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14ac clashes with 15dn, so does not end in V. The first two letters come from an ordinary 4-letter word with an obsolete meaning of 'empty'. Think of a _ _ _ _ boast. that also gives you the two deductions. The rest is R (runs) and a word meaning difficulty with F knocked off.

aquestion:

I have 48ac HOG IT =HOG(Local potato store) + (V) IT (=Vite -E)

50ac TRANT = T(Y)RANT

In return I'd be pleased with help on 31ac & 34D

34dn I parsed as Ni(t) + tight, with extra Ti.

I am having a problem with the 5th clash. I have 1 in the centre and 3 in the perimeter (FIVE versus SIXs) which I assume means amended 22 down is a red herring. The biggest puzzle is clash between 35a and 36d - E/Y- which I can't make head or tail of. Is there anyone out there who can help ?

yes, the clashes are tricky. i've got all except the one where 14 meets 15. anyone got any ideas?

The E/Y clash should be resolved by resolving the others and knowing the thematic letter. If you want more say.

I would just add that there look to be two options as you have identified, but only one meets all the conditions of the preamble. But you must know the thematic letter to sort out which.

More, please Nick!

I've got the message about atomic numbers, but don't know what to do with it.

There is thematic letter, unusually sparse in this grid, which in small case represents a part of thematic object. How many there should be is what you have to figure out, and be careful. They form shapes as given by the message in the clues as does the two-word hint in the grid.

Just struggling to parse three almost consecutive, so I can't quite get the gist of the message...25,29 and 31 across. Thanks for the help