A mixed bag of a Jumbo this week. For the most part it was relatively straightforward, but there were a few spicy clues in there to make my eyes roll. A low number of repeats was welcome, though.

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 hit you for six 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

RBV (Repeats-By-Volume): 4.8%

Across clues

1. Teacher bowled over by American composer’s perfume ingredient (9)

Answer: AMBERGRIS (i.e. “perfume ingredient” originating in whales’ intestines. Lovely). Solution is SIR (term of address for a male “teacher”) reversed (indicated by “bowled over”) and placed “by” or after AM (a recognised abbreviation of “American”) and Alban BERG (i.e. “composer”), like so: (AM-BERG)-RIS.

6. Fruit-bearing plant university included among sale items (5)

Answer: LOTUS (i.e. “fruit-bearing plant”). Solution is U (a recognised abbreviation of “university”) “included among” LOTS (i.e. “sale items” at an auction), like so: LOT(U)S. Appeared in grid 1577 back in September, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

9. Marine organism filling children with wonder (7)

Answer: SEAWEED (i.e. “marine organism”). Solution is SEED (i.e. “children”) wrapped around or “filled with” AWE (i.e. “wonder”), like so: SE(AWE)ED.

13. Very quietly crosses border to spruce up (5)

Answer: PRIMP (i.e. “spruce up”). Solution is PP (i.e. “very quietly”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of pianissimo in musical lingo) wrapped around or “crossing” RIM (i.e. “border”), like so: P(RIM)P.

14. Alloy identified by publication monk brought back (7)

Answer: AMALGAM (i.e. “alloy”). Solution is MAG (i.e. “publication” or magazine) and LAMA (i.e. Buddhist “monk”) all reversed (indicated by “brought back”), like so: AMAL-GAM. Appeared in grid 1573 back in August, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

15. In back street criticising ornamental accessories (9)

Answer: TRAPPINGS (i.e. “ornamental accessories”). Solution is ST (a recognised abbreviation of “street”) reversed (indicated by “back”) and wrapped around or having “in” RAPPING (i.e. “criticising”), like so: T(RAPPING)S.

16. Land with rowing crew of little substance (11)

Answer: LIGHTWEIGHT (i.e. “of little substance”). Solution is LIGHT (i.e. to “land”) followed by W (a recognised abbreviation of “with”) and EIGHT (i.e. “rowing crew”).

17. Heavy-handed with regard to deportment (11)

Answer: OVERBEARING (i.e. “heavy-handed”). Solution is OVER (i.e. “with regard to”) followed by BEARING (i.e. “deportment”).

18. Extract from Camelot, a hit in a Pacific Island (6)

Answer: TAHITI (i.e. “a Pacific island”). “Extract from” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: CAMELO(T A HIT I)N.

19. Sully name of British hotel riven by violent crimes (8)

Answer: BESMIRCH (i.e. “sully name of”). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”) and H (“hotel” in the phonetic alphabet) wrapped around or “riven by” an anagram (indicated by “violent”) of CRIMES, like so: B-(ESMIRC)-H.

21. A match for Zoroastrian writings? (6)

Answer: AVESTA (i.e. “Zoroastrian writings”). When written as A VESTA the solution also satisfies “a match”. Chalk one to my Bradford’s here.

25. A hot pie I cooked in the country (8)

Answer: ETHIOPIA (i.e. “country”). “Cooked” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of A HOT PIE I.

26. Stock expedition helper, one who carries the flag (8-6)

Answer: STANDARD-BEARER (i.e. “one who carries the flag”). Solution is STANDARD (i.e. “stock”) followed by BEARER (i.e. “expedition helper”).

28. Clumsily handles two-handed hammers (5)

Answer: MAULS. Solution satisfies “clumsily handles” and heavy “two-handed hammers”.

29. Unmarried son to left of fireplace (6)

Answer: SINGLE (i.e. “unmarried”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “son”) followed by INGLE (i.e. Scots word for a “fireplace”).

30. He can putter endlessly about, producing set of biblical books (10)

Answer: PENTATEUCH (i.e. “biblical books” – the first five books of the Old Testament). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “about”) of HE CAN and PUTTER once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “endlessly”).

33. Seabird Tyler introduced to woolgatherer? (10)

Answer: SHEARWATER (i.e. “seabird”). Solution is WAT (i.e. “Tyler” – had to Google this one, Wat Tyler was the leader of the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381. A bit before my time) placed in or “introduced to” SHEARER (i.e. “woolgatherer”), like so: SHEAR(WAT)ER.

35. Arrival of current viral disease, an unknown quantity (6)

Answer: INFLUX (i.e. “arrival”). Solution is IN (i.e. “current” or trendy) followed by FLU (i.e. a “disease”) and X (i.e. “an unknown quantity” – setters love referring to X, Y or Z in solutions as unknowns).

36. Large shallow dish, a benefit the drunk may say? (5)

Answer: ASHET (i.e. “large shallow dish”). The remainder of the clue plays on how a “drunk may say” ASSET (i.e. “benefit”), slurring their speech.

38. Supervisors gripped by new idea not referred to previously (14)

Answer: AFOREMENTIONED (i.e. “referred to previously”). Solution is FOREMEN (i.e. “supervisors”) placed in or “gripped by” an anagram (indicated by “new”) of IDEANOT, like so: A(FOREMEN)TIONED.

40. Neckerchief displayed by girl with music group (8)

Answer: BANDANNA (i.e. “neckerchief” – can be spelled with single or double n). Solution is ANNA (i.e. “girl’s” name) placed after or “with” BAND (i.e. “music group”), like so: BAND-ANNA.

42. Allow some clergymen a blessing (6)

Answer: ENABLE (i.e. “allow”). “Some” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: CLERGYM(EN A BLE)SSING. Appeared in grid 1613 a couple of months ago, though on that occasion on odd intersecting letters.

43. Debauchee transfixed by Latvian gambling game (8)

Answer: ROULETTE (i.e. “gambling game”). Solution is ROUE (i.e. “debauchee”) wrapped around or “transfixed by” LETT (i.e. “Latvian”, Latvia has apparently been called all sorts of things over the years, from Lettland to Letonia, from Lettigallia to Lethia), like so: ROU(LETT)E.

44. Container for drink giving us courage (6)

Answer: BOTTLE. Solution satisfies “container for drink” and “courage”.

47. Clarify girl’s viewpoint about a medical specialism (11)

Answer: DISENTANGLE (i.e. “clarify”). Solution is DI’S (i.e. “girl’s” name, possessive) and ANGLE (i.e. “viewpoint”) all wrapped “about” ENT (i.e. “a medical specialism”, specifically Ear, Nose and Throat), like so: DI’S-(ENT)-ANGLE.

50. Radio message from Italian chap at border going west (11)

Answer: MARCONIGRAM (i.e. a wireless “radio message”, as invented by Guglielmo Marconi). Solution is MARCO (i.e. “Italian chap’s” name) followed by MARGIN (i.e. “border”) once the latter has been reversed (indicated by “going west” – this being an across clue), like so: MARCO-NIGRAM.

52. Surviving longer than dated benefice (9)

Answer: OUTLIVING (i.e. “surviving longer than”). Solution is OUT (i.e. “dated” or unfashionable) followed by LIVING (i.e. “benefice” – over to Chambers: “a church living, an area from which an income is obtained, especially in return for the spiritual care of its inhabitants”).

53. A new senior officer cutting teetotal function (7)

Answer: TANGENT (i.e. a trigonometrical “function”). Solution is A, N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”) and GEN (i.e. “senior officer”, short for general) all placed in or “cutting” TT (a recognised abbreviation of “teetotal”), like so: T(A-N-GEN)T.

54. Extortion originally unknown in American transport system (5)

Answer: USURY (i.e. “extortion”). Solution is U (i.e. “originally unknown”, i.e. the first letter of “unknown”) placed “in” US (i.e. “American”) and RY (i.e. “transport system”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “railway”), like so: US-(U)-RY.

55. Figure of horse visible in middle of day (7)

Answer: NONAGON (i.e. nine-sided shape or “figure”). Solution is NAG (i.e. “horse”) placed “in” NOON (i.e. “middle of day”), like so: NO(NAG)ON.

56. It reflected a source of light, like some roofs (5)

Answer: TILED (i.e. “like some roofs”). Solution is IT reversed (indicate by “reflected”) and followed by LED (i.e. “a source of light”, specifically a Light Emitting Diode), like so: TI-LED.

57. Revolutionary with irregular pulse guarding king’s burial mound (9)

Answer: SEPULCHRE (i.e. “burial ground”). Solution is CHE Guevarra (i.e. “revolutionary”) placed after or “with” an anagram (indicated by “irregular”) of PULSE. This is all then wrapped around or “guarding” R (i.e. “king”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of the Latin Rex), like so: SEPUL-CH(R)E.

Down clues

1. Horrify a man like Revere when speaking (5)

Answer: APPAL (i.e. “horrify”). Solution is A followed by a homophone (indicated by “when speaking”) of PAUL (i.e. “a man like Revere” – Paul Revere was “an American silversmith, engraver, folk hero, early industrialist, Sons of Liberty member, and Patriot” (Wikipedia). He also married twice and had 16 children. Liked to keep himself busy, then), like so: A-PPAL. APPALLED appeared in grid 1578 back in October, also on odd intersecting letters, but I’ll let it slide.

2. Win rapturous applause, as demolition workers might? (5,3,5,4)

Answer: BRING THE HOUSE DOWN. Solution satisfies “win rapturous applause” and “as demolition workers might”.

3. Tedious about little French promissory notes (11)

Answer: REPETITIOUS (i.e. “tedious”). Solution is RE (i.e. “about” or regarding – think email replies) followed by PETIT (i.e. “little French”, i.e. the French for “little”) and IOUS (i.e. “promissory notes”).

4. University lecturer is back, carrying keys (6)

Answer: READER (i.e. “university lecturer”). Solution is REAR (i.e. “back”) wrapped around or “carrying” D and E (i.e. musical “keys”), like so: REA(D-E)R.

5. Sequins originally symbolising primitive settlers (8)

Answer: SPANGLES (i.e. “sequins”). Solution is S and P (i.e. “originally symbolising primitive”, i.e. the first letters of “symbolising” and “primitive”) followed by ANGLES (i.e. fifth century “settlers” of Northumbria, Mercia and East Anglia).

6. Run away? I’m in a cathedral city – justifiably! (12)

Answer: LEGITIMATELY (i.e. “justifiably”). Solution is LEG IT (i.e. “run away”) followed by I’M AT and ELY (i.e. “cathedral city” in Cambridgeshire).

7. Instrument ultimately safe under pulpit in Italian city (10)

Answer: TAMBOURINE (i.e. “instrument”). Solution is E (i.e. “ultimately safe”, i.e. the last letter of “safe”) placed after or “under” – this being a down clue – AMBO (i.e. “pulpit” or “an early Christian raised reading-desk” (Chambers) – no, me neither) once placed “in” TURIN (i.e. “Italian city”), like so: T(AMBO)URIN-E.

8. French composer’s link with South Africa (5)

Answer: Erik SATIE (i.e. “French composer”). Solution is TIE (i.e. “link”) placed after or “with” SA (short for “South Africa”), like so: SA-TIE.

9. Brilliant management – it’s a mariner’s right! (9)

Answer: STARBOARD (i.e. “it’s a mariner’s right”). Solution is STAR (i.e. “brilliant”) followed by BOARD (i.e. “management”).

10. Pacification of our primitive ancestors collecting vegetables on time (11)

Answer: APPEASEMENT (i.e. “pacification”). Solution is APEMEN (i.e. “our primitive ancestors”) wrapped around or “collecting” PEAS (i.e. “vegetables”) and followed by T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”), like so: AP(PEAS)EMEN-T.

11. Listlessness in French university involving new intake primarily (5)

Answer: ENNUI (i.e. “listlessness”). Solution is EN (i.e. “in French”, or the French for “in”. Ooh la la, tres Français all of a sudden! At this rate I’ll be reverting back to my “I’m French!” meme…) and U (a recognised abbreviation of “university”) wrapped around or “involving” N (ditto “new”). This is then followed by I (i.e. “intake primarily”, i.e. the first letter of “intake”), like so: (EN-(N)-U)-I.

12. Swindle over wise man’s prescribed amount of medicine (6)

Answer: DOSAGE (i.e. “prescribed amount of medicine”). Solution is DO (i.e. “swindle” someone) followed by SAGE (i.e. “wise man”).

18. Rubbish found under mother’s damaged heat regulator (10)

Answer: THERMOSTAT (i.e. “heat regulator”). Solution is TAT (i.e. “rubbish”) placed at the end of or “under” – this being a down clue – an anagram (indicated by “damaged”) of MOTHER’S, like so: THERMOS-TAT.

20. Supernatural cure unknown to protect archdeacon (8)

Answer: HEAVENLY (i.e. “supernatural”). Solution is HEAL (i.e. “cure”) and Y (i.e. “unknown”, discussed earlier) wrapped around or “protecting” VEN (i.e. an “archdeacon’s” honorific prefix, short for venerable), like so: HEA(VEN)L-Y.

22. Reportedly made more than one projection? Completely (7,3,7)

Answer: THROUGH AND THROUGH (i.e. “completely”). Solution plays on a homophone (indicated by “reportedly”) of THREW (i.e. “projected”) repeated (indicated by “more than one”).

23. Writing about English initially attending Spanish carnival (6)

Answer: FIESTA (i.e. “Spanish carnival”). Solution is FIST (an informal word for “[hand]writing”, apparently) wrapped “about” E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) and followed by A (i.e. “initially attending”, i.e. the first letter of “attending”), like so: FI(E)ST-A. Appeared only last month in grid 1621, also on even intersecting letters, so…

24. Moulding academician put up disturbed the vicar (10)

Answer: ARCHITRAVE (i.e. “moulding”). Solution is RA (i.e. “academician”, specifically a Royal Academician) reversed (indicated by “put up” – this being a down clue) and followed by an anagram (indicated by “disturbed”) of THE VICAR, like so: AR-CHITRAVE.

27. Creative type in Isle of Wight resort withholding name (8)

Answer: INVENTOR (i.e. “creative type”). Solution is IN followed by VENTNOR (i.e. “Isle of Wight resort” – again, me neither) once the second N (a recognised abbreviation of “name”) has been removed or “withheld”, like so: IN-VENTOR.

31. Revenue collector finally caught feller from Atlanta? (6)

Answer: TAXMAN (i.e. “revenue collector”). Solution is T (i.e. “finally caught”, i.e. the last letter of “caught”) followed by AXMAN (i.e. “feller from Atlanta”, playfully referencing the US spelling of AXEMAN).

32. Weakened without sources of transmittable energy? That’s not established (12)

Answer: UNDETERMINED (i.e. “that’s not established”). Solution is UNDERMINED (i.e. “weakened”) wrapped around or placed “without” T and E (i.e. “sources of transmittable energy”, i.e. the first letters of “transmittable” and “energy”), like so: UNDE(T-E)RMINED.

34. Bird house ultimately surrounded by colourful flags (4,7)

Answer: REED BUNTING (i.e. “bird”). Solution is E (i.e. “house ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “house”) placed in or “surrounded by” RED BUNTING (i.e. “colourful flags”), like so: RE(E)D-BUNTING. A win for my Bradford’s, here.

36. I avoid usual changes involving hearing and sight (11)

Answer: AUDIOVISUAL (i.e. “involving hearing and sight”). “Changes” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of I AVOID USUAL.

37. Huge, like some masons? (10)

Answer: MONUMENTAL (i.e. “huge”). Clue plays on how some “masons” may sculpt monuments. You get the idea.

39. Joy about European advertiser’s third promotion (9)

Answer: ELEVATION (i.e. “promotion”). Solution is ELATION (i.e. “joy”) wrapped “about” E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) and V (i.e. “advertiser’s third” letter), like so: EL(E-V)ATION.

41. Appetisers for race officials? (8)

Answer: STARTERS. Solution satisfies “appetisers” and “race officials”.

45. Meet girl in commercial at home (6)

Answer: ADJOIN (i.e. “meet”). Solution is JO (i.e. “girl’s” name) placed “in” between AD (i.e. “commercial”) and IN (i.e. “at home”), like so: AD-(JO)-IN. Also appeared in grid 1567 on even intersecting letters, but this is just outside my threshold for recent repeats.

46. Send off work after surgical procedure (4-2)

Answer: POST-OP (i.e. “after surgical procedure”). Solution is POST (i.e. to “send off”) followed by OP (i.e. “work”, short for “opus”).

48. Demonstrated closely woven fabric (5)

Answer: SATIN (i.e. “closely woven fabric”). When written as SAT-IN the solution also satisfies “demonstrated”.

49. Joint of meat obtained by serviceman abroad (5)

Answer: GIGOT (i.e. a leg of mutton or “joint of meat”, another new one on me). Solution is GOT (i.e. “obtained”) placed after or “by” GI (i.e. US army type, or “serviceman abroad”), like so: GI-GOT.

51. Yankee born in West, perhaps (5)

Answer: MAYBE (i.e. “perhaps”). Solution is Y (“Yankee” in the phonetic alphabet) and B (a recognised abbreviation of “born”) both placed “in” MAE (i.e. “West” – probably more likely “West, perhaps” with a spot of recycling), like so: MA(Y-B)E.

Another medium strength Jumbo to while away a soggy Saturday afternoon. I rather liked this one – there were a few good clues in there to chip away at, though it did take me ages to twig AIR-COOL. Sometimes I just don’t see ’em.

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 43-ed you, then you might find my Just For Fun a handy resource, 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 dry out there kids.

LP

RBV (Repeats-By-Volume): 6.7%

Across clues

1. Shamelessness of some musicians (5)

Answer: BRASS. Solution satisfies “shamelessness” and “some musicians”.

4. New student having more leeway to keep quiet (7)

Answer: FRESHER (i.e. “new student”). Solution is FREER (i.e. “having more leeway”) wrapped around or “keeping” SH (i.e. “quiet”), like so: FRE(SH)ER.

8. Seasonal gift for one includes plant, say (6,3)

Answer: EASTER EGG (i.e. “seasonal gift”). Solution is EG (i.e. “for one”, or for example) wrapped around or “including” ASTER (i.e. a “plant”) and EG (i.e. “say”, or for example again), like so: E(ASTER-EG)G.

13. Accomplished horses, we gather, eat too much grass (9)

Answer: OVERGRAZE (i.e. “eat too much grass”). Solution is OVER (i.e. “accomplished” or done) followed by a homophone (indicated by “we gather”) of GREYS (i.e. variety of “horses”), like so: OVER-GRAZE.

14. Well-informed child detailed her exact present (2-2-3-6)

Answer: UP-TO-THE-MINUTE (i.e. “present”). Solution is UP (i.e. “well-informed”) followed by TOT (i.e. “child”), then HER with its last letter removed (indicated by “detailed” – imagine it written as de-tailed) and MINUTE (i.e. “exact”).

15. Grill served food on the counter (loaded with cheese) (7)

Answer: DEBRIEF (i.e. to “grill” someone). Solution is FED (i.e. “served food”) reversed (indicated by “on the counter”) and wrapped around or “loaded with” BRIE (i.e. “cheese”), like so: DE(BRIE)F.

16. Guy departing one Northern city for another (7)

Answer: CHESTER (i.e. “another” (“Northern city”)). Solution is MANCHESTER (“Northern city”) with the MAN (i.e. “guy”) removed or “departing”.

17. Left nothing for cutting in allotment (7)

Answer: PORTION (i.e. “allotment”). Solution is PORT (i.e. “left” in shipspeak) followed by O (i.e. “nothing”) once first placed in or “cutting” IN, like so: PORT-I(O)N.

18. Irish folk tune, fleshed out with a hefty intro (3,6,2,7)

Answer: THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY (i.e. “Irish folk tune” – not one I know, but millions of views on YouTube would speak of its popularity). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “out”) of FLESHED and A HEFTY INTRO.

21. Give up position in tournament, reportedly (4)

Answer: CEDE (i.e. “give up”). “Reportedly” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of SEED (i.e. “position in tournament”).

23. Designated European vessel protected by having weapons (9)

Answer: EARMARKED (i.e. “designated”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) followed by ARK (i.e. a “vessel”) once placed in or “protected by” ARMED (i.e. “having weapons”), like so: E-ARM(ARK)ED.

25. Primate eating primarily fruit (6)

Answer: ORANGE (i.e. “fruit”). Solution is ORANG (i.e. “primate”, recognised shortened form of orang-utan) followed by E (i.e. “eating primarily”, i.e. the first letter of “eating”).

26. Paper under discussion has no leader (6)

Answer: TISSUE (i.e. “paper”). Solution is AT ISSUE (i.e. “under discussion”) with the first letter removed (indicated by “has no leader”).

28. Three damaged crackers were deemed passable (4,3,5)

Answer: MADE THE GRADE (i.e. “were deemed passable”). “Crackers” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of THREE DAMAGED.

30. Nutritionists stop working with certain red meats in the end (10)

Answer: DIETITIANS (i.e. “nutritionists”). Solution is DIE (i.e. “stop working”) followed by TITIAN (i.e. a striking “red” – I guess “certain” in this respect is another word for “absolute”, but I could be missing something clever) and S (i.e. “meats in the end”, or the last letter of “meats”).

33. Nash occasionally messed around with geometry and strategical analysis (4,6)

Answer: GAME THEORY (i.e. “strategical analysis”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “messed around”) of AH (i.e. “Nash occasionally”, i.e. every other letter of NASH) and GEOMETRY.

34. Where marathon contestants excel, ultimately (2,3,4,3)

Answer: IN THE LONG RUN. Solution satisfies “where marathon contestants excel” and “ultimately”. Also appeared in grid 1606 back in April, although on that occasion it was on odd intersecting letters.

37. One trying to get clean requires, on reflection, time in detox centre (6)

Answer: BATHER (i.e. “one trying to get clean”). Solution is T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”) placed “in” REHAB (i.e. “detox centre”) once reversed (indicated by “on reflection”), like so: BA(T)HER. Very nicely worked.

39. Drunk most of jug chilled (6)

Answer: JUICED (i.e. slang for being “drunk”). Solution is JUG with its last letter removed (indicated by “most of…”) and the remainder followed by ICED (i.e. “chilled”), like so: JU-ICED.

40. Woman acquiring a thousand feathers for makeshift bed (9)

Answer: SHAKEDOWN (i.e. “makeshift bed”). Solution is SHE (i.e. “woman”) wrapped around or “acquiring” A and K (short for a “thousand”) and followed by DOWN (i.e. “feathers”), like so: SH(A-K)E-DOWN.

42. Empty lagoon bordering a wide, green expanse (4)

Answer: LAWN (i.e. “green expanse”). Solution is LN (i.e. “empty lagoon”, i.e. the word “lagoon” with all its middle letters removed) wrapped around or “bordering” A and W (a recognised abbreviation of “wide” used in cricket), like so: L(A-W)N.

43. Hand over written form and sneak off? (4,7,3,4)

Answer: GIVE SOMEONE THE SLIP. Solution satisfies “sneak off” and, playfully, “hand over written form”.

46. Popular hotel alongside river using own staff (2-5)

Answer: IN-HOUSE (i.e. “using own staff”). Solution is IN (i.e. “popular”) followed by H (“hotel” in the phonetic alphabet) and OUSE (i.e. “river”).

47. Having got divorced, some people initially showed elation (5,2)

Answer: SPLIT UP (i.e. “having got divorced”). Solution is SP (i.e. “some people initially”, i.e. the first letters of “some” and “people”) followed by LIT-UP (i.e. “showed elation”).

48. Drinks maker first installed in counter area (7)

Answer: BARISTA (i.e. “drinks maker”). Solution is IST (i.e. “first”, with 1 represented by its Roman numeral equivalent) placed or “installed in” between BAR (i.e. “counter”) and A (a recognised abbreviation of “area”), like so: BAR-(IST)-A.

50. A motif recalled in new title dealing with sci-fi travel (13)

Answer: TELEPORTATION (i.e. “sci-fi travel”). Solution is A and TROPE (i.e. “motif”) all reversed (indicated by “recalled”) and placed “in” an anagram (indicated by “new”) of TITLE. This is all then followed by ON (i.e. regarding or “dealing with”), like so: TEL(EPORT-A)TI-ON.

51. Distinguished nurse filling in for vast sum of money (9)

Answer: PROMINENT (i.e. “distinguished”). Solution is EN (i.e. “nurse”, in this case an Enrolled Nurse) placed in or “filling in” PRO (i.e. “for”) and MINT (i.e. “vast sum of money”), like so: PRO-MIN(EN)T.

52. Recordings of comedian’s debut benefit set going round (9)

Answer: CASSETTES (i.e. “recordings”). Solution is C (i.e. “comedian’s debut”, i.e. the first letter of “comedian”) followed by ASSET (i.e. “benefit”) and SET reversed (indicated by “going round”), like so: C-ASSET-TES.

53. Large wine bottles always once stacked in rows? (7)

Answer: LAYERED (i.e. “stacked in rows”). Solution is L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”) and RED (i.e. “wine”) wrapped around or “bottling” AYE (i.e. “always”), like so: L-(AYE)-RED.

54. Military VIP in charge of coded material (5)

Answer: GENIC (i.e. “of coded material”). Solution is GEN (i.e. “military VIP”, short for a General) followed by IC (a recognised abbreviation of “in charge”).

Down clues

1. Untidy bedrooms with endlessly stale circulation (11)

Answer: BLOODSTREAM (i.e. “circulation”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “untidy”) of BEDROOMS and TAL (i.e. “endlessly stale”, i.e. the word “stale” with its first and last letters removed).

2. Bitter is great with occasional bits of grub (5)

Answer: ACERB (i.e. “bitter”). Solution is ACE (i.e. “great”) followed by RB (i.e. “occasional bits of grub”, i.e. every other letter of GRUB).

3. Has heartless gentrification upset one half of a partnership? (11,5)

Answer: SIGNIFICANT OTHER (i.e. “one half of a partnership”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “upset”) of HS (i.e. “has heartless”, i.e. the word “has” with its middle letter removed) and GENTRIFICATION.

4. Quaking in one’s boots following reprimand (7)

Answer: FEARFUL (i.e. “quaking in one’s boots”). Solution is F (a recognised abbreviation of “following”) followed by EARFUL (i.e. “reprimand”). Appeared in grid 1616 a couple of months ago, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

5. Trained duty doctors principally covering emergency room (9)

Answer: EXERCISED (i.e. “trained”). Solution is EXCISE (i.e. “duty”) and D (i.e. “doctors principally”, i.e. the first letter of “doctors”) all wrapped around or “covering” ER (short for “emergency room”), like so: EX(ER)CISE-D.

6. Place where members are entitled to sit? (5,2,5)

Answer: HOUSE OF LORDS. Solution satisfies the clue as a whole, playing on the “entitled” members, or lords and ladies, that attend. You get the idea.

7. Knock junk items presented by artist (at Tate, mostly) (3-1-3-3)

Answer: RAT-A-TAT-TAT (i.e. “knock”). Solution is TAT (i.e. “junk items”) placed after or “presented by” RA (i.e. “artist”, specifically a Royal Academician) and followed by AT TATE once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “mostly”), like so: RA-(TAT)-AT-TAT.

8. Key hub in San Francisco fails to open (5)

Answer: ENTER (i.e. “key” on a computer keyboard). Solution is CENTER (i.e. “hub in San Francisco”, or anywhere in the US really – we’re after the US spelling of CENTRE) with its first letter removed (indicated by “fails to open”). Appeared in grid 1580 back in October, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

9. They defend small people who are visibly upset (8)

Answer: SWEEPERS (i.e. “they defend” in a game of football). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) followed by WEEPERS (i.e. “people who are visibly upset”). Appeared in grid 1609 back in April, but on that occasion on even intersecting letters.

10. Person leaving country before catching plane (6)

Answer: ÉMIGRÉ (i.e. “person leaving country”). Solution is ERE (poetic form of “before”) wrapped around or “catching” MIG (Russian fighter “plane”), like so: E(MIG)RE.

11. Online firm that is about to bring in transport head (1-8)

Answer: E-BUSINESS (i.e. “online firm”). Solution is IE (i.e. “that is”, from the Latin id est) reversed (indicated by “about”) and wrapped around or “bringing in” BUS (i.e. “transport”). This is all then followed by NESS (i.e. “head”, geographical features both), like so: E(BUS)I-NESS.

12. Commandos with little experience introducing risks protecting monarch (5,6)

Answer: GREEN BERETS (i.e. “commandos”). Solution is GREEN (i.e. “with little experience”) followed by BETS (i.e. “risks”) once wrapped around or “protecting” ER (i.e. “monarch”, specifically Elizabeth Regina), like so: GREEN-B(ER)ETS.

19. Privileged position of each Republican and Liberal party male (7)

Answer: EARLDOM (i.e. “privileged position”). Solution is EA (a recognised abbreviation of “each”) followed by R (ditto “Republican”), then L (ditto ditto “Liberal”), then DO (i.e. “party”) and M (a recognised abbreviation of “male”). Only appeared a couple of months ago back in grid 1616, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

20. Language hinges loosely around rules, at heart (7)

Answer: ENGLISH (i.e. “language”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “loosely”) of HINGES wrapped “around” L (i.e. “rules, at heart”, i.e. the middle letter of “rules”), like so: ENG(L)ISH. Also appeared in grid 1611 back in April, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

22. Gain credentials, possibly taking new virtual courses? (8,8)

Answer: DISTANCE LEARNING (i.e. “virtual courses”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “possibly”) of GAIN CREDENTIALS wrapped around or “taking” N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), like so: DISTA(N)CELEARNING. Another nicely worked clue. Nearly a hat trick of repeats, this having last appeared in grid 1566 – only just outside my 1-year threshold. To be fair, it appeared then on odd intersecting letters so wouldn’t have counted anyway.

24. Banks perhaps hold closures for one year (6)

Answer: KEEPER (i.e. Gordon “Banks perhaps” – other goalkeepers are available). Solution is KEEP (i.e. “hold”) followed by E and R (i.e. “closures for one year”, i.e. the last letters of “one” and “year”).

27. Female gambler’s giveaway is hidden by it (6)

Answer: STELLA (i.e. “female’s” name). Solution is TELL (i.e. “gambler’s giveaway”) placed in or “hidden by” SA (i.e. “it”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of Sex Appeal), like so: S(TELL)A.

29. Divert soldiers east after defeat (7)

Answer: REROUTE (i.e. “divert”). Solution is RE (i.e. “soldiers”, specifically the Royal Engineers of the British Army) followed by E (a recognised abbreviation of “east”) once first placed “after” ROUT (i.e. “defeat”), like so: RE-(ROUT)-E.

31. Show supported by hip fan, maybe (3-4)

Answer: AIR-COOL (i.e. to “fan, maybe”). Solution is AIR (i.e. to “show”) followed by COOL (i.e. “hip” and happening, daddios).

32. Negligence at commercial space on outskirts of city (12)

Answer: INADVERTENCY (i.e. “negligence”). Solution is IN (i.e. “at”) followed by ADVERT (i.e. “commercial”), then EN (i.e. “space”, a printers term for a space that is half the width of a letter m – not seen this one for a while) and CY (i.e. “outskirts of city”, i.e. the first and last letters of “city”).

33. I call bigots misguided and get very mad (2,9)

Answer: GO BALLISTIC (i.e. “get very mad”). “Misguided” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of I CALL BIGOTS. BALLISTIC on its own appeared only last month in grid 1621, also on odd intersecting letters and using a not entirely different clue. So tempted to count this as a repeat…

35. Action plans designed for harmful by-product of packaging? (11)

Answer: NANOPLASTIC (i.e. “harmful by-product of packaging”). “Designed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of ACTION PLANS.

36. A young lady who has class? (10)

Answer: SCHOOLGIRL. Another of those where the solution satisfies the clue as a whole, this time playing on “classes” at school. You get the idea.

38. Individual hospital overshadowed by high, singular public buildings (4,5)

Answer: TOWN HALLS (i.e. “public buildings”). Solution is OWN (i.e. “individual”) and H (a recognised abbreviation of “hospital” used on maps) all placed in or “overshadowed by” TALL (i.e. “high”). This is all then followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “singular”), like so: T(OWN-H)ALL-S.

40. Abrasive son also starts to exclaim rudely about father briefly (9)

Answer: SANDPAPER (i.e. “abrasive”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “son”) followed by AND (i.e. “also”), E and R (i.e. “starts to exclaim rudely”, i.e. the first letter of “exclaim” and “rudely”). This is all then wrapped “about” PAPA (i.e. “father”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “briefly”), like so: S-AND-(PAP)-E-R.

41. Dismiss spoiled child displaying insect (8)

Answer: FIREBRAT (i.e. “insect” that looks a little bit like a silverfish). Solution is FIRE (i.e. to sack or “dismiss”) followed by BRAT (i.e. “spoiled child”).

44. Label on top including nothing sensationalist (7)

Answer: TABLOID (i.e. “sensationalist”). Solution is TAB (i.e. “label”) followed by LID (i.e. “top”) once the latter has been wrapped around or “including” O (i.e. “nothing”), like so: TAB-L(O)ID.

45. Disorder created by politician in government (6)

Answer: RUMPLE (i.e. “disorder”). Solution is MP (i.e. “politician”, specifically a Member of Parliament) placed “in” RULE (i.e. “government”), like so: RU(MP)LE. Another good clue.

47. Big pieces of stone in testing site on board ship (5)

Answer: SLABS (i.e. “big pieces of stone”). Solution is LAB (i.e. “testing site”) placed in or “on board” SS (i.e. “ship”, in this case a recognised abbreviation of a “steamship”), like so: S(LAB)S.

49. American writer seen as a mug in Germany? (5)

Answer: Gertrude STEIN (i.e. “American writer”). The remainder of the clue plays on STEIN being a “mug” in German.

A medium strength Jumbo this week. Can’t say I was too much of a fan of this one. To me the setter relied a little too hard on made-to-fit trash to get the job done. The lowish number of repeats was welcome, though.

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 bested you 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

RBV (Repeats-By-Volume): 5%

Across clues

1. Reconsidered a processed flavour enhancer (9,4)

Answer: CORIANDER SEED (i.e. “flavour enhancer”). “Processed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of RECONSIDERED A.

8. That woman cooks hot wraps, giving tip (9)

Answer: BAKSHEESH (i.e. a “tip” or gratuity in various Asian countries). Solution is SHE (i.e. “that woman”) placed or “wrapped” up in BAKES (i.e. “cooks”) and H (a recognised abbreviation of “hot” used on taps), like so: BAK(SHE)ES-H.

13. Heavy metal piece from The Smiths? (5)

Answer: ANVIL, a “heavy metal piece” upon which “smiths” work – ignoring the misleading capitalisation.

14. Make popular display one’s instilled in old car (11)

Answer: DEMOCRATISE (i.e. “make popular” or of the people). Solution is DEMO (i.e. “display” or demonstrate) followed by I’S (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one’s”) once placed “in” CRATE (i.e. “old car”, informally), like so: DEMO-CRAT(I’S)E.

15. Bore medic with symptoms (5)

Answer: DRILL (i.e. “bore”). Solution is DR (i.e. “medic”, short for a doctor) followed by ILL (i.e. “with symptoms”). Appeared back in February in grid 1598, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

16. Fruit in a lot of muesli monk distributed (9)

Answer: MUSKMELON (i.e. “fruit”, my Chambers and Oxford would have this as two words, while those buggers at Collins list it as a single word). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “distributed”) of MUESLI once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “a lot of”) and MONK.

17. Spaniard’s words for the lady (4)

Answer: ELLA (i.e. a “lady’s” name). When written as EL and LA the solution also satisfies “Spaniard’s words for ‘the’”.

18. Protested about working, given a little work (8)

Answer: SONATINA (i.e. “a little work”, a short sonata). Solution is SAT-IN (i.e. “protested”) wrapped “about” ON (i.e. “working”) and followed by A, like so: (S(ON)AT-IN)-A. A swine when all you have to work with is _O_A_I_A.

20. Character left out of neutral ground (6)

Answer: NATURE (i.e. “character”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “ground”) of NEUTRAL once the L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) has been removed or taken “out”.

21. Large volume of metal found in day by keen competitors (5,11)

Answer: DAVID COPPERFIELD (a “large volume” or book by Charles Dickens). Solution is COPPER (i.e. “metal”) placed “in” D (a recognised abbreviation of “day”), AVID (i.e. “keen”) and FIELD (i.e. “competitors”), like so: D-AVID-(COPPER)-FIELD. Also appeared in grid 1584 back in November with much the same clue, although this time on odd intersecting letters. DAVID COPPERFIELD was also in grid 1559 June last year (again with a similar clue). While this is a little too long ago for me to count as a recent repeat, it does make you wonder just how many books some of these setters have read. Come on, boys and girls, widen your reading a little.

24. Greedy king of an enormous size losing face (9)

Answer: RAPACIOUS (i.e. “greedy”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “king”, after the Latin Rex) followed by CAPACIOUS (i.e. “of an enormous size”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “losing face”), like so: R-APACIOUS.

26. Fancy receiving education in modern language (7)

Answer: SWEDISH (i.e. “modern language” – apparently Standard Swedish took shape around the turn of the twentieth century. Interesting). Solution is SWISH (i.e. “fancy”) wrapped around or “receiving” ED (short for “education”, as in higher ed or co-ed), like so: SW(ED)ISH.

27. Moulding, very large, interspersed with spheres (5)

Answer: OVOLO (i.e. “moulding” – over to Chambers: “a moulding with the rounded part composed of a quarter of a circle, or of an arc of an ellipse with the curve the greatest at the top”. I’m glad to have cleared that up for you). Solution is V (a recognised abbreviation of “very”) and L (ditto “large”) “interspersed with spheres”, or the letter O, like so: O(V)O(L)O. Made. To. Fit.

29. Is a teacher at Hogwarts perhaps in anorak? (12)

Answer: TRAINSPOTTER (i.e. an “anorak”, specifically one with obsessive interest in trains). When written as TRAINS POTTER, the solution also satisfies “is a teacher at Hogwarts perhaps”, referencing the school in J.K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter books.

31. Hurry to catch a film I will leave playing (3,1,4,2)

Answer: GET A MOVE ON (i.e. “hurry”). Solution is GET (i.e. “to catch”) followed by A, then MOVIE (i.e. “film”) once the I has been removed (indicated by “I will leave”) and ON (i.e. performing or “playing”).

33. Corrupt MP, alas, with urge for sweetener (5,5)

Answer: MAPLE SUGAR (i.e. “sweetener”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “corrupt”) of MP ALAS and URGE.

35. One surprisingly got up in a bad mood with furniture item (5-7)

Answer: CROSS-DRESSER (i.e. “one surprisingly got up” – an interesting description). Solution is CROSS (i.e. “in a bad mood”) followed by DRESSER (i.e. “furniture item”).

38. November in the past or current period (5)

Answer: NONCE (i.e. “current period”). Solution is N (“November” in the phonetic alphabet) followed by ONCE (i.e. “in the past”).

39. Superior feeling policeman’s ace, stopping racket (7)

Answer: DISDAIN (i.e. “superior feeling”). Solution is DI’S (i.e. “policeman’s”, specifically a Detective Inspector) followed by A (a recognised abbreviation of “ace” used on playing cards) once placed in or “stopping” DIN (i.e. noise or “racket”), like so: DI’S-D(A)IN.

40. After whiskey, eat fish sandwiches, being rude (9)

Answer: BAWDINESS (i.e. “being rude”). Solution is W (“whiskey” in the phonetic alphabet) and DINE (i.e. “eat”) both placed in or being “sandwiched” by BASS (i.e. a variety of “fish”), like so: BA(W-DINE)SS.

42. Unfortunately Cinderella got fat whilst transgressing (9,7)

Answer: FLAGRANTE DELICTO (i.e. “whilst transgressing”, Latin for ‘while the crime is blazing’ apparently). “Unfortunately” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of CINDERELLA GOT FAT.

44. Investigated no amateur teacher (6)

Answer: PROBED (i.e. “investigated”). Solution is PRO (i.e. “no amateur”, short for professional) followed by BED (i.e. “teacher”, in this case a BEd or Bachelor of Education).

47. Understood about number in sum (8)

Answer: TOGETHER (i.e. the “sum”). Solution is GOT (i.e. “understood”) reversed (indicated by “about”) and followed by ETHER (i.e. a “number” or anaesthetic), like so: TOG-ETHER. Took a while to twig, especially when crossed with ANGEVIN for 43d.

49. Either end of terrific old necklace (4)

Answer: TORC (i.e. “old necklace”). When written as T OR C the solution also satisfies “either end of [the word] ‘terrific’”.

50. Passage in French performance intended for the radio (9)

Answer: ENACTMENT (i.e. “passage” of a bill into law). Solution is EN (i.e. “in French”, or the French for “in”) followed by ACT (i.e. “performance”) and a homophone (indicated by “for the radio”) of MEANT (i.e. “intended”), like so: EN-ACT-MENT.

52. Little fish constantly circling lake (5)

Answer: ELVER (i.e. “little fish” or young eel). Solution is EVER (i.e. “constantly”) wrapped around or “circling” L (a recognised abbreviation of “lake”), like so: E(L)VER.

53. Almost begrudge tough guys time in living space (11)

Answer: ENVIRONMENT (i.e. “living space”). Solution is ENVY (i.e. “begrudge”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “almost”) and the remainder followed by IRON MEN (i.e. “tough guys”) and T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”), like so: ENV-IRON-MEN-T.

54. Sailor also called for port where sake’s served? (5)

Answer: OSAKA (i.e. Japanese “port where sake’s served”, playfully). Solution is OS (i.e. “sailor”, specifically of Ordinary Seaman rank) followed by AKA (i.e. “also called”, or Also Known As).

55. Carol revealed one’s footloose and fancy-free (9)

Answer: SINGLETON (i.e. “one’s footloose and fancy-free”). Solution is SING (i.e. to “carol”) followed by LET ON (i.e. “revealed”).

56. Exposure to current kind of blue and white clothing succeeded (8,5)

Answer: ELECTRIC SHOCK (i.e. “exposure to current”). Solution is ELECTRIC (i.e. “kind of blue”) and HOCK (a “white” wine) all wrapped around or “clothing” S (a recognised abbreviation of “succeeded”), like so: ELECTRIC-(S)-HOCK.

Down clues

1. Labourer, one making money receiving lots of charity (4,5)

Answer: COAL MINER (i.e. “labourer”). Solution is COINER (i.e. “one making money”) wrapped around or “receiving” ALM (i.e. “lots of charity”), like so: CO(ALM)INER.

2. Newly examine gun, is that right? (7)

Answer: REVISIT (i.e. “newly examine”). Solution is REV (i.e. to hit the accelerator or “gun” a car) followed by IS IT (i.e. “is that right”).

3. Call a marine out, which is ideal across the ocean (3-8)

Answer: ALL-AMERICAN (i.e. “ideal across the ocean”). “Out” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of CALL A MARINE.

4. Comedian with case of lemonade for picnic (6)

Answer: DODDLE (i.e. a “picnic” or easy task). Solution is Ken DODD (i.e. “comedian”) followed by LE (i.e. “case of lemonade”, i.e. the first and last letters of “lemonade”).

5. Europeans who could come from San Marino (9)

Answer: ROMANIANS (i.e. “Europeans”). “Could come from” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SAN MARINO. Excellent clue.

6. Book fancy sites around area in Manchester town (12)

Answer: ECCLESIASTES (a “book” of the Old Testament of The Bible). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “fancy”) of SITES wrapped “around” A (a recognised abbreviation of “area”). This is all then placed “in” ECCLES (i.e. “Manchester town”), like so: ECCL(ESI(A)ST)ES.

7. Unable to move without resistance like a Rastafarian (10)

Answer: DEADLOCKED (i.e. “unable to move”). Solution is DREADLOCKED (i.e. “like a Rastafarian”) with the R removed (indicated by “without resistance”, R being a recognised abbreviation of “resistance”).

8. Jingoistic colonel missing Mass is an aberration (4)

Answer: BLIP (i.e. “aberration”). Solution is BLIMP (i.e. “jingoistic colonel”, a satirical cartoon character created by David Low) with the M removed (indicated by “missing mass” – M being a recognised abbreviation of “mass” – ignoring the misleading capitalisation).

9. Avoid trouble with drink – remain calm at first (4,4,4,4)

Answer: KEEP ONE’S HEAD DOWN (i.e. “avoid trouble”). Solution is DOWN (i.e. to “drink”) with KEEP ONE’S HEAD (i.e. “remain calm”) placed “first”.

10. Monster shrubs with flower clusters half cut (5)

Answer: HYDRA (i.e. legendary “monster”). Solution is HYDRANGEAS (i.e. “shrubs with flower clusters”) with the latter “half cut”.

11. Hendrix, regularly loud, rocks building (7)

Answer: EDIFICE (i.e. “building”). Solution is EDI (i.e. “Hendrix, regularly”, i.e. every other letter of HENDRIX) followed by F (i.e. “loud”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “forte” in musical lingo) and ICE (i.e. “rocks”, informally speaking).

12. Secretive husband and old, legendary lover pinching ear? (4-3-6)

Answer: HOLE-AND-CORNER (i.e. “secretive” – a phrase I’m not familiar with). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “husband”), O (ditto “old”) and LEANDER (i.e. “legendary lover” of Hero in Greek mythology) once wrapped around or “pinching” CORN (i.e. “ear” or part of a cereal plant containing the seeds – I get the gist, but I’m not entirely convinced they’re interchangeable), like so: H-O-LEAND(CORN)ER.

19. Swag bags extortioner emptied, giving clues to plot (8)

Answer: SPOILERS (i.e. “clues to plot”). Solution is SPOILS (i.e. “swag”) wrapped around or “bagging” ER (i.e. “extortioner emptied”, i.e. the first and last letters of “extortioner”), like so: SPOIL(ER)S.

22. Tolkien character following ring, clutching staff (5)

Answer: FRODO (i.e. “Tolkien character”). Solution is F (a recognised abbreviation of “following”) and O (i.e. “ring”) wrapped around or “clutching” ROD (i.e. “staff”), like so: F-(ROD)-O.

23. Business concern banking millions with sterling financial reward (8,8)

Answer: COMPOUND INTEREST (i.e. “financial reward”). Solution is CO (i.e. “business”, short for “company”) and INTEREST (i.e. “concern”) all wrapped around or “banking” M (a recognised abbreviation of “millions”) and POUND (i.e. “sterling”), like so: CO-(M-POUND)-INTEREST.

25. What dramatist may do, cycling in safe enclosure (7)

Answer: PLAYPEN (i.e. “safe enclosure”). Solution is PEN PLAY (i.e. “what dramatist may do”) with the words “cycled” around.

28. Run faster than the speed of light, we hear (7)

Answer: OVERSEE (i.e. “run” or manage). “We hear” indicates homophone. Solution is OVER C (i.e. “faster than the speed of light” – C representing the speed of light in physics). Appeared in grid 1615 back in March, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

29. Misanthrope to skip around with skinny birds only? (5,2,6)

Answer: TIMON OF ATHENS (i.e. “misanthrope” of ancient Greece). Solution is OMIT (i.e. “to skip”) reversed (indicated by “around”) and followed by NO FAT HENS (i.e. “with skinny birds only”), like so: TIMO-NO-FAT-HENS.

30. Move faster, travelling around head of Niger River (8)

Answer: TRANSFER (i.e. “move”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “travelling”) of FASTER wrapped “around” N (i.e. “head of Niger”, i.e. the first letter of “Niger”) and followed by R (a recognised abbreviation of “river”), like so: TRA(N)SFE-R.

32. Open nark’s Yuletide gift (12)

Answer: FRANKINCENSE (i.e. a “Yuletide gift”). Solution is FRANK (i.e. “open”) followed by INCENSE (i.e. to annoy or “nark”).

34. Muslim VIP – poet’s always around this person (5)

Answer: EMEER (i.e. “Muslim VIP”, a variant spelling of EMIR). Solution is E’ER (i.e. “poet’s always”) wrapped “around” ME (i.e. “this person” from the point of view of the setter), like so: E(ME)ER.

36. Supply air time with song for departures (11)

Answer: EMIGRATIONS (i.e. “departures”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “supply”) of AIR TIME and SONG.

37. Bolt part of meal in Doncaster or York? (10)

Answer: RACECOURSE (i.e. “Doncaster or York”, both examples thereof). Solution is RACE (i.e. to “bolt”) followed by COURSE (i.e. “part of meal”). Appeared in grid 1606 back in April, also on even intersecting letters, so…

40. Most resentful German’s request to take it easy (9)

Answer: BITTEREST (i.e. “most resentful”). Solution is BITTE (i.e. “German’s request”, i.e. the German for “please”) followed by REST (i.e. “take it easy”).

41. Perhaps left dog, getting lead off elsewhere (9)

Answer: SIDETRACK (i.e. to “lead off elsewhere”). Solution is SIDE (i.e. “perhaps left”. Other sides are available) followed by TRACK (i.e. to “dog” something).

43. E.g. King John’s treasure mostly foreign wine (7)

Answer: ANGEVIN (i.e. “e.g. King John” – Wikipedia has “The Angevins were a royal house of Anglo-French origin that ruled England and France in the 12th and early 13th centuries”. King John was one, with Richard I and Henry II before him). Solution is ANGEL (i.e. “treasure”, both terms of affection) with the last letter removed (indicated by “mostly”) and the remainder followed by VIN (i.e. “foreign wine”, in this case the French for “wine”), like so: ANGE-VIN.

45. Look after grouse, a source of meat (7)

Answer: BEEFALO (i.e. “source of meat”, specifically a cross between a cow and a buffalo). Solution is LO (i.e. “look”, as in lo and behold) placed “after” BEEF (i.e. “grouse” or complaint) and A, like so: (BEEF-A)-LO.

46. Heard what’s around my neck is a rum concoction (3,3)

Answer: MAI TAI (i.e. “rum concoction”). “Heard” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of MY TIE (i.e. “what’s around my neck”).

48. Briefly ordered to have year in Innsbruck region (5)

Answer: TYROL (i.e. “Innsbruck region”). Solution is TOLD (i.e. “ordered”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “briefly”) and the remainder wrapped around or “having” YR (a recognised abbreviation of “year”), like so: T(YR)OL. Another solution that’s made to fit. Curious how a lot of them tend to be five letters long, isn’t it?

51. Terrible autocrat hiding diamonds in sofa (4)

Answer: IVAN (i.e. “terrible autocrat”, referring to Ivan the Terrible). Solution is DIVAN (i.e. “sofa”) with the D removed (indicated by “hiding diamonds” – D being a recognised abbreviation of “diamonds” used in some card games).

A relatively straightforward Jumbo this week. I don’t mind that. As for my views on the number of repeats, well I’m sure you can guess.

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

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

LP

RBV (Repeats-By-Volume): 10%
(plus a few near-misses)

Across clues

1. Beaming People’s Princess nearly captured by traitor (7)

Answer: RADIANT (i.e. “beaming”). Solution is DIANA Spencer (i.e. “People’s Princess”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “nearly”) and the remainder placed in or “captured by” RAT (i.e. “traitor”), like so: RA(DIAN)T.

5. Tips one might digest when secretary has love returned (9)

Answer: ASPARAGUS (i.e. “tips one might digest”). Solution is AS (i.e. “when”) followed by PA (i.e. “secretary” or Personal Assistant) and SUGAR (i.e. “love”, both terms of endearment) once this latter has been reversed (indicated by “returned”), like so: AS-PA-RAGUS.

10. Spots unwanted expert touring north (4)

Answer: ACNE (i.e. “spots unwanted”). Solution is ACE (i.e. “expert”) wrapped around or “touring” N (a recognised abbreviation of “north”), like so: AC(N)E.

14. Legal alien sheltered in small wood? Exactly what’s needed (4,3,6)

Answer: JUST THE TICKET (i.e. “exactly what’s needed”). Solution is JUST (i.e. “legal”) followed by ET (i.e. “alien” or Extra-Terrestrial) once placed or “sheltered in” THICKET (i.e. “small wood”), like so: JUST-TH(ET)ICKET.

15. Blow against commerce? (9)

Answer: ANTITRADE (i.e. “blow” or “a wind that blows in the opposite direction to the trade wind” (Chambers)). Solution is ANTI (i.e. “against”) followed by TRADE (i.e. “commerce”).

16. Deceptive statements from hotel woman accessing shoddy flats (4-6)

Answer: HALF-TRUTHS (i.e. “deceptive statements”). Solution is H (“hotel” in the phonetic alphabet) followed by RUTH (i.e. “woman’s” name) once placed in or “accessing” an anagram (indicated by “shoddy”) of FLATS, like so: H-ALFT(RUTH)S. We had HALF-TRUTH only a few months ago in grid 1607, but on that occasion it was on odd intersecting letters.

17. Carbon English modified for housing plug with satellite transmitter (5,6)

Answer: RADIO BEACON (i.e. “transmitter”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “modified”) of CARBON and E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) wrapped around or “housing” AD (i.e. a “plug” or advertisement) and IO (i.e. “satellite”, specifically a moon of Jupiter), like so: R(AD-IO)BEACON. Appeared in grid 1570 back in August, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

18. Philosophical sort almost shut in thus (5)

Answer: STOIC (i.e. “philosophical sort” – over to Chambers again: “a disciple of the philosopher Zeno, who taught in the Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch) at Athens”). Solution is TO (i.e. as in a door that is “almost shut”) placed “in” SIC (i.e. Latin for “thus”), like so: S(TO)IC. Appeared in grid 1586 back in November, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

19. Cold tea endlessly agreeable taken during repast (10)

Answer: MECHANICAL (i.e. “cold” or emotionless). Solution is CHA (i.e. “tea”) and NICE (i.e. “agreeable”) once this latter has had its last letter removed (indicated by “endlessly”), both placed in or “during” MEAL (i.e. “repast”), like so: ME(CHA-NIC)AL.

21. Regale with story again about legendary Swiss marksman? (6)

Answer: RETELL (i.e. “regale with story again”). Solution is RE (i.e. “about” – think email replies) followed by William TELL (i.e. “legendary Swiss marksman”).

23. Save artist given partially digested food article and fish (9)

Answer: BARRACUDA (i.e. “fish”). Solution is BAR (i.e. “save” or except for) followed by RA (i.e. “artist”, specifically a Royal Academician), then CUD (i.e. “partially digested food”) and A (i.e. “article” or a word like a, an or the).

25. One on force retiring becomes suspicious (5)

Answer: FISHY (i.e. “suspicious”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) placed “on” or after F (a recognised abbreviation of “force”) and followed by SHY (i.e. “retiring”), like so: (F-I)-SHY.

26. Virgin Trains carrying boy past Oxford University (3,4)

Answer: OUR LADY (i.e. the “Virgin” Mary). Solution is RY (i.e. “trains”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a “railway”) wrapped around or “carrying” LAD (i.e. “boy”). This is all placed after or “past” OU (short for “Oxford University”), like so: OU-R(LAD)Y.

28. Pound involved in rewrite of last lyric: that facilitates conveying an image (6,7)

Answer: LIQUID CRYSTAL (i.e. “that facilitates conveying an image”). Solution is QUID (i.e. slang for a “pound” currency) placed or “involved in” an anagram (indicated by “rewrite”) of LAST LYRIC, like so: LI(QUID)CRYSTAL.

31. Something to sustain enthusiast: old poetry books? (9)

Answer: NUTRIMENT (i.e. “something to sustain”). Solution is NUT (i.e. “enthusiast”) followed by RIME (i.e. “old poetry”, a ye olde word for rhyme) and NT (i.e. “books”, specifically the New Testament of The Bible).

33. Change tutors with one leaving without speaking (9)

Answer: TRANSMUTE (i.e. “change”). Solution is TRAINS (i.e. “tutors”) once the I has been removed (indicated by “with [Roman numeral] one leaving”) and the remainder followed by MUTE (i.e. “without speaking”), like so: TRANS-MUTE.

35. Migrant, old female with visa featured in Times? (4,2,7)

Answer: BIRD OF PASSAGE (i.e. “migrant”). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”), F (ditto “female”) and PASS (i.e. “visa”) all placed or “featured in” BIRD and AGE (i.e. both “times” – ignore the misleading capitalisation, we’re referring to “time” and BIRD being both slang terms for a prison sentence, and “time” and AGE being a period of time), like so: BIRD-(O-F-PASS)-AGE.

37. Short account about Channel Island current (7)

Answer: THERMAL (i.e. “current”). Solution is TALE (i.e. “account” or story) with the last letter removed (indicated by “short”) and the remainder placed “about” HERM (i.e. a “Channel Island”), like so: T(HERM)AL. Appeared only a couple of months ago back in grid 1615, also on odd intersecting letters, and with the same clue to boot, so…

38. Very big we hear is better? (5)

Answer: EXCEL (i.e. to “better”). “We hear” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of the letters XL, which often denotes “very big” on clothing labels.

40. Man goes after pharaoh twice expressed disapproval (3-6)

Answer: TUT-TUTTED (i.e. “expressed disapproval”). Solution is ED (i.e. “man’s name”, short for Edward) placed “after” TUT and TUT (i.e. “pharaoh twice”, specifically Tutankhamun), like so: (TUT-TUT)-ED.

42. Offence taken outside public house by mysterious person (6)

Answer: SPHINX (i.e. “mysterious person”). Solution is SIN (i.e. “offence”) wrapped “outside” of PH (a recognised abbreviation of “public house”) and followed by X (i.e. “by”, as in the multiplication symbol), like so: S(PH)IN-X.

44. Keep firm grasp in wrestling (10)

Answer: STRONGHOLD (i.e. “keep”). Solution is STRONG (i.e. “firm”) followed by HOLD (i.e. “grasp in wrestling”).

46. What’s unfortunately seen as valuable about the Jumbo? (5)

Answer: IVORY. One of those “& lit” cases where the solution satisfies the clue as a whole, taking “jumbos” to be elephants, referencing the wretched trade in which they are hunted for their ivory. Appeared in grid 1590 back in December, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

48. Practical and realistic – so grounded? (4-2-5)

Answer: DOWN-TO-EARTH. Solution satisfies “practical and realistic” and “grounded”.

50. White on top, having succeeded, and immediately beaten (4-6)

Answer: SNOW-CAPPED (i.e. “white on top”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “succeeded”) followed by NOW (i.e. “immediately”) and CAPPED (i.e. “beaten”). This appeared in grid 1564 last July, but just outside my threshold for repeats.

52. Untouched as plant in midwinter? (9)

Answer: INVIOLATE (i.e. “untouched”). Solution is VIOLA (i.e. a “plant”) placed “in” INTE (i.e. “midwinter”, i.e. the middle letters of “winter”), like so: IN(VIOLA)TE.

53. Running repairs put in and returned (13)

Answer: UNINTERRUPTED (i.e. “running”). “Repairs” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of PUT IN and RETURNED.

54. Kangaroo or rhino one may pass in Greece? (4)

Answer: EURO. Solution satisfies a large “kangaroo” and “rhino one may pass in Greece” – “rhino” being an old slang word for money.

55. Strikes linked with each London district (9)

Answer: BATTERSEA (i.e. “London district”). Solution is BATTERS (i.e. “strikes”) followed by EA (short for “each”).

56. Fog to accompany beginnings of rain and light wind (7)

Answer: MISTRAL (i.e. more “wind”). Solution is MIST (i.e. “fog”) followed by RAL (i.e. “beginnings of rain and light”, i.e. the first letters of “rain”, “and” and “light”).

Down clues

1. Eastern leader open to an extent when coming north (4)

Answer: RAJA (i.e. “eastern leader”). Solution is AJAR (i.e. of a door “open to an extent”) reversed (indicated by “coming north” – this being a down clue).

2. Officer with delight in arresting female finds opprobrium (9)

Answer: DISFAVOUR (i.e. “opprobrium”). Solution is DI (i.e. “officer”, specifically a Detective Inspector) followed by SAVOUR (i.e. “delight”) once wrapped around or “arresting” F (a recognised abbreviation of “female”), like so: DI-S(F)AVOUR.

3. Planting seed on Italian farm incites one repeatedly to work (10,12)

Answer: ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (i.e. “planting seed”, playfully speaking). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “to work”) of ON ITALIAN FARM INCITES and II (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one repeatedly”).

4. Today’s compiler brought up with the Golden Rule? (7)

Answer: THEOREM (i.e. “rule”). Solution is ME (i.e. “today’s compiler” from the point of view of the setter) reversed (indicated by “brought up”) and placed after or “with” THE and OR (i.e. “golden” in heraldry), like so: (THE-OR)-EM.

5. Heartless character is given to Conservative blue elite (11)

Answer: ARISTOCRACY (i.e. “elite”). Solution is AIR (i.e. “character”) with its middle letter removed (indicated by “heartless”) and the remainder followed by IS, then TO, then C (a recognised abbreviation of “Conservative”) and RACY (i.e. “blue”), like so: AR-IS-TO-C-RACY.

6. Handle fish on small Welsh river (9)

Answer: PIKESTAFF (i.e. “handle” of a pike). Solution is PIKE (i.e. “fish”) followed by S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) and TAFF (i.e. “Welsh river”).

7. Spinner runs over to fielder at the close (5)

Answer: ROTOR (i.e. “spinner”). Solution is R (a recognised abbreviation of “runs” used in a number of ball games) followed by O (ditto “over”, this time in cricket), then TO and R (i.e. “fielder at the close”, i.e. the last letter of “fielder”).

8. America’s Great Depression? (5,6)

Answer: GRAND CANYON. Clue plays on a canyon being a “depression” in the landscape, while the solution can be found in “America”. You get the idea.

9. Useless IT company the setting for this amusing drama? (6)

Answer: SITCOM (i.e. “amusing drama”). “The setting for” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: USELES(S IT COM)PANY. Also appeared last month in grid 1619, but on even intersecting letters.

11. Risk clamping King’s ulcer (7)

Answer: CHANCRE (i.e. “ulcer”, specifically “a hard nodular swelling, especially one that develops in the primary stage of syphilis” (Chambers)). Solution is CHANCE (i.e. “risk”) wrapped around or “clamping”) R (i.e. “king”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of the Latin Rex), like so: CHANC(R)E.

12. Dissuade where daughter leaves new partner for good (9)

Answer: ETERNALLY (i.e. “for good”). Solution is DETER (i.e. “dissuade”) with the D removed (indicated by “where daughter leaves” – D being a recognised abbreviation of “daughter”) and the remainder followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”) and ALLY (i.e. “partner”), like so: ETER-N-ALLY. Also appeared a couple of months ago in grid 1615, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

13. Britain’s ruin, per vote, grates with us – time problems arrive all at once! (2,5,5,3,2,5)

Answer: IT NEVER RAINS BUT IT POURS (i.e. “problems arrive all at once”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “grates”) of BRITAIN’S RUIN PER VOTE, US and T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”).

18. Secondary story in Red October perhaps, vessel circling loch (7)

Answer: SUBPLOT (i.e. “secondary story”). Solution is SUB (i.e. “Red October perhaps”, referencing Tom Clancy’s thriller novel The Hunt For Red October) followed by POT (i.e. “vessel”) once wrapped around or “circling” L (a recognised abbreviation of “loch”), like so: SUB-P(L)OT.

20. Narrow-minded snub ignoring conclusion by a Republican (7)

Answer: INSULAR (i.e. “narrow-minded”). Solution is INSULT (i.e. “snub”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “ignoring conclusion”) and the remainder followed by A and R (a recognised abbreviation of “Republican”), like so: INSUL-A-R.

22. Weakness not hard to see (4,4)

Answer: SOFT SPOT (i.e. “weakness”). Solution is SOFT (i.e. “not hard”) followed by SPOT (i.e. “to see”).

24. Monsieur et Madame in divorce? (8)

Answer: UNCOUPLE (i.e. “divorce”). When written as UN COUPLE the clue also playfully satisfies “Monsieur et Madame”, taking UN to be French for “a”.

27. Knight comes into region creating scene of conflict (5)

Answer: ARENA (i.e. “scene of conflict”). Solution is N (a recognised abbreviation of “knight” used in chess) placed “into” AREA (i.e. “region”), like so: ARE(N)A. Also appeared in grid 1589 back in December, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

29. Shudder as weakened at heart (5)

Answer: QUAKE (i.e. “shudder”). Solution is QUA (i.e. in the capacity of or “as” in Latin) followed by KE (i.e. “weakened at heart”, i.e. the middle letters of “weakened”).

30. Italian navigator set up firm, establishing plant (7)

Answer: TOBACCO (i.e. “plant”). Solution is John CABOT (i.e. “Italian navigator” – no, me neither) reversed (indicated by “set up” – this being a down clue) followed by CO (short for “company”), like so: TOBAC-CO.

32. Period potentially used to stock Scots river (7)

Answer: TUESDAY (i.e. “period”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “potentially”) of USED placed in or “packing” TAY (i.e. “Scots river”), like so: T(UESD)AY.

34. For example, an F-15’s emergency propeller? (7,4)

Answer: EJECTOR SEAT, an “F-15” being a fighter jet and the solution being something that would “propel” the pilot from the craft in an “emergency”. We had EJECTION SEAT in grid 1615 only a couple of months ago, also on odd intersecting letters. Sorely tempted to meme this.

36. Dental practice in road – tooth needing to be fixed (11)

Answer: ORTHODONTIA (i.e. “dental practice”). “Needing to be fixed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of IN ROAD and TOOTH.

37. Shot in cricket match leading to first run? (4,5)

Answer: TEST DRIVE (i.e. “first run”). Solution also playfully satisfies a “shot in cricket match”.

39. One shortened twig stopping firewood delivery arrangements (9)

Answer: LOGISTICS (i.e. “delivery arrangements”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one” again) and STICK (i.e. “twig”) once the latter has had its last letter removed (indicated by “shortened”), both placed in or “stopping” LOGS (i.e. “firewood”), like so: LOG(I-STIC)S.

41. Company car? (3-6)

Answer: TWO-SEATER (i.e. “car”). The first part of the clue plays on the phrase “two’s company, three’s a crowd”.

43. We should dip into float, nevertheless (7)

Answer: HOWEVER (i.e. “nevertheless”). Solution is WE placed or “dipped into” HOVER (i.e. “float”), like so: HO(WE)VER.

45. Grace period before New Year with no booze (7)

Answer: DECORUM (i.e. “grace”). Solution is DEC (i.e. “period before New Year”, short for December) followed by O (i.e. nothing or “no”) and RUM (i.e. “booze”).

47. Smear pallet with gold and black (6)

Answer: BEDAUB (i.e. “smear”). Solution is BED (i.e. “pallet”) followed by AU (chemical symbol of “gold”) and B (a recognised abbreviation of “black” used in chess).

49. Tidy garden accommodates American family (5)

Answer: HOUSE (i.e. “family”). Solution is HOE (i.e. to “tidy garden”) wrapped around or “accommodating” US (i.e. “American”), like so: HO(US)E.

51. Hero from Left ending possible response in union ceremony? (4)

Answer: IDOL (i.e. “hero”). Solution is L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) placed at the end of or “ending” I DO (i.e. “response in union ceremony”, referring to a wedding), like so: (I-DO)-L. Also appeared in grid 1569 back in August, but on odd intersecting letters.

A medium strength Jumbo this week, and a nice one to dip into during the day. There were some very good clues to decipher, too; it was just a shame there were a couple of double-repeats. Time to take EARNEST and RESIN out of the GridFill™ 4000’s word pool, setters!

As ever 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 nightmares 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 help. 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

RBV (Repeats-By-Volume): 10.3%

Across clues

1. Engineers haul back shell (6)

Answer: TRACER (i.e. a bullet or “shell” that leaves a detectable trail). Solution is RE (i.e. “engineers”, specifically the Royal Engineers of the British Army) and CART (i.e. to “haul”) all reversed (indicated by “back”), like so: TRAC-ER.

5. Small amount of liquid food put before prisoner (7)

Answer: SOUPCON (i.e. a “small amount”). Solution is SOUP (i.e. “liquid food”) followed by CON (i.e. “prisoner”).

9. A racket precedes wild riot in slaughterhouse (8)

Answer: ABATTOIR (i.e. “slaughterhouse”). Solution is A, then BAT (i.e. a “racket” in some sports) and an anagram (indicated by “wild”) of RIOT, like so: A-BAT-TOIR.

13. The very antithesis of Lethe as a literary device (6,2,13)

Answer: STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS (i.e. “literary device”, also known as bad writing). Clue plays on the River Lethe in Greek mythology, one of the five rivers of Hades, where those who drank from it suffered complete forgetfulness. Nicely worked.

14. A lot of covet and run to get hitched? That gives cover (8)

Answer: ENVELOPE (i.e. “cover”). Solution is ENVY (i.e. “covet”) with its last letter removed (indicated by “a lot of…”) and the remainder followed by ELOPE (i.e. “run to get hitched” or married), like so: ENV-ELOPE.

15. Very serious musical ability where birds live (7)

Answer: EARNEST (i.e. “very serious”). Solution is EAR (i.e. “musical ability”) followed by NEST (i.e. “where birds live”). A popular solution this, having previously appeared in grid 1589 back in December and again in 1612 a couple of months ago in May, all on odd intersecting letters. Have a double meme…

16. European authorised to bring out (6)

Answer: ELICIT (i.e. “to bring out”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) followed by LICIT (i.e. “authorised”).

17. Who might find ore of sort with copper for smelting? (10)

Answer: PROSPECTOR (i.e. “who might find ore” – prospecting is often associated with panning for gold). “Smelting” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SORT and COPPER. Another nicely worked clue. We’ve had a couple of PROSEPECTUSes this last year, but this is different enough to let slide.

20. Indecisive and daft girl twice accepting hearts (12)

Answer: SHILLYSHALLY (i.e. “indecisive” – not sure I agree here. Chambers supports the solution as a noun, but not the word “indecisive”. “Be indecisive”, yes, but not the word merely on its own). Solution is SILLY (i.e. “daft”) and SALLY (i.e. “girl’s” name) both or “twice” wrapped around or “accepting” H (a recognised abbreviation of “hearts” used in card games), like so: S(H)ILLY-S(H)ALLY.

23. Bullets retained by retiring commandos (4)

Answer: AMMO (i.e. “bullets”). “Retained by” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, while “retiring” indicates the solution has been reversed, like so: C(OMMA)NDOS.

24. Repudiate record sounding weak (8)

Answer: DISCLAIM (i.e. “repudiate”). Solution is DISC (i.e. “record”) followed by a homophone (indicated by “sounding”) of LAME (i.e. “weak”), like so: DISC-LAIM.

26. Problem breaks revolutionary northern English yarn (8)

Answer: CHENILLE (i.e. “yarn” – over to Chambers: “a thick, velvety cord or yarn of silk or wool resembling a woolly caterpillar”). Solution is ILL (i.e. “problem”) placed in or “breaking” CHE Guevara (i.e. “revolutionary” popular with cryptic crossword setters), N (a recognised abbreviation of “northern”) and E (ditto “English”), like so: CHE-N-(ILL)-E. One nailed from the wordplay alone.

29. Constantly changing sequence of cabbage I cook with range (12)

Answer: KALEIDOSCOPE (i.e. “constantly changing sequence” of colour). Solution is KALE (a variety of “cabbage”) followed by I, then DO (i.e. “cook”) and SCOPE (i.e. “range”).

30. Perhaps unsettle disturbed oldies once (10)

Answer: DECOLONISE (i.e. “perhaps unsettle”, a play on settlements). “Disturbed” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of OLDIES ONCE.

32. Character actor’s words have singular sympathy (10)

Answer: KINDLINESS (i.e. “sympathy”). Solution is KIND (i.e. “character”) followed by LINES (i.e. “actor’s words”) and S (a recognised abbreviation of “singular”).

34. Study backed name and identity of birds from the north (12)

Answer: SCANDINAVIAN (i.e. “from the north”). Solution is SCAN (i.e. to “study”) followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “name”) and ID (short for “identity”) once these latter two have been reversed (indicated by “backed”). This is all then followed by AVIAN (i.e. “of birds”), like so: SCAN-(DI-N)-AVIAN.

36. Utensil for lifting nits and parasites (3,5)

Answer: EGG SLICE (i.e. “utensil”). Solution is EGGS (i.e. “nits”, the eggs of headlice) followed by LICE (i.e. “parasites”).

38. Failing to start barrier around pit in area of raised land (8)

Answer: EMINENCE (i.e. an “area of raised land”). Solution is FENCE (i.e. “barrier”) once its first letter has been removed (indicated by “failing to start”) and the remainder wrapped “around” MINE (i.e. “pit”), like so: E(MINE)NCE.

39. Priest’s relation of thing hard to pass through needle in sermon? (4)

Answer: LAMA (i.e. a Buddhist “priest” in Tibet). The rest of the clue plays on a Bible quote “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”, taking LLAMA to be a relative of the camel. “In sermon” indicates we’re looking at a homophone of LLAMA, given sermons are usually delivered verbally.

41. Novel garment tailored as befitting minister’s function (12)

Answer: GOVERNMENTAL (i.e. “as befitting minister’s function”). “Tailored” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of NOVEL GARMENT.

43. With less hair, pelt is rubbish (10)

Answer: BALDERDASH (i.e. “rubbish”). Solution is BALDER (i.e. “with less hair”) followed by DASH (i.e. to “pelt”). Another well-worked clue.

44. Language of British English – right English used in Britain? (6)

Answer: BERBER (i.e. “language” of “the Muslim peoples of N Africa” (Chambers)). Solution is B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”), E (ditto “English”), R (ditto, ditto “right”), E (“English” again) all placed “in” BR (a different recognised abbreviation of “British”), like so: B(E-R-B-E)R.

46. Laundering capital is out of fashion (7)

Answer: WASHING (i.e. “laundering”). Solution is WASHINGTON (i.e. “capital” of the United States, commonly) with the TON removed (indicated by “out of fashion” – a variant meaning of TON being fashion. I keep seeing it in Jumbos but never in real life).

48. Projection starting price has to shoot up (8)

Answer: SPROCKET (i.e. “projection”, or “a tooth on the rim of a wheel or capstan for engaging the chain” (Chambers)). Solution is SP (a recognised abbreviation of “starting price”, the odds on a horse when a race begins) followed by ROCKET (i.e. “to shoot up”).

50. Possibly lip-read chronic emotion? An aid to eavesdropping (11,10)

Answer: DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE (i.e. “an aid to eavesdropping” – the image of paranoic 70s spy movies was strong here). “Possibly” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of LIP-READ CHRONIC EMOTION.

51. Steamship has loaded bananas first in a profitless venture (4,4)

Answer: DEAD LOSS (i.e. “profitless venture”). Solution is SS (a recognised abbreviation of “steamship”) placed after or having “first” an anagram (indicated by “bananas”) of LOADED, like so: DEADLO-SS.

52. Film I and others back (7)

Answer: WESTERN (i.e. variety of “film”). Solution is WE (i.e. “I and others”) followed by STERN (i.e. “back” of a boat).

53. Lines in recipe tending not to give milk (6)

Answer: DRYISH (i.e. “tending not to give milk”). Solution is RY (i.e. “lines”, in this case a recognised abbreviation of a “railway”) placed “in” DISH (i.e. “recipe”), like so: D(RY)ISH.

Down clues

2. Manufacture singles – that uses vinyl, perhaps (5)

Answer: RESIN (i.e. “vinyl, perhaps”). “That uses” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: MANUFACTU(RE SIN)GLES. Another doubler, this time from October in grid 1580 and grid 1618 at the end of May, all on odd intersecting letters, so have another couple of memes…

3. Turns on cast foundation (11)

Answer: CORNERSTONE (i.e. “foundation”). Solution is CORNERS (i.e. “turns”) followed by TONE (i.e. “cast”, or “an overall shade or tinge of colour” (Chambers)).

4. Considered a red nose funny (8)

Answer: REASONED (i.e. “considered”). “Funny” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of A RED NOSE. We did have REASON in grid 1570 back in August, but on even intersecting letters.

5. Pinched part of foot around top of toe (5)

Answer: STOLE (i.e. “pinched”). Solution is SOLE (i.e. “part of foot”) wrapped “around” T (i.e. “top of toe”, i.e. the first letter of “toe”), like so: S(T)OLE.

6. Vague relative needs care at heart (7)

Answer: UNCLEAR (i.e. “vague”). Solution is UNCLE (i.e. “relative”) followed by AR (i.e. “care at heart”, i.e. the middle letters of “care”). Appeared in grid 1605 back in March, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

7. Secret agent upset to become the focus of attention (6,5)

Answer: CENTRE STAGE (i.e. “focus of attention”). “Upset” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SECRET AGENT. Excellent clue, best of the lot.

8. Suitable position in life is fine without husband (5)

Answer: NICHE (i.e. “suitable position in life”). Solution is NICE (i.e. “fine”) wrapped around or placed “without” H (a recognised abbreviation of “husband”), like so: NIC(H)E.

9. A Pole, regularly godly, in charge of the papacy (9)

Answer: APOSTOLIC (i.e. “of the papacy”). Solution is A followed by POST (i.e. “pole” – ignore the misleading capitalisation), then OL (i.e. “regularly godly”, i.e. every other letter of GODLY) and IC (a recognised abbreviation of “in charge”).

10. Division in church exists in the middle of Wales (5)

Answer: AISLE (i.e. “division in church” – nicely disguised). Solution is IS (i.e. “exists”) placed “in” ALE (i.e. “middle [letters] of Wales”), like so: A(IS)LE.

11. Fearful agitation of idiot parent being given the runaround? (11)

Answer: TREPIDATION (i.e. “fearful agitation”). “Given the runaround” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of IDIOT PARENT.

12. Drop in at home as in the past (7)

Answer: INSTILL (i.e. to “drop in”). Solution is IN (i.e. “at home”) followed by STILL (i.e. “as in the past”).

18. Calling after sheep running wild (9)

Answer: RAMPAGING (i.e. “running wild”). Solution is PAGING (i.e. “calling” – ask your doctor, kids) placed “after” RAM (a “sheep”), like so: RAM-PAGING. Appeared in grid 1601 back in February, also on odd intersecting letters, so…

19. Attempts something before do in Italian city (7)

Answer: TRIESTE (i.e. “Italian city”). Solution is TRIES (i.e. “attempts”) followed by TE (i.e. “something before do” in the sol-fa notation: do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do. Te is a variant spelling thereof).

21. Most urgent – one minute to intervene in a dispute (9)

Answer: IMMEDIATE (i.e. “most urgent”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) followed by M (a recognised abbreviation of “minute”) and MEDIATE (i.e. “intervene in a dispute”).

22. Suggesting what shops do about parking (8)

Answer: SPELLING (i.e. “suggesting”). Solution is SELLING (i.e. “what shops do”) wrapped “about” P (a recognised abbreviation of “parking” used on signage), like so: S(P)ELLING.

25. Place to brood after constant tiffs – see enemies all round here (5,4)

Answer: CROW’S NEST (i.e. “see enemies all round here”, a position high up on a sailing ship). Solution is NEST (i.e. “place to brood”) placed “after” C (a recognised abbreviation of “constant”) and ROWS (i.e. “tiffs”), like so: (C-ROWS)-NEST.

27. Girl seen around Mallorcan city or Canaries one (3,6)

Answer: LAS PALMAS (i.e. “Canaries [city]”, capital of Gran Canaria). Solution is LASS (i.e. “girl”) wrapped “around” PALMA (i.e. “Mallorcan city”), like so: LAS(PALMA)S.

28. Try-out taking days for the second new member of group (8)

Answer: ADDITION (i.e. “new member of group”). Solution is AUDITION (i.e. “try-out”) with the “second” letter swapped “for” D (a recognised abbreviation of “days”), like so: A(U)DITION => A(D)DITION.

31. Most of legal party caught overturning supplement to will (7)

Answer: CODICIL (i.e. “supplement to will”). Solution is LICIT (i.e. “legal”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “most of…”) and the remainder followed by DO (slang for a “party”) and C (a recognised abbreviation of “caught” used in a number of ball games) all reversed (indicated by “overturning”), like so: C-OD-ICIL.

33. Duke is parliamentarian editor tore to pieces? (11)

Answer: DISMEMBERED (i.e. “tore to pieces”). Solution is D (a recognised abbreviation of “duke”) followed by IS, then MEMBER (i.e. “parliamentarian”) and ED (short for “editor”).

34. Unwise passages in sound in area of Cornwall (6,5)

Answer: SCILLY ISLES (i.e. “area of Cornwall”). “In sound” indicates homophone. Solution comprises homophones of SILLY (i.e. “unwise”) and AISLES (i.e. “passages”). An easier get in light of 20a and 10d.

35. Valley police department set up conservative saying goodbye (11)

Answer: VALEDICTORY (i.e. “saying goodbye”). Solution is VALE (i.e. “valley”) followed by CID (i.e. “police department”, the Criminal Investigation Department) once the latter has been reversed (indicated by “set up” – this being a down clue). This is all then followed by TORY (i.e. “Conservative”), like so: VALE-DIC-TORY.

37. European rambling sees wild plant in the Alps (9)

Answer: EDELWEISS (i.e. “plant in the Alps”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) followed by an anagram (indicated by “rambling”) of SEES WILD, like so: E-DELWEISS.

40. Having several feet oddly part-toed (8)

Answer: TETRAPOD (i.e. “having several feet”). “Oddly” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of PART-TOED. Appeared in grid 1566 back in July, but on odd intersecting letters.

42. At least three in Italy could be late (7)

Answer: OVERDUE (i.e. “late”). When written as OVER DUE the clue also playfully satisfies “at least three in Italy”.

43. Attract worker holding a lot of responsibility (7)

Answer: BEGUILE (i.e. “attract”). Solution is BEE (i.e. “worker”) wrapped around or “holding” GUILT (i.e. “responsibility”) once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “a lot of…”), like so: BE(GUIL)E.

45. Page taken from directory (5)

Answer: RECTO (i.e. the right-hand “page” of an open book in printing lingo). “Taken from” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: DI(RECTO)RY. This was rather etched into my mind when it kept appearing in previous Jumbos. Not seen it for a while, though.

47. Tendon with supporting function (5)

Answer: SINEW (i.e. “tendon”). Solution is W (a recognised abbreviation of “with”) placed after or “supporting” – this being a down clue – SINE (i.e. a trigonometric “function”), like so: SINE-W.

48. Father has new and attractive woman (5)

Answer: SIREN (i.e. “attractive woman”). Solution is SIRE (i.e. to “father”) followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”).

49. Odds of rugby game not starting (5)

Answer: EVENS (i.e. betting “odds”). Solution is SEVENS (i.e. “rugby game”) with the first letter removed (indicated by “not starting”).