longer”, i.e. ye olde form of “you”) wrapped around or “visited” by REA (i.e. “read briefly”, i.e. “read” with its last letter removed), like so: THO(REA)U.

10. How to make something smaller succeed (3,2)

Answer: CUT IT. Solution satisfies “how to make something smaller” and “succeed”.

11. Appropriate to charge? I’m not sure it’s an offence in rugby (7,4)

Answer: FORWARD PASS (i.e. “it’s an offence in rugby”). Not one I’m 100% on. I guess “appropriate to charge” gets you FORWARD, with the riddly question mark suggesting something clever is afoot. Search me. You can “charge” forward, but the rest of it? Pfffff. “I’m not sure”, meanwhile, nets you PASS, which is exactly what I’m going to do.

[EDIT: Thanks to sirram999 in the comments for clearing this one up. “Appropriate to” gets you FOR, while “charge” gets you WARD, e.g. a child placed in care. Cheers, S! – LP]

12. Revolutionary figure in register – such as him? (8)

Answer: LENINIST (i.e. “him”, in relation to the “revolutionary figure” at the start of the clue). Solution is NINE (i.e. “figure” or number) reversed (indicated by “revolutionary”) and placed “in” LIST (i.e. “register”), like so: L(ENIN)IST. Pretty much the exact same clue appeared only a few weeks ago in grid 1525. Ugh.

13. A laugh arising in story (4)

Answer: SAGA (i.e. “story”). Solution is A GAS (i.e. “a laugh”) all reversed (indicated by “arising” – this being a down clue).

20. Pet sounds mellow if allowed on woman’s sofa, initially (6)

Answer: MIAOWS (i.e. “pet sounds”). “Initially” indicates the solution is derived from the initial letters of “Mellow”, “If”, “Allowed”, “On”, “Woman’s” and “Sofa”.

21. Plant a feature of Italy’s summer (7)

Answer: ALYSSUM (i.e. “plant”). “A feature of” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: IT(ALY’S SUM)MER.

22. Verdict going straight across the page? (6)

Answer: RULING. Solution satisfies “verdict” and lines “going straight across the page”.

24. Remarkable piece of jewellery? That’s the unusual set inside? (5-10)

Answer: EARTH-SHATTERING (i.e. “remarkable”). Solution is EARRING (i.e. “piece of jewellery”) wrapped around or having “set inside” an anagram (indicated by “unusual”) of THAT’S THE, like so: EAR(THSHATTE)RING.

26. Great extra-terrestrial (3,2,4,5)

Answer: OUT OF THIS WORLD. Solution satisfies “great” and “extra-terrestrial”.

27. Reportedly walk while swaying – something saucy in that? (6)

Answer: SACHET (i.e. “something saucy in that”). “Reportedly” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of SASHAY (i.e. “walk while swaying”).

29. Odd bits erased, touch label on figure (7)

Answer: OCTAGON (i.e. a shape or “figure”). Solution is OC (i.e. “odd bits erased, touch”, i.e. every other letter of TOUCH) followed by TAG (i.e. “label”) and ON.

31. Walking, where mule should be? (2,4)

Answer: ON FOOT. Solution satisfies “walking” and “where mule should be” – a variant meaning of the word is “a backless slipper or shoe” (Chambers).

33. Focus of attention being cold main dish, male tucking in (6,5)

Answer: CENTRE STAGE (i.e. “focus of attention”). Solution is C (a recognised abbreviation of “cold”) followed by ENTRÉE (i.e. “main dish”) once wrapped around or having “tucked in” STAG (i.e. “male”), like so: C-ENTRÉ(STAG)E.

35. Chap drinking wine in one measure – not worth mentioning (11)

Answer: UNIMPORTANT (i.e. “not worth mentioning”). Solution is MAN (i.e. “chap”) wrapped around or “drinking” PORT (i.e. “wine”) while itself placed “in” UNIT (i.e. “one measure”), like so: UNI(M(PORT)AN)T.

36. A solution to glaring problem? (10)

Answer: SUNGLASSES. Clue plays on how “glaring” can mean to dazzle and to refer to something obvious.

40. Tariff triples unfortunately, tying in one client originally (5,4)

Answer: PRICE LIST (i.e. “tariff”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “unfortunately”) of TRIPLES wrapped around or “tying in” I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and C (i.e. “client originally”, i.e. the first letter of “client”), like so: PR(I-C)ELIST.

41. Where sultan, I suspect, had embraced capital in Byzantium? (8)

Answer: ISTANBUL (i.e. “capital in Byzantium” – technically Constantinople, which was then renamed Istanbul in 1930). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “suspect”) of SULTAN I wrapped around or “embracing” B (i.e. “capital [letter of] Byzantium”), like so: ISTAN(B)UL.

42. In secret, someone’s outside, not far apart (5-3)

Answer: CLOSE-SET (i.e. “not far apart”). Solution is CLOSET (i.e. “secret”) wrapped around or having “in” SE (i.e. “someone’s outside”, i.e. the first and last letters of “someone”), like so: CLOSE(SE)T.

44. Almost selling out, society in disorder (7)

Answer: ILLNESS (i.e. “disorder”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “out”) of SELLING once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “almost”), followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “society”), like so: ILLNES-S.

46. Similar sore, evidently, behind cuts (7)

Answer: RELATED (i.e. “similar”). Solution is RED (i.e. “sore, evidently”) wrapped around or being “cut” by LATE (i.e. lagging “behind”), like so: RE(LATE)D.

48. Farm office locally not opening (5)

Answer: RANCH (i.e. “farm”). Solution is BRANCH (i.e. “office locally”) with its first letter removed (indicated by “not opening”).

50. Back circling river, mythical ship (4)

Answer: ARGO (i.e. “mythical ship” that carted Jason from one Ray Harryhausen spectacle to the next). Solution is AGO (i.e. “back”) wrapped around or “circling” R (a recognised abbreviation of “river”), like so: A(R)GO.

A tougher offering this week filled with a good number of well-crafted clues. I rather liked this one, though I didn’t help myself much in originally having GIDDY HEIGHTS for 6 down.

You can find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them helpful. If a recent Jumbo has stolen your identity and established a life for itself in the south of France, savouring the local food and taking in the sights, perhaps driving from place to place in a trusty little Renault 5, then 1) you might want to get in touch with your bank, and 2) you might also find my Just For Fun page of use, where you’ll find links to solutions to the last 170+ of these things. Elsewhere there are the usual ancient book reviews and a story of mine.

Thanks once more for the kind words and input, everyone. It’s always interesting to hear how other solvers fared, or if there are alternative solutions to some clues. Till next time, stay safe out there, kids.

LP

Across clues

1. Flap of avian’s wings captured by photo (5)

Answer: PANIC (i.e. “flap”). Solution is AN (i.e. “avian’s wings”, i.e. the first and last letter of “avian”) placed in or “captured by” PIC (i.e. “photo”), like so: P(AN)IC.

4. Removed inedible parts of fish, putting in pinch of dill, and plunged into hot water (7)

Answer: SCALDED (i.e. “plunged into hot water”). Solution is SCALED (i.e. “removed inedible parts of fish”) wrapped around or having “put in” D (i.e. “pinch of dill”, i.e. the first letter of “dill” – can’t say I’m a fan of the wordplay), like so: SCAL(D)ED.

8. Snake shredded salmon in wetland (9)

Answer: BOOMSLANG (i.e. a highly venomous tree “snake” – chalk one to my Bradford’s here). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “shredded”) of SALMON placed “in” BOG (i.e. “wetland”), like so: BO(OMSLAN)G.

13. Soviet city tending to ignore a radical (9)

Answer: LENINGRAD (i.e. “Soviet city”). Solution is LEANING (i.e. “tending to”) with the A removed (indicated by “ignore a”) and the remainder followed by RAD (a recognised abbreviation of “radical” in politics), like so: LENING-RAD.

14. With this you will find medicine most effective, not suffering at all (4,9)

Answer: ZERO TOLERANCE. Solution satisfies “with this you will find medicine most effective” and “not suffering [fools] at all”

15. Old flame, generous type (7)

Answer: EXAMPLE (i.e. “type”). Solution is EX (i.e. “old flame”) followed by AMPLE (i.e. “generous”).

16. Leaderless group’s OK to make return journey (7)

Answer: ODYSSEY (i.e. “journey”). Solution is BODY’S (i.e. “group’s”) with the first letter removed (indicated by “leaderless”) and the remainder followed by YES (i.e. “OK”) once reversed (indicated by “to make return”), like so: ODY’S-SEY.

17. Is mother following Virginia’s nervous disorder? (7)

Answer: VAPOURS (i.e. “nervous disorder”). Solution is POURS (i.e. “is mother”, after the phrase “shall I be mother” when pouring a cuppa for someone) placed after or “following” VA (US state abbreviation of “Virginia”), like so: VA-POURS.

18. Booking essential in advance for middle-of-the-road locale (7,11)

Answer: CENTRAL RESERVATION (i.e. “middle-of-the-road locale”). Solution is RESERVATION (i.e. “booking”) with CENTRAL (i.e. “essential”) placed before it or “in advance” of it.

21. Part of cruise missile housing unit (4)

Answer: SEMI (i.e. “housing unit”). “Part of” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: CRUI(SE MI)SSILE.

23. Expose a fruit tree, trimming end around hives (9)

Answer: URTICARIA (i.e. nettle rash or “hives”). Solution is AIR (i.e. “expose”) followed by A, then CITRUS (i.e. “fruit tree”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “trimming end”). The whole is then reversed (indicated by “around”), like so: URTIC-A-RIA. One nailed through the wordplay but only once I had all the intersecting letters.

25. Assurance supported by quite a few pints (6)

Answer: GALLON (i.e. “quite a few pints”). Solution is GALL (i.e. “assurance”) followed by ON (i.e. on top of or “supported by”).

26. Illegal act to west of key peninsula (6)

Answer: CRIMEA (i.e. “peninsula”). Solution is CRIME (i.e. “illegal act”) placed before or “to west of” – this being an across clue – A (i.e. musical “key”).

28. Very keen, doubling the score (6-6)

Answer: TWENTY-TWENTY. Solution satisfies “very keen” vision, and “doubling the score”, a score being twenty.

30. Donkeys’ fur that may be valued (10)

Answer: ASSESSABLE (i.e. “may be valued”). Solution is ASSES (i.e. “donkeys”) followed by SABLE (i.e. “fur”).

33. Formal restraint – a peck? (3,7)

Answer: DRY MEASURE (“a peck” is one example of such). Solution is DRY (i.e. “formal”) followed by MEASURE (i.e. “restraint”, as in taking a measured approach).

34. Department of Defence head once struggling to contain resistance is figure with Pentagon on side? (12)

Answer: DODECAHEDRON (i.e. “figure with pentagon on side” – ignore the misleading capitalisation). Solution is DOD (short for “Department of Defence”) followed by an anagram (indicated by “struggling”) of HEAD ONCE once wrapped around or “containing” R (a recognised abbreviation of “resistance”), like so: DOD-ECAHED(R)ON.

37. Device to catch trespassers falls short, it’s said repeatedly (6)

Answer: MANTRA (i.e. “it’s said repeatedly”). Solution is MANTRAP (i.e. “device to catch trespassers”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “falls short”).

39. Satisfied with what’s useful for bricklayer’s technique (6)

Answer: METHOD (i.e. “technique”). Solution is MET (i.e. “satisfied”) followed by HOD (i.e. “what’s useful for bricklayer”).

40. Florida’s shaken by new shark warning? (6,3)

Answer: DORSAL FIN (i.e. “shark warning”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “shaken”) of FLORIDA’S followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), like so: DORSALFI-N.

42. Verbally expresses regret about trick (4)

Answer: RUSE (i.e. “trick”). “Verbally” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of RUES (i.e. “expresses regret”).

43. Long-established and generally accepted as Chair? (4,2,3,9)

Answer: PART OF THE FURNITURE (i.e. “long-established”). Clue plays on how a chair is an example of, or part of, furniture.

46. Neglected what could make play pay? (4,3)

Answer: LEFT OUT (i.e. “neglected”). Solution also cryptically satisfies “what could make play pay”, i.e. removing the L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) from “play” to get “pay”.

47. Solitary saint coming in to write this again? (7)

Answer: RECLUSE (i.e. “solitary”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “saint”) placed “in” RECLUE (i.e. for the setter “to write this [clue] again”).

48. Overlay with gold and even out (7)

Answer: PLATEAU (i.e. “even out”). Solution is PLATE (i.e. “overlay with”) followed by AU (chemical symbol of “gold”).

50. Trial audience audibly yawning? (8,5)

Answer: SOUNDING BOARD (i.e. “trial audience”). The remainder of the clue plays on how BOARD is a homophone (indicated by “audibly”) of BORED. If you are “yawning” then you are SOUNDING BORED. You get the idea.

51. Foodie finding new oral gratification ultimately in larva! (3,6)

Answer: BON VIVANT (i.e. “foodie”). Solution is N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), VIVA (i.e. “oral” exam, often taken when a student is on the cusp of a higher final grade) and N (i.e. “gratification ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “gratification”) all placed “in” BOT (i.e. “larva” of a botfly) like so: BO(N-VIVA-N)T.

52. Only one of this pair will emerge from secret meeting taking seconds (9)

Answer: DUELLISTS. The clue basically describes a duel, given they were held in “secret”, how duellists were assisted by “seconds”, and how “only one of [them] will emerge” at the end of it.

53. Looked for provision in favour of elderly (7)

Answer: FORAGED (i.e. “looked for provision”). When written as FOR AGED the clue also satisfies “in favour of elderly”.

54. Clear article on reflection’s got great depth (5)

Answer: NADIR (i.e. a “great depth”). Solution is RID (i.e. to “clear”) and AN (i.e. “article”, i.e. a word like a, an or the) all reversed (indicated by “on reflection”), like so: NA-DIR.

Down clues

1. Election meeting rejecting queen – expect a reaction when this is raised! (6,5)

Answer: POLLEN COUNT (i.e. “expect a reaction when this is raised”). Solution is POLL (i.e. “election”) followed by ENCOUNTER (i.e. “meeting”) once the ER has been removed (indicated by “rejecting queen” – ER being short for Elizabeth Regina), like so: POLL-ENCOUNT.

2. Contradictory responses from Bonn after expulsion of eastern spy (5)

Answer: NINJA (i.e. “spy”). Solution is NEIN and JA (i.e. “contradictory responses from Bonn”, i.e. “no” and “yes” in German) once the E has been removed (indicated by “after expulsion of eastern” – E being a recognised abbreviation of “eastern”), like so: NIN-JA. Nicely worked.

3. Conservative illegally recording another, ringing chap who suspects a plot? (10,6)

Answer: CONSPIRACY THEORY (i.e. which “suspects a plot”). Solution is CONS (a recognised abbreviation of “conservative”) followed by PIRACY (i.e. “illegally recording”) and TORY (i.e. “another [conservative]”) wrapped around or “ringing” HE (i.e. “chap”), like so: CONS-PIRACY-T(HE)ORY.

4. Fantastic county’s tailender getting out on a half century (7)

Answer: SURREAL (i.e. “fantastic”). Solution is SURREY (i.e. “county”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “tailender getting out”) and the remainder followed by A, then L (i.e. “half century” expressed as a Roman numeral), like so: SURRE-A-L.

5. Stars with old city lawyer in Hollywood? (9)

Answer: ANDROMEDA (i.e. “stars”). Solution is AND (i.e. “with”) followed by ROME (i.e. “old city”) and DA (i.e. “lawyer”, specifically a District Attorney).

6. Swimming teams in water sport taking lead in honours – the pinnacle of success (5,7)

Answer: DIZZY HEIGHTS (i.e. “the pinnacle of success”). Solution is DIZZY (i.e. where one’s head is “swimming”) and EIGHTS (i.e. “teams in water sport”, most likely rowing teams) wrapped around or “taking” H (i.e. “lead in honours”, i.e. the first letter of “honours”), like so: DIZZY-(H)-EIGHTS.

7. Delivery is walloped with contempt (10)

Answer: DERISIVELY (i.e. “with contempt”). “Walloped” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of DELIVERY IS.

8. Non-drinker coming in to purchase snack (5)

Answer: BUTTY (i.e. “snack”). Solution is TT (i.e. “non-drinker”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a teetotaller) placed “in” BUY (i.e. “to purchase”), like so: BU(TT)Y.

9. Hobbit turning up having lost head is disappearing from sight in obscurity (8)

Answer: OBLIVION (i.e. “obscurity”). Solution is BILBO Baggins (i.e. “hobbit”) reversed (indicated by “turning up” – this being a down clue) and its initial letter removed (i.e. “having lost head”). This is then followed by VISION (i.e. “sight”) with the IS removed (indicated by “is disappearing from”), like so: OBLI-VION.

10. Hole, namely source of oil (6)

Answer: SCRAPE (i.e. an uncomfortable situation or “hole”). Solution is SC (i.e. “namely”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of the Latin scilicet) followed by RAPE (i.e. “source of oil”).

11. A North American outwardly amused, cracking up to a tedious degree (2,7)

Answer: AD NAUSEAM (i.e. “to a tedious degree”). Solution is A followed by NA (a recognised abbreviation of “North American”) once placed in or having “outwardly” an anagram (indicated by “cracking up”) of AMUSED, like so: A-D(NA)USEAM.

12. Shot of visitor touring southern India and China (11)

Answer: GUESSTIMATE (i.e. a “shot”). Solution is GUEST (i.e. “visitor”) wrapped around or “touring” S (a recognised abbreviation of “southern”) and followed by I (“India” in the phonetic alphabet) and MATE (i.e. “China”, cockney rhyming slang for MATE, after “china plate”), like so: GUE(S)ST-I-MATE.

19. Try oven out a bit (3,4)

Answer: NOT VERY (i.e. “a bit”). “Out” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of TRY OVEN.

20. Comedy film for kids, something digital? (7)

Answer: TOOTSIE. Solution satisfies a “comedy film” from the 80s starring Dustin Hoffman, and “for kids, something digital”, i.e. a childish name for a toe.

22. Questioning the job of a ballot scrutineer? (5-11)

Answer: CROSS-EXAMINATION. Solution satisfies “questioning” and, playfully, “the job of a ballot scrutineer”, given how an X is drawn in the box of your least-worst candidate.

24. Check over notes on principles of string theory (6)

Answer: RETEST (i.e. to recheck or “check over”). Solution is RE and TE (i.e. “notes” in sol-fa notation) followed by ST (i.e. “principles of string theory”, i.e. the first letters of “string” and “theory”).

27. Marry again in resort (6)

Answer: REPAIR (i.e. to “resort”). When written as RE-PAIR the solution also satisfies “marry again”.

29. Advance payment you deserve no longer, perhaps (7)

Answer: EARNEST. Solution satisfies an “advance payment” and “deserve no longer, perhaps”, i.e. a playful ye-olde take on the word EARN. A rather similar clue appeared a few weeks ago in puzzle 1523, to much commentary!

31. Zoonotic disease – one of chickens came home to roost, might one say? (4,3)

Answer: BIRD FLU (i.e. “zoonotic disease”). Solution is BIRD (i.e. “one of chickens”) followed by a homophone (indicated by “might one say”) of FLEW (i.e. “[bird] came home to roost”).

32. Spurn leftover joint? (4,8)

Answer: COLD SHOULDER. Solution satisfies to “spurn” and, playfully, “leftover joint”, given how leftover meat is served cold.

33. Dispirited protest assembled around 50 (11)

Answer: DEMORALISED (i.e. “dispirited”). Solution is DEMO (i.e. “protest”, short for demonstration) followed by RAISED (i.e. “assembled”) once wrapped “around” L (i.e. “[Roman numeral] 50”), like so: DEMO-RA(L)ISED.

35. Remark that’s inappropriate and awfully risqué to nun (3,8)

Answer: NON-SEQUITUR (i.e. “remark that’s inappropriate”). “Awfully” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of RISQUE TO NUN.

36. Material that’s fine, but not on rubbish singer (10)

Answer: CHIFFCHAFF (i.e. a warbler bird or “singer”). Solution is CHIFFON (i.e. “material that’s fine”) with the ON removed (indicated by “but not on”) and the remainder followed by CHAFF (i.e. “rubbish”), like so: CHIFF-CHAFF.

38. Instrument of tuneless, unending jangling (4,5)

Answer: NOSE FLUTE (i.e. “instrument”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “jangling”) of OF TUNELESS once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “unending”).

40. No good climbing bit of wall for sack of salt? (6,3)

Answer: DUFFEL BAG (i.e. “sack for salt” or sailor). Solution is DUFF (i.e. “no good”) followed by GABLE (i.e. “bit of wall”) reversed (indicated by “climbing” – this being a down clue), like so: DUFF-ELBAG.

41. Seaside town is blessed with container with gas on outskirts (8)

Answer: HASTINGS (i.e. “seaside town”). Solution is HAS (i.e. “is blessed with”) followed by TIN (i.e. “container”) and GS (i.e. “gas on outskirts”, i.e. the first and last letter of “gas”).

44. Rent, having space for parking developed (7)

Answer: RIPENED (i.e. “developed”). Solution is RIPPED (i.e. “rent”) with the second P (a recognised abbreviation of “parking”) swapped “for” EN (a “space” in printing that is half the width of a lowercase m), like so: RIP(P)ED => RIP(EN)ED.

45. Verse taken out of Decameron deleted (6)

Answer: RONDEL (i.e. “verse”). “Taken out of” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: DECAME(RON DEL)ETED.

47. Enigma dealing with U-boat surfacing (5)

Answer: REBUS (i.e. a picture puzzle or “enigma”). Solution is RE (i.e. regarding or “dealing with” – think email replies) followed by SUB (i.e. “U-boat” or submarine) once reversed (indicated by “resurfacing”, given this is a down clue and how U-boats rise to the surface), like so: RE-BUS.

49. Antelope’s rump pierced by flea regularly (5)

Answer: ELAND (i.e. “antelope”). Solution is END (i.e. “rump”) wrapped around or “pierced by” LA (i.e. “flea regularly”, i.e. every other letter of FLEA), like so: E(LA)ND.