A medium strength puzzle this week, and one enjoying a generous dollop of well-written clues. A good un, then, and somewhat welcome after grinding through a couple of duffers.

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 given you the slip then you might find my Just For Fun page of use, where you’ll find links to solutions for hundreds of the things.

Thanks again for your kind words and input. It’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of other solvers once they’ve set down their pens. Till next time, stay safe out there kids.

LP

FBV (French-By-Volume): 1.33%

Across clues

1. Tailored coat mum’s altered, done without lining (6-4)

Answer: CUSTOM-MADE (i.e. “tailored”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “altered”) of COAT MUM’S followed by DE (i.e. “done without lining”, i.e. the word “done” with its middle letters removed), like so: CUSTOMMA-DE.

6. What people pour into gardens with a cane and string for lashing (8,4)

Answer: WATERING CANS (i.e. “what people pour into gardens”). Solution is W (a recognised abbreviation of “with”) and A followed by an anagram (indicated by “for lashing”) of CANE and STRING, like so: W-A-TERINGCANS.

14. Intimate audition for Court Theatre? (4,5)

Answer: SHOW TRIAL (i.e. “court theatre”, playfully. A show trial is “a trial at which the opportunity to expose the accused to public opprobrium is given priority over the impartial prosecution of justice” (Chambers)). Solution is SHOW (i.e. to “intimate”) followed by TRIAL (i.e. “audition”).

15. Work at including queen in abstract piece (2,3)

Answer: OP ART (i.e. “abstract piece”). Solution is OP (i.e. “work”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “opus”) followed by AT once wrapped around or “including” R (i.e. “queen”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of the Latin Regina), like so: OP-A(R)T.

16. Job involving a large American choir (7)

Answer: CHORALE (i.e. “American choir”). Solution is CHORE (i.e. “job”) wrapped around or “involving” A and L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”), like so: CHOR(A-L)E.

17. Elected Conservative party scold head for lack of respect (17)

Answer: INCONSIDERATENESS (i.e. “lack of respect”). Solution is IN (i.e. “elected”) followed by CON (short for “Conservatives”), then SIDE (i.e. team or “party”), then RATE (i.e. to “scold”) and NESS (i.e. “head”, in this case the geographical feature).

18. New York has speed and spirit (5)

Answer: NYMPH (i.e. “spirit”). Solution is NY (a recognised abbreviation of “New York”) followed by MPH (i.e. “speed”, specifically Miles Per Hour).

19. Dog grips part of leg, exerting pressure (7)

Answer: PUSHING (i.e. “exerting pressure”). Solution is PUG (i.e. “dog”) wrapped around or “gripping” SHIN (i.e. “part of leg”), like so: PU(SHIN)G.

21. Closed Civil Service during alarm (6)

Answer: TOCSIN (i.e. an “alarm”). Solution is TO (i.e. “closed”, as in a door closed to) followed by CS (short for “Civil Service”) and IN (i.e. “during”). One nailed from the wordplay and a shufti in Chambers. It’s from the French, so you know what that means…

22. Wrong spring put into lock (8)

Answer: TRESPASS (i.e. “wrong”). Solution is SPA (i.e. “spring”) “put into” TRESS (i.e. “lock” of hair), like so: TRES(SPA)S.

24. I am having beans? This will get one going (7)

Answer: IMPULSE (i.e. “this will get one going”). Solution is I’M (a contraction of “I am”) followed by PULSE (i.e. “beans”).

26. Financially embarrass senator holding property (8)

Answer: STRAITEN (i.e. “financially embarrass”). Solution is SEN (short for “senator”) wrapped around or “holding” TRAIT (i.e. attribute or “property”), like so: S(TRAIT)EN.

27. We should be away from fires (4,2)

Answer: LET’S GO (i.e. “we should be away”). When written as LETS GO the solution also satisfies “fires” from a job.

30. They can up the tension to go round bends (11)

Answer: TURNBUCKLES (i.e. “they can up the tension”). Solution is TURN (i.e. “to go round”) followed by BUCKLES (i.e. “bends”).

32. A stone? Queen and king, say, after millions for jewel in the crown (11)

Answer: MASTERPIECE (i.e. “jewel in the crown”). Solution is A, ST (a recognised abbreviation of “stone”), ER (i.e. “queen”, specifically Elizabeth Regina) and PIECE (i.e. “king, say” – other chess pieces are available) all placed “after” M (a recognised abbreviation of “millions”), like so: M-(A-ST-ER-PIECE).

33. Kindly don outraged to be disturbed (4-7)

Answer: GOOD-NATURED (i.e. “kindly”). “To be disturbed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of DON OUTRAGED.

35. Protest loudly about circuit crash (11)

Answer: THUNDERCLAP (i.e. a “crash” of thunder). Solution is THUNDER (i.e. “protest loudly”) followed by C (i.e. “about”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “circa”) and LAP (i.e. “circuit”).

37. Extremely clever solver’s got this (4,2)

Answer: EVER SO (i.e. “extremely”). “Got this” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: CL(EVER SO)LVER.

38. Annoying person is in touch (8)

Answer: NUISANCE (i.e. “annoying person”). Solution is IS placed “in” NUANCE (i.e. “touch”), like so: NU(IS)ANCE.

39. Attach payment: a bit off Sunday roast? (7)

Answer: SUBJOIN (i.e. “attach”). Solution is SUB (i.e. “payment”) followed by JOINT (i.e. “Sunday roast”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “a bit off”), like so: SUB-JOIN.

42. As some wild animals ate English lamb unfortunately (8)

Answer: TAMEABLE (i.e. “as some wild animals are”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “unfortunately”) of ATE, E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and LAMB.

44. Show off floor National Trust inlaid with gold (6)

Answer: FLAUNT (i.e. “show off”). Solution is FL (a recognised abbreviation of “floor”) and NT (ditto “National Trust”) wrapped around or “inlaid with” AU (chemical symbol of “gold”), like so: FL-(AU)-NT.

46. Aperture in very large copper chimney up north (7)

Answer: OSCULUM (i.e. “aperture”, specifically “an exhalant aperture in a sponge” (Chambers)). Solution is OS (i.e. “very large”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “outsize”) followed by CU (chemical symbol of “copper”) and LUM (i.e. “chimney up north”, a Scots word). One nailed from the wordplay, unsurprisingly.

48. Ruminant – I had three finally in compound (5)

Answer: OXIDE (i.e. “compound”). Solution is OX (i.e. “ruminant”) followed by I’D (a contraction of “I had”) and E (i.e. “three finally”, i.e. the last letter of “three”).

49. Much action with bombers flying in which fuel catches fire (10,7)

Answer: COMBUSTION CHAMBER (i.e. “in which fuel catches fire”). “Flying” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of MUCH ACTION and BOMBERS.

51. Underlying theme of message from HMS Vanguard? (7)

Answer: SUBTEXT (i.e. “underlying theme”). When written as SUB TEXT the solution playfully satisfies the remainder of the clue, “HMS Vanguard” being a submarine and TEXT being an informal name for an SMS message.

52. Mend incomplete iron blade (5)

Answer: KNIFE (i.e. “blade”). Solution is KNIT (i.e. “mend”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “incomplete”) and the remainder followed by FE (chemical symbol of “iron”), like so: KNI-FE.

53. Poisonous plant of the underworld Persephone finally brought forth (9)

Answer: HELLEBORE (i.e. “poisonous plant”). Solution is HELL (i.e. “the underworld”) followed by E (i.e. “Persephone finally”, i.e. the last letter of “Persephone”) and BORE (i.e. “brought forth”). Another nailed from the wordplay. Nicely worked, though.

54. Walk in sounding weary, something unprepared players may do (5-7)

Answer: SIGHT-READING (i.e. “something unprepared players may do”, being “someone who can read or perform music at first sight of the notes” (Chambers)). Solution is TREAD (i.e. “walk”) placed “in” SIGHING (i.e. “sounding weary”), like so: SIGH(TREAD)ING.

55. Crucial batsman’s actions – these could be character forming (10)

Answer: KEYSTROKES (i.e. “these could be character forming”, as in typed characters on paper or a screen). Solution is KEY (i.e. “crucial”) followed by STROKES (i.e. “batsman’s actions” in cricket).

Down clues

1. Specific example of something in milk and nought in beer? (4,2,5)

Answer: CASE IN POINT (i.e. “specific example”). Solution is CASEIN (i.e. “something in milk”, a protein used in the production of cheese) followed by O (i.e. “nought”) once placed “in” PINT (i.e. “beer”), like so: CASEIN-P(O)INT.

2. Philosopher – one in short supply (5)

Answer: STOIC (i.e. “philosopher” – a Stoic is “a disciple of the philosopher Zeno, who taught in the Stoa Poikilē (Painted Porch) at Athens” (Chambers). It can also relate to said Stoics or their philosophy. Try as I might, I can’t twist any of this to make a “philosopher”. The clue seems to imply that disciples of a philosopher are philosophers themselves, which might explain why there are so many of them). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) placed “in” STOCK (i.e. “supply”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “short”), like so: STO(I)C.

3. Endless game in old California lasting a number of years (9)

Answer: OCTENNIAL (i.e. “lasting a number of years”, in this case eight). Solution is TENNIS (i.e. “game”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “endless”) and the remainder placed “in” O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”) and CAL (ditto “California”), like so: O-C(TENNI)AL.

4. Intend to break pottery, causing damage (7)

Answer: MAIMING (i.e. “causing damage”). Solution is AIM (i.e. “intend”) placed in or “breaking” MING (i.e. “pottery”), like so: M(AIM)ING.

5. United playing with learner, tending to reduce concentration (7)

Answer: DILUENT (i.e. “tending to reduce concentration” of a substance). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “playing”) of UNITED and L (a recognised abbreviation of “learner”).

7. Trained medics aim to follow a constant and formal way of teaching (11)

Answer: ACADEMICISM (i.e. “formal way of teaching”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “trained”) of MEDICS AIM placed after or “following” A and C (a recognised abbreviation of “constant”), like so: A-C-ADEMICISM.

8. Take selection from Keith? Eric? Keith or Eric? (6)

Answer: EITHER (i.e. “Keith or Eric”, an inference that EITHER person would satisfy the first half of the clue. The riddly question mark at the end unnecessarily confuses things in my less-than-humble opinion). “Take selection from” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: K(EITH ER)IC.

9. Cutters in navy can inflict sinkings on raiding subs from the outset (8)

Answer: INCISORS (i.e. teeth that are “cutters”). “From the outset” indicates the solution is derived from the initial letters of In Navy Can Inflict Sinkings On Raiding Subs.

10. US park worker crushed small ring (13)

Answer: GROUNDSKEEPER (i.e. “US park worker”). Solution is GROUND (i.e. “crushed”) followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) and KEEPER (i.e. a guard “ring” – I recalled this from a previous Jumbo).

11. Cell deficiency of a new blood group English intend going over (7)

Answer: ANAEMIA (i.e. “cell deficiency”). Solution is A followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), then A (i.e. “blood group”), then E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and AIM (i.e. “intend”) once the latter has been reversed (indicated by “going over”), like so: A-N-A-E-MIA.

12. Leave it on hospital round? Possibility for this? (11)

Answer: STETHOSCOPE (i.e. “this” within the context of the clue, inferring a piece of medical equipment). Solution is STET (i.e. “leave it”, i.e. an editor’s note to ignore changes made and retain the original text, after the Latin for “let it stand”) followed by H (a recognised abbreviation of “hospital”), then O (i.e. “round”) and SCOPE (i.e. “possibility”). Very nicely worked.

13. Frank put on trousers as a means of expression (5,5)

Answer: VOCAL CORDS (i.e. “a means of expression”). Solution is VOCAL (i.e. “frank”) followed by CORDS (i.e. “trousers”).

20. Great attitude to get on? (9)

Answer: SUPERPOSE (i.e. “to get on” top of another). Solution is SUPER (i.e. “great”) followed by POSE (i.e. an assumed “attitude”).

23. Concerned with fool leading river rally (8)

Answer: REASSURE (i.e. to “rally” another). Solution is RE (i.e. “concerned with” – think email replies) followed by ASS (i.e. “fool”) and URE (i.e. a “river”).

25. Nearly left somewhere without key in move (6)

Answer: EXCITE (i.e. to “move”). Solution is EXITED (i.e. “left”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “nearly”) and the remainder wrapped around or placed “without” C (i.e. a musical “key”), like so: EX(C)ITE.

26. Notes one found in odd room with beds and lamps (8)

Answer: SOLARIUM (i.e. “room with beds and [tanning] lamps”). Solution is SO and LA (both “notes” in the sol-fa notation) followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) once placed “in” RUM (i.e. “odd”), like so: (SO-LA)-R(I)UM.

28. Cleaner reported to run off with fleece (5,4)

Answer: STEEL WOOL (i.e. “cleaner”). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “reported”) of STEAL (i.e. “run off with”) followed by WOOL (i.e. “fleece”).

29. Hollow rocks of granite, ovoid, excrescences on the outside (6)

Answer: GEODES (i.e. “hollow rocks”). “On the outside” indicates the solution can be derived from the first and last letters of GranitE, OvoiD and ExcrescenceS.

31. Riverside’s gallery chaps need time for financial report (4,9)

Answer: BANK STATEMENT (i.e. “financial report”). Solution is BANK’S (i.e. “riverside’s”) followed by TATE (i.e. London art “gallery”), then MEN (i.e. “chaps”) and T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”).

33. Pensions, perhaps, you once got in speculations (11)

Answer: GUESTHOUSES (i.e. “pensions, perhaps” – a variant meaning of the word is a continental boarding house). Solution is THOU (i.e. “you once”, i.e. ye olde form of “you”) placed “in” GUESSES (i.e. “speculations”), like so: GUES(THOU)SES.

34. Maya chasing daughter is let down (11)

Answer: DISILLUSION (i.e. “let down”). Solution is ILLUSION (i.e. “maya” – a new one on me) placed after or “chasing” D (a recognised abbreviation of “daughter”) and IS, like so: D-IS-(ILLUSION).

35. Dumb part of shoe done up like laces (6-4)

Answer: TONGUE-TIED (i.e. struck “dumb”). Solution is TONGUE (i.e. “part of shoe”) followed by TIED (i.e. “done up like laces”).

36. Mammals, marine, wild – tons kept in enclosures (4,7)

Answer: PINE MARTENS (i.e. “mammals”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “wild”) of MARINE and T (a recognised abbreviation of “tons”) all “kept in” PENS (i.e. “enclosures”), like so: P(INEMAR-T)ENS.

40. Raised youngster has the ability always to be a reckless adventurer (9)

Answer: BUCCANEER (i.e. “reckless adventurer”). Solution is CUB (i.e. “youngster”) reversed (indicated by “raised” – this being a down clue) followed by CAN (i.e. “has the ability to”) and E’ER (i.e. poetic form of “always”), like so: BUC-CAN-E’ER.

41. British have no restraint in formal wear (5,3)

Answer: BLACK TIE (i.e. “formal wear”). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”) followed by LACK (i.e. “have no”) and TIE (i.e. “restraint”).

43. Post holder initially makes trouble over sack (7)

Answer: MAILBAG (i.e. “post holder”). Solution is M (i.e. “initially makes”, i.e. the first letter of “makes”) followed by AIL (i.e. “trouble”) and BAG (i.e. “sack”).

45. Foot regularly started outside darts players’ mark (7)

Answer: TROCHEE (i.e. “foot” in poetic terms. Again to Chambers: “a foot of two syllables, a long followed by a short”). Solution is TRE (i.e. “regularly started”, i.e. every other letter of STARTED) placed “outside” of OCHE (i.e. “darts players’ mark”), like so: TR(OCHE)E.

46. Hides from view round leader of crazy sects (7)

Answer: OCCULTS (i.e. “hides from view”). Solution is O (i.e. “round”) followed by C (i.e. “leader of crazy”, i.e. the first letter of “crazy”) and CULTS (i.e. “sects”).

47. Fumed as a small donkey died (6)

Answer: SMOKED (i.e. “fumed”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) followed by MOKE (slang for a “donkey”, apparently) and D (a recognised abbreviation of “died”).

50. Stream runs inside reserve (5)

Answer: BROOK (i.e. “stream”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “runs” used in a number of ball games) placed “inside” of BOOK (i.e. to “reserve”), like so: B(R)OOK.

Another grind, pretty much the same as last week. I mean, look at some of the trash in the grid. Pff. I might think differently tomorrow, or at least be more forgiving, but for now I’m just glad to have this one out of the way.

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 you flummoxed then you might find some solace in my Just For Fun page, where you’ll find links to solutions for hundreds of the things.

Thanks again for the kind words and input. It’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of solvers once they’ve set down their pens. Till next time, wrap up well and stay safe out there, kids.

LP

FBV (French-By-Volume): 3.3%

Across clues

1. Youngster initially enthused by Indonesian climber (5)

Answer: CUBEB (i.e. “Indonesian climber” – Chambers offers this: “the dried berry of Piper cubeba, an Indonesian climbing pepper shrub, formerly used as a drug to treat infections of the urinary tract”). Solution is CUB (i.e. “youngster”) followed by E and B (i.e. “initially enthused by”, i.e. the first letters of “enthused” and “by”). Made-to-fit rubbish.

4. Struck, holding wife inside animal shelter (7)

Answer: COWSHED (i.e. “animal shelter”). Solution is COSHED (i.e. “struck”) wrapped around or “holding” W (a recognised abbreviation of “wife”), like so: CO(W)SHED.

8. Stew made by shy Liverpudlian (9)

Answer: LOBSCOUSE (i.e. “stew” – and again to Chambers: “a stew or hash with vegetables or biscuit, a sea dish”). Solution is LOB (i.e. “shy” or throw) followed by SCOUSE (i.e. “Liverpudlian”). Never heard of it.

13. Book of words governor’s kept in house (9)

Answer: THESAURUS (i.e. “book of words”). Solution is HE’S (i.e. “governor’s”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of His Excellency, if you go in for all that bowing and scraping) placed “in” TAURUS (i.e. “house” or sign of the zodiac), like so: T(HE’S)AURUS.

14. Where courses may be provided along certain lines (10,3)

Answer: RESTAURANT CAR. Clue plays on railway “lines” and a train carriage in which food is served. That’s about it, I guess.

15. Owns gallery shaped like a spear (7)

Answer: HASTATE (i.e. “shaped like a spear”). Solution is HAS (i.e. “owns”) followed by TATE (i.e. an art “gallery” in London). A new one on me. Apparently from the Latin hasta, meaning spear.

16. British soldiers given pay for preparing drinks (7)

Answer: BREWAGE (i.e. “preparing drinks”). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”) followed by RE (i.e. “soldiers”, specifically the Royal Engineers of the British Army) and WAGE (i.e. “pay”).

17. Happiest, surprisingly, when son leaves grave message (7)

Answer: EPITAPH (i.e. “grave message”, or tombstone inscription). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “surprisingly” of HAPPIEST once the S has been removed (indicated by “when son leaves” – S being a recognised abbreviation of “son”).

18. Face a hard task? As a popular journalist one might (4,4,4,3,3)

Answer: HAVE ONE’S WORK CUT OUT. Solution satisfies “face a hard task” and “as a popular journalist one might”, referring to press cuttings.

21. Tyneside graduate goes west? So be it (4)

Answer: AMEN (i.e. “so be it”). Solution is NE (i.e. “Tyneside”, or the North-East of England) and MA (i.e. “graduate”, specifically a Master of Arts) all reversed (indicated by “goes west” – this being an across clue), like so: AM-EN.

23. Sailor originally involved in Beds town’s cleaning process (9)

Answer: ABLUTIONS (i.e. “cleaning process”). Solution is AB (i.e. “sailor”, specifically one of Able-Bodied rank) followed by I (i.e. “originally involved”, i.e. the first letter of “involved”) once placed “in” LUTON’S (i.e. “Beds town’s”), like so: AB-LUT(I)ON’S.

25. Extend downward dimension of enclosure by river (6)

Answer: DEEPEN (i.e. “extend downward dimension”). Solution is PEN (i.e. “enclosure”) placed after or “by” DEE (i.e. “river”), like so: DEE-PEN.

26. Medic swallowed by big fish in Arctic territory (6)

Answer: TUNDRA (i.e. “Arctic territory”). Solution is DR (i.e. “medic”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “doctor”) placed in or “swallowed by” TUNA (i.e. “big fish”), like so: TUN(DR)A.

28. Broken hearts originally haunting a ruler of great importance (12)

Answer: EARTHSHAKING (i.e. “of great importance”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “broken”) of HEARTS followed by H (i.e. “originally haunting”, i.e. the first letter of “haunting”), then A and KING (i.e. “ruler”), like so: EARTHS-H-A-KING.

30. Final Greek poet beheaded in confines of bare cell (10)

Answer: BLASTOMERE (i.e. “cell” – and to Chambers once more: “one of the cells formed in an early stage of the cleavage of a fertilized ovum”. Another everyday word, then). Solution is LAST (i.e. “final”) and HOMER (i.e. “Greek poet”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “beheaded”) all placed “in” BE (i.e. “confines of bare”, i.e. the first and last letters of “bare”), like so: B(LAST-OMER)E.

33. Give excessive work to old priest returning cross (10)

Answer: OVERBURDEN (i.e. “give excessive work to”). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”) followed by REV (i.e. “priest”, in this case a shortened form of “reverend”) reversed (indicated by “returning”), then BURDEN (i.e. “cross”, as in one’s cross to bear), like so: O-VER-BURDEN.

34. Endless moral rectitude concerning ship’s owner (12)

Answer: PROPRIETRESS (i.e. “owner”). Solution is PROPRIETY (i.e. “moral rectitude”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “endless”) and the remainder followed by RE (i.e. “concerning” – think email replies) and SS (i.e. “ship”, a recognised abbreviation of a steamship), like so: PROPRIET-RE-SS.

37. Partner finally secures employment on European river (6)

Answer: SPOUSE (i.e. “partner”). Solution is S (i.e. “finally secures”, i.e. the last letter of “secures”) followed by USE (i.e. “employment”) once it has first been placed “on” or after PO (a “river” in Italy), like so: S-(PO)-USE.

39. Property in East, say (6)

Answer: ESTATE (i.e. “property”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “east”) followed by STATE (i.e. “say”).

40. European prince, carrying cape, left social venue (9)

Answer: DANCEHALL (i.e. “social venue”). Solution is DANE (i.e. “European”) and HAL (i.e. “prince” – a reference to Shakespeare’s portrayal of a young King Henry V. This is a useful one to keep in mind because short obscure word + Shakespeare reference = catnip for cryptic crossword setters) all wrapped around or “carrying” C (a recognised abbreviation of “cape”, the geographic feature). This is all then followed by L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”), like so: (DAN(C)E-HAL)-L

42. Relax, having letters read aloud (4)

Answer: EASE. Solution satisfies “relax” and “having letters read aloud”, in this case a homophone of plural E.

43. Part of US which briefly employs leaders in Denver, Colorado (8,2,8)

Answer: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (i.e. “part of US”, these days better known as Washington D.C.). The remainder of the clue plays on how the initials D.C. are also the “leaders in Denver, Colorado”, or the first letters of “Denver” and “Colorado”.

46. Reportedly regret dig in simulated conversation (7)

Answer: RHUBARB (i.e. “simulated conversation”, referring to a word extras mutter in the background of film or TV scenes in lieu of actual conversation). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “reportedly”) of RUE (i.e. “regret”) followed by BARB (i.e. “dig” or criticism), like so: RHU-BARB.

47. Verse in ancient language also inspiring a NE European (7)

Answer: LATVIAN (i.e. “NE European”). Solution is V (a recognised abbreviation of “verse”) placed “in” LATIN (i.e. “ancient language”) along with, separately, (indicated by “also inspiring”) A, like so: LAT(V)I(A)N.

48. Officers with notices, in French to begin with (7)

Answer: ENSIGNS (i.e. army “officers”). Solution is SIGNS (i.e. “notices”) with EN (i.e. “in French”, i.e. the French for “in”) placed “to begin with”, like so: EN-SIGNS.

50. French writer, chap with castle at end of wood (13)

Answer: François-René de CHATEAUBRIAND (i.e. “French writer”). Solution is BRIAN (i.e. “chap’s” name) placed after or “with” CHATEAU (i.e. “castle”) and followed by D (i.e. “end of wood”, i.e. the last letter of “wood”), like so: CHATEAU-BRIAN-D. Never heard of him, nor anything in his oeuvre, but I guess it helps the setter meet the minimum French quota this week. Wait, did I say “oeuvre” just then in my withering dig at the Frenchness of Jumbos? Zut alors! L’ironie…

51. Plotter, one who fascinates? (9)

Answer: INTRIGUER. Solution satisfies “plotter” and “one who fascinates”.

52. Modern way to dip into coffee? Certainly (6-3)

Answer: LATTER-DAY (i.e. “modern”). Solution is RD (i.e. “way”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a “road”) placed “into” LATTE (i.e. “coffee”) and AY (i.e. “certainly”, poetically), like so: LATTE-(RD)-AY.

53. US city taking ages to accept a British monarch (7)

Answer: YONKERS (i.e. “US city” in New York State). Solution is YONKS (i.e. “ages”) wrapped around or “accepting” ER (i.e. “a British monarch”, specifically Elizabeth Regina), like so: YONK(ER)S.

54. Perceived as only a subsidiary journalist? (5)

Answer: NOTED (i.e. “perceived”). When written as NOT ED the solution playfully satisfies “only a subsidiary journalist”, i.e. not the editor.

Down clues

1. Net wears thin, we hear? It’s something often delivered (11)

Answer: CATCHPHRASE (i.e. a saying that’s “often delivered”). Solution is CATCH (i.e. to “net”) followed by a homophone (indicated by “we hear”) of FRAYS (i.e. “wears thin”).

2. Consecrate land originally held by good queen (5)

Answer: BLESS (i.e. “consecrate”). Solution is L (i.e. “land originally”, i.e. the first letter of “land”) placed in or “held by” BESS (i.e. “good queen”, Good Queen Bess being a byname of Elizabeth I, apparently), like so: B(L)ESS.

3. Prevaricate, but attend a fight over the Aussie outback (4,5,3,4)

Answer: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH (i.e. “prevaricate”). Solution is BE AT A BOUT (i.e. “attend a fight”) followed by THE BUSH (i.e. “Aussie outback”).

4. Funeral procession my sheep ultimately impede (7)

Answer: CORTEGE (i.e. “funeral procession”). Solution is COR (i.e. “my”, both exclamations) followed by TEG (a “sheep” in its second year, apparently) and E (i.e. “ultimately impede”, i.e. the last letter of “impede”).

5. Used to be game, installing hotel’s facilities for 23 (9)

Answer: WASHBOWLS (i.e. “facilities for 23” – the solution to 23a being ABLUTIONS). Solution is WAS (i.e. “used to be”) and BOWLS (i.e. “game”) all wrapped around or “installing” H (“hotel” in the phonetic alphabet), like so: WAS-(H)-BOWLS.

6. Hard bargaining involving Arabs and Andalusians, perhaps? (5,7)

Answer: HORSE-TRADING (i.e. “hard bargaining”). Clue plays on “Arabs” and “Andalusians” being breeds of horses. The latter is also a chicken, so make sure you’ve got the correct riding gear before mounting one.

7. Underworld boss having quick fix is bumped off (10)

Answer: DISPATCHED (i.e. “bumped off”). Solution is DIS (i.e. “underworld boss”, also known as Pluto. Another useful one to keep in mind because short obscure word + classics reference = Viagra for cryptic crossword setters. Well, the male ones anyway…) followed by PATCHED (i.e. “having quick fix”).

8. Give up holiday (5)

Answer: LEAVE. Solution satisfies “give up” and “holiday”.

9. Pub sign covering live outdoor meal (8)

Answer: BARBECUE (i.e. “outdoor meal”). Solution is BAR (i.e. “pub”) and CUE (i.e. “sign”, theatrically speaking) all wrapped around or “covering” BE (i.e. “live”), like so: BAR-(BE)-CUE.

10. Plain as peel may be, releasing energy (6)

Answer: CANDID (i.e. “plain”). Solution is CANDIED (i.e. “as peel may be”) once the E has been removed (indicated by “releasing energy” – E being a recognised abbreviation of “energy”).

11. Object taken in by pawnbroker, note, awaiting applicant (9)

Answer: UNCLAIMED (i.e. “awaiting applicant”). Solution is AIM (i.e. “object”) placed “in” UNCLE (slang for a “pawnbroker”) and D (a musical “note”), like so: UNCL(AIM)E-D.

12. Turbulent weather near pottery (11)

Answer: EARTHENWARE (i.e. “pottery”). “Turbulent” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of WEATHER NEAR.

19. Woman heading for vessel on a large lake (7)

Answer: VALERIE (i.e. “woman’s” name). Solution is V (i.e. “heading for vessel”, i.e. the first letter of “vessel”) followed by A, then L (a recognised abbreviation of “lake”) and ERIE (one of the Great “Lakes” of North America).

20. Part of pedal pilot used going north round City (7)

Answer: TOECLIP (i.e. “part of [bicycle] pedal” designed to keep the foot in place). Solution is PILOT reversed (indicated by “going north” – this being a down clue) and wrapped “round” EC (i.e. “city”, basically the postcode area for the City of London. Another useful one to keep in mind for future as obscure short word + London reference = cocaine for Jumbo setters, given The Times is predominantly a London newspaper), like so: TO(EC)LIP.

22. Impossible? Not in the search I mount regularly (3,2,3,8)

Answer: OUT OF THE QUESTION (i.e. “impossible”). Solution is OUT OF (i.e. “not in”) followed by THE, then QUEST (i.e. “search”), then I and ON (i.e. “mount regularly”, i.e. every other letter of MOUNT).

24. Neat woman’s daughter, an animal minder (6)

Answer: OXHERD (i.e. “animal minder”). Solution is OX (i.e. “neat”, a variant meaning of the word is an archaic term for livestock) followed by HER (i.e. “woman’s”) and D (a recognised abbreviation of “daughter”).

27. A function for the speaker to fix (6)

Answer: ASSIGN (i.e. “to fix”). Solution is A followed by a homophone (indicated by “for the speaker”) of SINE (i.e. a trigonometric “function”).

29. Joints English rejected, laid for foreign parliament (7)

Answer: KNESSET (i.e. “foreign parliament”, specifically of Israel). Solution is KNEES (i.e. “joints”) with one of the Es removed (indicated by “English rejected” – E being a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and the remainder followed by SET (i.e. “laid”), like so: KNES-SET.

31. Prize possession we associated with English essayist (3-4)

Answer: EWE-LAMB (i.e. “prize possession” of a pauper, apparently a Biblical reference). Solution is WE placed after or “associated with” E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and followed by Charles LAMB (i.e. “essayist”), like so: E-(WE)-LAMB.

32. Fisherman’s club freed study dominated by ministers (6-6)

Answer: PRIEST-RIDDEN (i.e. “dominated by ministers”). Solution is PRIEST (i.e. “fisherman’s club” or mallet for killing fish – a new one on me, but interesting) followed by RID (i.e. “freed”) and DEN (i.e. “study”).

33. Like the treatment of those expecting somehow to steal crib (11)

Answer: OBSTETRICAL (i.e. “like the treatment of those expecting” babies). “Somehow” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of TO STEAL CRIB.

35. Confident lasses Freud mismanaged (4-7)

Answer: SELF-ASSURED (i.e. “confident”). “Mismanaged” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of LASSES FREUD.

36. Wise men initially supporting female law administrators collectively (10)

Answer: MAGISTRACY (i.e. “law administrators collectively”). Solution is MAGI (i.e. “wise men”) followed by S (i.e. “initially supporting”, i.e. the first letter of “supporting”) and TRACY (i.e. “female’s” name).

38. Alumni blunt about an opposer of enlightenment (9)

Answer: OBSCURANT (i.e. “opposer of enlightenment”). Solution is OBS (i.e. “alumni”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of Old Boy made plural) followed by CURT (i.e. “blunt”) once wrapped “about” AN, like so: OBS-CUR(AN)T.

40. Protective of duck crossing eastern marshes (9)

Answer: DEFENSIVE (i.e. “protective”). Solution is DIVE (i.e. “duck”) wrapped around or “crossing” E (a recognised abbreviation of “eastern”) and FENS (i.e. “marshes”), like so: D(E-FENS)IVE.

41. Detectives certain to be removed from cover (8)

Answer: DISBOUND (i.e. “removed from cover” in relation to books – not a word explicitly supported by Chambers but Oxford backs it up). Solution is DIS (i.e. “detectives”, specifically Detective Inspectors) followed by BOUND (i.e. “certain”, as in “bound to be” some outcome).

44. Mycenaean prince of old relaxes, conserving energy (7)

Answer: ORESTES (i.e. “Mycenaean prince” of Greek mythology, son of Agamemnon). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”) followed by RESTS (i.e. “relaxes”) once wrapped around or “conserving” E (a recognised abbreviation of “energy”), like so: O-REST(E)S.

45. Flower cluster European male kept in stock (7)

Answer: RACEME (i.e. “flower cluster” – and to Chambers once more: “an inflorescence in which stalked flowers are borne in acropetal succession on a main stalk or lateral branches”. Glad that’s been cleared up, then). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) and M (ditto “male”) both placed “in” RACE (i.e. “stock” – Chambers supports it, albeit deep into its definitions), like so: RAC(E-M)E.

47. Truck, possibly, taking parrot across river (5)

Answer: LORRY (i.e. “truck”). Solution is LORY (a kind of “parrot”) wrapped around or placed “across” R (a recognised abbreviation of “river”), like so: LO(R)RY.

49. Scrawny relative holding up beginning of game (5)

Answer: GAUNT (i.e. “scrawny”). Solution is AUNT (i.e. “relative”) placed after or “holding up” G (i.e. “beginning [letter] of game”), like so: G-AUNT.

A toughie this week. While this had a decent dollop of inventive wordplay and sneaky misdirection, I’m reluctant to call it a stinker due to the prevalence of exotic solutions. It’s just too easy for a setter to stuff a grid with esoterica in order to boost its difficulty. If you’re the kind of solver who likes to flex their general knowledge then fair enough, but, for me, by the end, this was done solely to get it done.

Anyway, bellyaching aside, 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 given you the slip then you might find succour in my Just For Fun page, where you’ll find links to solutions for hundreds of the things.

Thanks again for the kind comments and input. It’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of other solvers once they’ve set down their pens. Till next time, stay safe out there kids.

LP

FBV (French-By-Volume): 5%

Across clues

1. No tough guy, Mike’s given kind of concession (7)

Answer: MILKSOP (i.e. “no tough guy”). Solution is M (“Mike” in the phonetic alphabet) followed by ILK (i.e. type or “kind”) and SOP (i.e. “concession”).

5. Hesitation backing scams in political campaigning (8)

Answer: HUSTINGS (i.e. “political campaigning”). Solution is UH (i.e. “hesitation”) reversed (indicated by “backing”) and followed by STINGS (i.e. “scams”), like so: HU-STINGS.

9. Sacred instrument up to now has captured hearts (6)

Answer: SHOFAR (i.e. “sacred instrument” – and so to Chambers for the first of many visits this week: “a wind instrument made from a ram’s horn, blown in Jewish religious ceremonies and in ancient times as a call to battle, etc”). Solution is SO FAR (i.e. “up to now”) wrapped around or “capturing” H (a recognised abbreviation of “hearts” used in card games), like so: S(H)O-FAR. A win for my Bradford’s, it may come as no surprise. I’d grown rather bored of this Jumbo by the time I reached the top-right corner of the grid.

13. Day PC stops keen hunters giving fictional account (5,11)

Answer: DAVID COPPERFIELD (i.e. “fictional account”, or a novel by Charles Dickens). Solution is D (a recognised abbreviation of “day”) followed by COPPER (i.e. “PC”) once it has been placed in or “stopping” AVID (i.e. “keen”) and FIELD (i.e. “hunters”), like so: D-(AVID-(COPPER)-FIELD).

14. Zero tax returns in company book (6)

Answer: OCTAVO (i.e. “book” – and to Chambers again. Pick the bones out of this lot: “adjective: having eight leaves to the sheet; (conventionally) of a size so obtained, whether so folded or not. noun: a book printed on sheets so folded; (conventionally) a book of such a size…”). Solution is O (i.e. “zero”) followed by VAT (i.e. “tax”, specifically Value-Added Tax) once reversed (indicated by “returns”) and placed “in” CO (a recognised abbreviation of “company”), like so: O-C(TAV)O. One I remembered from a previous puzzle, if I’m honest.

16. Prior and head of abbey inside, saving face (8)

Answer: ANTERIOR (i.e. before or “prior”). Solution is A (i.e. “head of abbey”, i.e. the first letter of “abbey”) followed by INTERIOR (i.e. “inside”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “saving face”), like so: A-NTERIOR.

17. Telegraph lowbrow’s right wing rage (4)

Answer: WIRE (i.e. “telegraph”). Solution is W (i.e. “lowbrow’s right wing”, i.e. the last letter of “lowbrow”) followed by IRE (i.e. “rage”).

18. He or I, say, without work, running off (9)

Answer: ELOPEMENT (i.e. “running off”). Solution is ELEMENT (i.e. “He or I, say”, in this case the symbols of chemical elements helium and iodine) wrapped around or placed “without” OP (i.e. “work”, i.e. a recognised abbreviation of “opus”), like so: EL(OP)EMENT.

20. Authorised rubbish tours here in Provence (8)

Answer: OFFICAL (i.e. “authorised”). Solution is OFFAL (i.e. “rubbish”) wrapped around or “touring” ICI (i.e. “here in Provence”, i.e. the French for “here”), like so: OFF(ICI)AL.

21. Leftist put off after brief time in game (6,2,3)

Answer: CHEMIN DE FER (i.e. “game” – and to Chambers again: “a variety of baccarat”). Solution is CHE Guevara (i.e. “leftist”) and DEFER (i.e. “put off”) once the latter has been placed “after” MIN (i.e. “brief time”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a minute), like so: CHE-(MIN)-DEFER. Another win for the Bradford’s. The moment I saw the middle word began with ‘D’ was when I knew not to waste any more time on it.

24. Enchanting figure, entering bank, is less relaxed (9)

Answer: TWITCHIER (i.e. “less relaxed”). Solution is WITCH (i.e. “enchanting figure”) placed in or “entering” TIER (i.e. “bank”), like so: T(WITCH)IER.

25. Charlie never on rocking chair (8)

Answer: CONVENER (i.e. “chair” of a meeting). Solution is C (“Charlie” in the phonetic alphabet) followed by an anagram (indicated by “rocking”) of NEVER ON.

26. Auntie going back and forth? (4)

Answer: BEEB (i.e. “Auntie”, both nicknames of the BBC). The remainder of the clue plays on how the solution is a palindrome.

29. Wanting bottle, paid for peanuts (7,4)

Answer: CHICKEN FEED (i.e. “peanuts”, both informal references to low pay). Solution is CHICKEN (i.e. cowardly or “wanting bottle”) followed by FEED (i.e. “paid” – the verb form means to pay a fee).

31. One showing property of say a boring English fellow (6,5)

Answer: ESTATE AGENT (i.e. “one showing property”). Solution is STATE (i.e. “say”) and A placed in or “boring” E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and GENT (i.e. “fellow”), like so: E-(STATE-A)-GENT.

33. Reason I’m going to start to imitate street artist (11)

Answer: POINTILLIST (i.e. “artist” painting in dots). Solution is POINT (i.e. “reason” – Chambers offers “a clearly defined aim, object, or reason” deep into its definitions) followed by I’LL (i.e. “I’m going to”, i.e. a contraction of “I will”), then I (i.e. “start [letter] to imitate”) and ST (a recognised abbreviation of “street”).

36. Calling up troops with little sense (11)

Answer: REMINISCENT (i.e. recollecting or “calling up”). Solution is RE (i.e. “troops”, specifically the Royal Engineers of the British Army) followed by MINI (i.e. “little”) and SCENT (i.e. a trace or “sense” of something).

38. Reported section of fork in river (4)

Answer: TYNE (i.e. “river”). “Reported” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of TINE (i.e. “section of fork”).

39. Grams not working as a unit of measurement (8)

Answer: ANGSTROM (i.e. “unit of measurement” of wavelengths). “Working” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of GRAMS NOT.

41. Finish second, then second again, in rallies (9)

Answer: COMEBACKS (i.e. “rallies”). Solution is COME (i.e. “finish”, as in coming first, second, etc) followed by BACK (i.e. to “second” a proposal) and S (a recognised abbreviation of “second”).

44. Steer cars, let in English region (11)

Answer: OXFORDSHIRE (i.e. “English region”). Solution is OX (i.e. “steer”) followed by FORDS (i.e. make of “car” made plural) and HIRE (i.e. “let”, as in a To Let sign).

45. Knight, rider lacking height, is a medieval invader (8)

Answer: NORSEMAN (i.e. “medieval invader”). Solution is N (a recognised abbreviation of “knight” used in chess) followed by HORSEMAN (i.e. “rider”) once the H has been removed (indicated by “lacking height” – H being a recognised abbreviation of “height”), like so: N-ORSEMAN.

48. Giving out piece scoffing sandwiches (9)

Answer: EMANATING (i.e. “giving out”). Solution is MAN (i.e. chess “piece”) placed in or “sandwiched” by EATING (i.e. “scoffing”), like so: E(MAN)ATING.

49. Maybe a saxophone key with round shape (4)

Answer: ALTO (i.e. “maybe a saxophone” – other instruments are available). Solution is ALT (i.e. “key” on a computer keyboard) followed by O (i.e. “round shape”).

50. Little piece of grass, possibly sleek tip (8)

Answer: SPIKELET (i.e. “little piece of grass”). “Possibly” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SLEEK TIP.

52. Nothing left over in wine-producing area (6)

Answer: OPORTO (i.e. “wine-producing area”, probably better known as Porto. I’ll have to take the setter’s word for it. A cursory gawp at Google seems to suggest the actual winey parts are a distance away from the place). Solution is O (i.e. “nothing”) followed by PORT (i.e. “left” in shipspeak) and O (a recognised abbreviation of “over” used in cricket). Cough!-(made-to-fit-rubbish)-Cough!

53. Maybe glamping staycation in town with mud opera star organised (11,5)

Answer: PORTMANTEAU WORDS (i.e. “maybe glamping [and] staycation”, both examples of such contractions). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “organised”) of TOWN and MUD OPERA STAR.

54. Meat packing sector ultimately provides revelatory career! (6)

Answer: STREAK (i.e. a “revelatory career”, playfully describing nuddy folk running onto sports pitches). Solution is STEAK (i.e. “meat”) wrapped around or “packing” R (i.e. “sector ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “sector”), like so: ST(R)EAK.

55. Sensible having Democrat ousted by Republican, one of a salacious nature (8)

Answer: PRURIENT (i.e. “of a salacious nature”). Solution is PRUDENT (i.e. “sensible”) with the D removed (indicated by “Democrat ousted” – D being a recognised abbreviation of “Democrat”) and replaced by R (ditto “Republican”) and I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: PRU(D)ENT => PRU(R-I)ENT.

56. Rejecting tango dancing, shun cute, ineffectual types (7)

Answer: EUNUCHS (i.e. “ineffectual types”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “dancing”) of SHUN CUTE once the T has been removed (indicated by “rejecting tango” – “tango” being T in the phonetic alphabet).

Down clues

1. Place where Muslims learn, briefly, to make spicy food (6)

Answer: MADRAS (i.e. “spicy food”). Solution is MADRASA (i.e. “place where Muslims learn”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “briefly”).

2. Appeal to block tax, showing good cheer (6)

Answer: LEVITY (i.e. “good cheer”). Solution is IT (i.e. popularity or “appeal”, as in having “it”) placed in or “blocking” LEVY (i.e. “tax”), like so: LEV(IT)Y.

3. Men in south of France providing case of ipecac or diaphoretic (9)

Answer: SUDORIFIC (i.e. “diaphoretic”, descriptive of causing one to sweat. Everyday words, then!) Solution is OR (i.e. “men”, specifically the Other Ranks of the British Army) placed “in” between SUD (i.e. “south of France”, i.e. the French for “south”), IF (i.e. conditional upon or “providing”) and IC (i.e. “case of ipecac”, i.e. the first and last letters of “ipecac”), like so: SUD-(OR)-IF-IC. One nailed solely from the wordplay. If only I’d looked up “diaphoretic” in my Chambers, as the solution was sitting right next to it!

4. Possible spin by party out of office, lacking power, it’s suggested (11)

Answer: PROPOSITION (i.e. “it’s suggested”). Solution is PR (i.e. “spin”, short for Public Relations) followed by OPPOSITION (i.e. political “party out of office”) once one of the Ps has been removed (indicated by “lacking power” – P being a recognised abbreviation of “power”), like so: PR-OPOSITION.

5. Market, upon vacation, holiday games (4)

Answer: HYPE (i.e. to “market” a product). Solution is HY (i.e. “upon vacation, holiday”, i.e. the word “vacation” with all its middle letters removed) followed by PE (i.e. “games”, specifically Physical Education).

6. Proper quality extremely special plates served well (6-5)

Answer: STRAIT-LACED (i.e. prim and “proper”). Solution is TRAIT (i.e. “quality”) placed in or “plated” by SL (i.e. “extremely special”, i.e. the first and last letters of “special”) and followed by ACED (i.e. “served well” in a game of tennis), like so: S(TRAIT)L-ACED.

7. I travel about amid landscape having shifting colours (11)

Answer: IRIDESCENCE (i.e. “having shifting colours”). Solution is I followed by RIDE (i.e. “travel”), then C (i.e. “about”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “circa”) once placed “amid” SCENE (i.e. “landscape”), like so: I-RIDE-SCEN(C)E.

8. Duck spinning bit of timber with hole I picked up (9)

Answer: GOLDENEYE (i.e. a variety of “duck”). Solution is LOG (i.e. “bit of timber”) reversed (indicated by “spinning”) followed by DEN (i.e. animal home, often a “hole”) and a homophone (indicated by “picked up”) of I, like so: GOL-DEN-EYE. Another win for the Bradford’s.

10. Fencing off nice ground, possessed a large house (8)

Answer: HACIENDA (i.e. “large house” in Spain). Solution is HAD (i.e. “possessed”) and A both wrapped around or “fencing off” an anagram (indicated by “ground”) of NICE, like so: HA(CIEN)D-A. Another remembered from a previous puzzle.

11. What gives RE basic criteria for judgment (5,2,9)

Answer: FRAME OF REFERENCE (i.e. “criteria for judgment”). The first half of the clue plays on how the solution cryptically satisfies “RE”, i.e. being the first and last letter or FRAME of the word REFERENCE.

12. Male boxer’s ending with another jab, losing head (7)

Answer: ROOSTER (i.e. “male” bird). Solution is R (i.e. “boxer’s ending” letter) followed by BOOSTER (i.e. “another jab” or hypodermic injection) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “losing head”), like so: R-OOSTER.

15. Chirpy Antipodean ex-president in new role, given time (8)

Answer: LORIKEET (i.e. “chirpy Antipodean” bird). Solution is Dwight D. Eisenhower, nicknamed IKE (i.e. “ex-president”) placed “in” an anagram (indicated by “new”) of ROLE and followed by T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”), like so: LOR(IKE)E-T. The wordplay was reasonably obvious but I still reached for the Bradford’s the moment I figured this was going to be a bird. Made-to-fit solutions aren’t worth anyone’s time, least of all mine.

19. Statesman departs with countryman? (8)

Answer: Benjamin DISRAELI (i.e. “statesman”, former Prime Minister of Great Britain). Solution is D (a recognised abbreviation of “departs”) followed by ISRAELI (i.e. “countryman”).

22. What a drug dealer might do, getting kitchen item (8)

Answer: STOCKPOT (i.e. “kitchen item”). When written as STOCK POT the solution also satisfies “what a drug dealer might do”.

23. Papers written up on party’s view for working arrangement (8,2,6)

Answer: DIVISION OF LABOUR (i.e. “working arrangement”). Solution is ID (i.e. identity “papers”) reversed (indicated by “written up” – this being a down clue) and followed by VISION OF LABOUR (i.e. political “party’s view”), like so: DI-(VISION-OF-LABOUR).

27. Something of no value: drug ingested in worst trial (4-4)

Answer: BETA-TEST (i.e. “trial”). Solution is TAT (i.e. “something of no value”) and E (i.e. “drug”, slang for ecstasy) both placed or “ingested in” BEST (i.e. “worst” – over to Chambers: “to get the better of in a contest; to defeat”. I can confidently say I’ve never heard anyone say “Ha! I completely worsted you”, but there you go), like so: BE(TAT-E)ST.

28. Quantity of harissa’s served in sauce from the US (4)

Answer: SASS (i.e. lip or “sauce from the US”). “Quantity of” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: HARIS(SA’S S)ERVED.

30. One’s flown east with equipment earlier (4)

Answer: KITE (i.e. “one’s flown”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “east”) with KIT (i.e. “equipment”) placed before it or “earlier”, like so: KIT-E.

32. What convict does with joker, one getting punched (8)

Answer: TIMECARD (i.e. “one getting punched”). Solution is TIME (i.e. “what convict does”) followed by CARD (i.e. “joker”).

34. Strength of pine on part of deck (4,4)

Answer: LONG SUIT (i.e. talent or “strength” – a new one on me). Solution is LONG (i.e. to yearn or “pine”) followed by SUIT (i.e. “part of deck” of cards).

35. With energy dropping in that place, control ship (5-6)

Answer: THREE-MASTER (i.e. “ship”). Solution is THERE (i.e. “that place”) with the first E “dropped” a notch – E being a recognised abbreviation of “energy” and this being a down clue – followed by MASTER (i.e. “control”), like so: TH(E)RE-MASTER => THR(E)E-MASTER.

36. What protesters do right before topless show (11)

Answer: REMONSTRATE (i.e. “what protesters do”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “right”) followed by DEMONSTRATE (i.e. “show”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “topless”), like so: R-EMONSTRATE.

37. Feeling less pressure, old Reg is found here (11)

Answer: NUMBERPLATE (i.e. “reg is found here” – ignore the misleading capitalisation). Solution is NUMBER (i.e. “feeling less”) followed by P (a recognised abbreviation of “pressure”) and LATE (i.e. “old”, as in the phrase “of old”).

40. With jazzy style, note covers from Oliver! entrance (5,4)

Answer: SWING DOOR (i.e. “entrance”). Solution is SWING (i.e. “jazzy style”) followed by DO (i.e. “note” in the sol-fa notation, also spelled ‘doh’) and OR (i.e. “covers from Oliver!”, i.e. the first and last letters of “Oliver”).

42. Bishop hasn’t white pen, perhaps (5,4)

Answer: BLACK SWAN (i.e. “pen, perhaps” – a pen is a female swan). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “bishop” used in chess) followed by LACKS (i.e. “hasn’t”) and WAN (i.e. “white”).

43. Maiden brought in to make a light repast (5,3)

Answer: CREAM TEA (i.e. “light repast”). Solution is M (a recognised abbreviation of “maiden” used in cricket) placed or “brought in to” CREATE (i.e. “make”) and followed by A, like so: CREA(M)TE-A.

44. Demanding responsibility, saving deposit up (7)

Answer: ONEROUS (i.e. “demanding”). Solution is ONUS (i.e. “responsibility”) wrapped around or “saving” ORE (i.e. “deposit”) once reversed (indicated by “up” – this being a down clue), like so: ON(ERO)US.

46. One’s part of cloth weaving circle (6)

Answer: CLERIC (i.e. “one’s part of the cloth”, an informal reference to the clergy). “Weaving” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of CIRCLE.

47. Society led by police state ruling out change (6)

Answer: STASIS (i.e. a constant state or “ruling out change”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “society”) placed after or “led by” STASI (i.e. “police state”), like so: STASI-S.

51. Ace flier doing that activity (2,2)

Answer: AT IT (i.e. “doing that activity”, fnar, fnar). Solution is A (a recognised abbreviation of “ace” used in playing cards) followed by TIT (i.e. bird or “flier”, also fnar, fnar).

A medium strength offering with a couple of snaggy clues holding up proceedings. Setting those aside, and the occasional odd phrasing, this was a pretty good un.

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 you flummoxed then you might find my Just For Fun page of use, where you’ll find links to solutions for hundreds of the things.

Thanks again for the kind words and input. It’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of other solvers once they’ve set down their pens. Till next time, stay safe out there kids.

LP

Across clues

1. Simple bit of comeback for those who love Legolas etc (7)

Answer: SNAFFLE (i.e. “simple bit” for horses). Solution is ELF FANS (i.e. “those who love Legolas etc” – Legolas being an elf in JRR Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings books) reversed (indicated by “comeback for…”), like so: SNAF-FLE.

5. Junior reporter left in cool office space? (7)

Answer: CUBICLE (i.e. “office space”). Solution is CUB (i.e. “junior reporter”) followed by ICE (i.e. “cool”) once wrapped around or having “in” L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”), like so: CUB-IC(L)E.

9. Get right through one’s last run and see notice in gym (7)

Answer: PERVADE (i.e. “get right through”). Solution is E (i.e. “one’s last”, i.e. the last letter of “one”), R (a recognised abbreviation of “run” used in several ball games), V (i.e. “see”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of the Latin vide) and AD (i.e. “notice”, short for advertisement) all placed “in” PE (i.e. “gym”, or Physical Education), like so: P(E-R-V-AD)E.

13. I’ll squeeze old ruler that contains mark of error, wrong unit in two forms (11)

Answer: EXTORTIONER (i.e. “I’ll squeeze”). Solution is ER (i.e. “old ruler”, specifically Elizabeth Regina – it’ll be interesting to see if “old” is kept in this clue by the time it gets republished in the annual Jumbo book) wrapped around or “containing” X (i.e. “mark of error”), TORT (i.e. “wrong”) and both I and ONE (i.e. “unit in two forms”, in this case 1 expressed as a Roman numeral and in word form), like so: E(X-TORT-I-ONE)R.

14. In no way depends on installing Nan’s first and second vacuum (11)

Answer: NOTHINGNESS (i.e. “vacuum”). Solution is NOT (i.e. “in no way”) and HINGES (i.e. “depends on”) wrapped around or “installing” N (i.e. “Nan’s first” letter). This is all then followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “second”), like so: NOT-HING(N)ES-S.

15. Capital has some regressive decision ahead (5)

Answer: HANOI (i.e. “capital” city of Vietnam). “Some” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, while “regressive” indicates the solution has been reversed, like so: DECIS(ION AH)EAD.

16. Supporter allowed to take a break after cycling (7)

Answer: TRESTLE (i.e. “supporter”). Solution is LET (i.e. “allowed”) with the last letter placed first (indicated by “after cycling”, i.e. LE(T) -> (T)LE) and wrapped around or “taking” REST (i.e. “a break”), like so: T(REST)LE.

17. A pita isn’t out of place for snacks (9)

Answer: ANTIPASTI (i.e. “snacks”). “Out of place” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of A PITA ISN’T. A recent repeat, making this an easier get.

18. Misfit awkwardly cornered? (6,3,2,1,5,4)

Answer: SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE (i.e. “misfit”). The rest of the clue plays on the “corners” of a SQUARE. That’s about it, I guess.

23. The guy succeeded according to American star of Twilight (8)

Answer: HESPERUS (i.e. “star of twilight” – or the evening star, specifically the planet Mercury or Venus reflecting the sun in the evening). Solution is HE (i.e. “the guy”) followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “succeeded”), then PER (i.e. “according to”) and US (i.e. “American”). One nailed solely from the wordplay.

25. Returning home, one’s to use a specific case in house (6)

Answer: GEMINI (i.e. “house” or astrological sign). Solution is IN (i.e. “home”), I’M (i.e. “one’s”, a contraction of I AM) and EG (i.e. “to use a specific case”, i.e. for example) all reversed (indicated by “returning”), like so: GE-M’I-NI.

27. Shock of singular small filled pastry left unfinished (7)

Answer: STARTLE (i.e. “shock”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) followed by TART (i.e. “filled pastry”) and LE (i.e. “left unfinished”, i.e. the word “left” with the last couple of letters removed). “Singular” seems superfluous in the clue, and wordplay such as “unfinished” nearly always suggests the removal of a single letter from the end of a word, so I might not have this one 100% right.

30. Rocket consumes last of fuel, using sustainable power (5)

Answer: SOLAR (i.e. “sustainable power”). Solution is SOAR (i.e. to “rocket”) wrapped around or “consuming” L (i.e. “last [letter] of fuel”), like so: SO(L)AR.

32. Usual dithering about mean heartless old boy (7)

Answer: ALUMNUS (i.e. “old boy”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “dithering”) wrapped “about” MN (i.e. “mean heartless”, i.e. the word “mean” with all its middle letters removed), like so: ALU(MN)US.

33. Not taking drink away, keeping can (9)

Answer: ABSTINENT (i.e. “not taking drink”). Solution is ABSENT (i.e. “away”) wrapped around or “keeping” TIN (i.e. “can”), like so: ABS(TIN)ENT.

35. Somewhat timeless series of clues, still (9)

Answer: QUIESCENT (i.e. “still”). Solution is QUITE (i.e. “somewhat”) with the T removed (indicated by “timeless” – T being a recognised abbreviation of “time”) and the remainder followed by SCENT (i.e. “series of clues” in an investigation), like so: QUIE-SCENT.

36. Something with pith and a little weight on record (7)

Answer: EPIGRAM (i.e. “something with pith” – Chambers offers “condensed substance, essence” for “pith”, while an EPIGRAM is “any concise and pointed or sarcastic saying”. Too wishy-washy for my liking). Solution is I GRAM (i.e. “little weight”, i.e. 1g) placed “on” or after EP (i.e. “record”, in this case an Extended Play), like so: EP-(I-GRAM).

37. Brush tones lacking colour for the ears (5)

Answer: GRAZE (i.e. to “brush” against). “For the ears” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of GREYS (i.e. “tones lacking colour”).

38. Letter printer provides ruler (7)

Answer: EMPRESS (i.e. “ruler”). Solution is EM (i.e. the “letter” m in speech) followed by PRESS (i.e. “printer”).

40. Place long recalled as starting point of boat race (6)

Answer: PUTNEY (i.e. “starting point of boat race” each year between Oxford and Cambridge universities). Solution is PUT (i.e. “place”) followed by YEN (i.e. to “long” for or yearn) once reversed (indicated by “recalled”), like so: PUT-NEY.

41. Actors to keep line out of score, which may provoke a reaction (8)

Answer: CATALYST (i.e. “which may provoke a reaction”). Solution is CAST (i.e. “actors”) wrapped around or “keeping” TALLY (i.e. “score”) once one of the Ls has been removed (indicated by “line out of…” – L being a recognised abbreviation of “line”), like so: CA(TALY)ST.

44. Without commitments, descriptions of change in (of/to) reef (9,3,5-4)

Answer: FOOTLOOSE AND FANCY-FREE (i.e. “without commitments”). The remainder of the clue plays on the solution cryptically satisfying how FOOT and FREE are anagrams (indicated by LOOSE and FANCY respectively) of “of/to” and “reef”. What a bizarrely worded clue.

48. Run, everyone, after some deliveries go too far (9)

Answer: OVERREACH (i.e. “go too far”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “run”, covered earlier) and EACH (i.e. “everyone”) both placed “after” OVER (i.e. “some deliveries” in cricket), like so: OVER-(R-EACH).

50. Reversal of intention to stop widespread lunacy (7)

Answer: MADNESS (i.e. “lunacy”). Solution is END (i.e. “intention”) “reversed” and placed in or “stopping” MASS (i.e. “widespread”), like so: MA(DNE)SS.

53. Sons stand to emulate troopers? (5)

Answer: SWEAR (i.e. “emulate troopers”, after the phrase “swearing like a trooper”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “sons” – Chambers supports singular and plural) followed by WEAR (i.e. to bear or “stand”).

54. Turning over vermouth, vent and take place inside pub, being sozzled (11)

Answer: INEBRIATION (i.e. “being sozzled”). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “over” used in cricket), IT (short for Italian “vermouth” – an easier get after the same wordplay was used a few weeks ago), AIR (i.e. “vent”) and BE (i.e. “take place”) all reversed (indicated by “turning”) and placed “inside” INN (i.e. “pub”), like so: IN(EB-RIA-TI-O)N.

55. Mother moves without agency, accepting article’s core subject (11)

Answer: MATHEMATICS (i.e. “core subject”). Solution is MAMA (i.e. “mother”) and TICS (i.e. “moves without agency”) all wrapped around or “accepting” THE (i.e. “article”, as in a word like a, an or the), like so: MA(THE)MA-TICS.

56. Twitchy condition of failed UN state (7)

Answer: TETANUS (i.e. “twitchy condition”). “Failed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of UN STATE.

57. Quizzical archer? (7)

Answer: EYEBROW. Clue plays on how one arches an eyebrow when being inquisitive. A proper groaner that took a brute force of my Chambers to nail.

58. Doctor wraps right side for bottom scraper (7)

Answer: DREDGER (i.e. river “bottom scraper”). Solution is DR (a recognised abbreviation of “doctor”) “wrapped” around R (a recognised abbreviation of “right”) and EDGE (i.e. “side”), like so: D(R-EDGE)R.

Down clues

1. Boil or spot next to be reduced (6)

Answer: SEETHE (i.e. “boil”). Solution is SEE (i.e. “spot”) followed by THEN (i.e. “next”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “to be reduced”), like so: SEE-THE.

2. A nondrinker stops and comes to (7)

Answer: ATTENDS (i.e. “comes to”). Solution is A followed by TT (i.e. “nondrinker”, short for teetotaller), then ENDS (i.e. “stops”).

3. Guts misshaped red outfit (9)

Answer: FORTITUDE (i.e. “guts”). “Misshaped” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of RED OUTFIT.

4. Are southern breaks way out? (5)

Answer: EXIST (i.e. “are”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “southern”) placed in or “breaking” EXIT (i.e. “way out”), like so: EXI(S)T.

5. Tory to invite disrespect (8)

Answer: CONTEMPT (i.e. “disrespect”). Solution is CON (short for “Conservative”) followed by TEMPT (i.e. “to invite”).

6. Loose lid stripped without force? (5)

Answer: BERET (i.e. “loose lid”, lid being slang for a hat). Solution is BEREFT (i.e. “stripped”) with the F removed (indicated by “without force” – F being a recognised abbreviation of “force”).

7. As soon as in credit, taking on new business (7)

Answer: CONCERN (i.e. “business”). Solution is ONCE (i.e. “as soon as”) placed “in” CR (a recognised abbreviation of “credit”) and followed by N (ditto “new”), like so: C(ONCE)R-N.

8. Heading north, before crossing Iowa, northern Idaho, shout: Texas is outstanding (14)

Answer: EXTRAORDINAIRE (i.e. “outstanding”). Solution is ERE (poetic form of “before”) wrapped around or “crossing”) IA (US state abbreviation of “Iowa”), N (a recognised abbreviation of “north”), ID (US state abbreviation of “Idaho”), ROAR (i.e. “shout”) and TX (US state abbreviation of “Texas”). This is all then reversed (indicated by “heading north” – this being a down clue), like so: E(XT-RAOR-DI-N-AI)RE.

9. Head of research keen on cutting phrases for paper copies (9)

Answer: PRINTOUTS (i.e. “paper copies”). Solution is R (i.e. “head of research”, i.e. the first letter of “research”) and INTO (i.e. “keen on”) both placed in or “cutting” PUTS (i.e. “phrases”), like so: P(R-INTO)UTS.

10. Patch together little dog one runs over (3,2)

Answer: RIG UP (i.e. “patch together”). Solution is PUG (i.e. “little dog”), I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and R (a recognised abbreviation of “runs”, already covered) all reversed (indicated by “over”), like so: R-I-GUP.

11. Negative conditioning, a type someone nonbinary is about to criticise (8,7)

Answer: AVERSION THERAPY (i.e. “negative conditioning”). Solution is A followed by VERSION (i.e. “type”), then THEY (i.e. pronoun of “someone nonbinary”) once wrapped “about” RAP (i.e. “to criticise”), like so: A-VERSION-THE(RAP)Y.

12. Result takes in sexual activity connected to bedroom (2,5)

Answer: EN SUITE (i.e. “connected to bedroom”). Solution is ENSUE (i.e. “result”) wrapped around or “taking in” IT (i.e. “sexual activity”), like so: ENSU(IT)E.

19. Menu item available after scrolling? (7)

Answer: ROULADE (i.e. dish or “menu item”). I think the clue is playing on ROUL being an obsolete word for “roll” or “scroll” and -ADE being a suffix expressing the result of an action. (Chambers offers masquerade and lemonade as examples.) In this case, the solution is playfully describing the result of scrolling. Can’t say I was keen on this one.

20. Dan’s inferior defence against sprawl? (5,4)

Answer: GREEN BELT. Solution satisfies “dan’s inferior” in martial arts grading, and “defence against [urban] sprawl”.

21. Sketch en travesti is a triumph (7)

Answer: DRAWING (i.e. “sketch”). I guess en travesti is another way of saying “in drag” in another language (Spanish?), so the clue is effectively saying “in drag is a triumph”, in this case WIN placed “in” DRAG, like so: DRA(WIN)G.

22. Constitution of champagne, I’m afraid to say (8)

Answer: PHYSIQUE (i.e. “constitution”). “To say” indicates homophone. Solution comprises homophones of FIZZ (i.e. informal word for “champagne”) and EEK! (i.e. “I’m afraid”).

24. Small mischievous pair roam with guys, not ultimately becoming better (4-11)

Answer: SELF-IMPROVEMENT (i.e. “becoming better”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) followed by ELF and IMP (i.e. “mischievous pair”), then ROVE (i.e. “roam”), then MEN (i.e. “guys”) and T (i.e. “not ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “not”).

26. Notwithstanding retreat of enemy, warns part of UK (2,5,2)

Answer: IN SPITE OF (i.e. “notwithstanding”). Solution is FOE (i.e. “enemy”) followed by TIPS (i.e. “warns”) and NI (i.e. “part of UK”, specifically Northern Ireland). This is all then reversed (indicated by “retreat of”), like so: IN-SPIT-EOF.

28. Request admission, to dine inside (8)

Answer: ENTREATY (i.e. “request”). Solution is ENTRY (i.e. “admission”) wrapped around or having “inside” EAT (i.e. “dine”), like so: ENTR(EAT)Y.

29. Product of top quality with limited options (8-6)

Answer: MULTIPLE-CHOICE (i.e. “with limited options”). Solution is MULTIPLE (i.e. mathematical “product”) followed by CHOICE (i.e. “top quality”).

31. Republican America to win acceptance of British philosopher (7)

Answer: Bertrand RUSSELL (i.e. “British philosopher”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “Republican”) followed by US (i.e. “America”) and SELL (i.e. “to win acceptance”, as in selling an idea to someone).

34. Brief report of hot weather on radio (7)

Answer: SUMMARY (i.e. “brief report”). “On radio” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of SUMMERY (i.e. descriptive of “hot weather”).

39. People looking for a secret passage? (9)

Answer: STOWAWAYS. Solution satisfies the clue as a whole, taking “passage” to mean a journey. I’m not often a fan of riddly clues, but I rather liked this one.

42. Aviation industry and beyond love boarding quickly (9)

Answer: AEROSPACE (i.e. “aviation industry and beyond”). Solution is EROS (i.e. god of “love”) placed in or “boarding” APACE (i.e. “quickly”).

43. Low current turned off with zero watts (8)

Answer: UNDERTOW (i.e. “low current”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “off”) of TURNED followed by O (i.e. “zero”) and W (a recognised abbreviation of “watts”), like so: UNDERT-O-W.

44. Run joint without any women’s bloomers supplied by me (7)

Answer: FLORIST (i.e. “bloomers supplied by me”). Solution is FLOW (i.e. “run”) and WRIST (i.e. “joint”) both with their Ws removed (indicated by “without any women” – W being a recognised abbreviation of “women”), like so: FLO-RIST.

45. Has-been, I’m one in part up as Oscar candidate? (7)

Answer: NOMINEE (i.e. “Oscar candidate”). “In part” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, while “up” indicates the solution has been reversed – this being a down clue – like so: HAS-B(EEN I’M ON)E.

46. Late PM’s unlimited revenge, staying elected (7)

Answer: EVENING (i.e. “late PM”). Solution is EVENG (i.e. “unlimited revenge”, i.e. the word “revenge” with its start and end letters removed) wrapped around or “staying” IN (i.e. “elected”), like so: EVEN(IN)G.

47. When signature’s ending in slip, use this? (6)

Answer: ERASER (i.e. “this”, within the context of the clue, i.e. something you’d use to rub out an error). Solution is AS (i.e. “when”) and E (i.e. “signature’s ending”, i.e. the last letter of “signature”) both placed “in” ERR (i.e. to “slip”), like so: ER(AS-E)R.

49. Leading couple in repertory theatre season’s show again (5)

Answer: RERUN (i.e. “show again”). Solution is RE (i.e. “leading couple in repertory”, i.e. the first two letters of “repertory”) followed by RUN (i.e. “theatre season”).

51. Below delta there’s uncapped bone object (5)

Answer: DEMUR (i.e. to “object”). Solution is D (“Delta” in the phonetic alphabet) followed by FEMUR (i.e. “bone”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “uncapped”), like so: D-EMUR.

52. Await settlement after small outlay (5)

Answer: SPEND (i.e. “outlay”). Solution is PEND (i.e. “await settlement”) placed “after” S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”), like so: S-MALL.