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Thanks AJT.

Living overseas I don't have ready access to Chambers but will follow up online... I'm assuming the single letter is A - is that correct?

Thanks again...

SimonG

This might help:

A - bloody - I (one) 'involving' slaughtered AUNT.

'Bloody' as in not how I like my steak.

Thanks Rob - I'm sure inspiration will dawn and start me on a day of completing this puzzle...

Ta ixion and AJT for "M". I had solutions which fitted "H" in the corner (fetish/devilish)

But 'fetish' is not the answer to 22d! The word that must be modified is hidden in the clue.

... and 28 ac is "reest" to cure, eg to smoke, as bacon, fish,etc.

OK, I've now given up with 14d! I've trawled through lots of Latin phrases and I think I could probably spend the rest of my life failing in what, in hindsight, will no doubt appear to be a relatively simple task...

AJT, ixion, Rob - please could I ask one of you to put me out of my misery?

Thanks a lot!

Of course - it's "a natura rei" - that's why I thought the word "nature" might help.

Many thanks, AJT.

I have to say it's a phrase I've never heard of before - hence my deafness to your hint... How and where did you come across the phrase?

I'd never met the phrase before, and haven't learnt latin, but having some of the letters I trawled through Chambers. You say you haven't got one, but I think a Chambers is essential for cryptic crosswords. They do have a website which can be a great help - Chambers Word Wizards - but I find with that, that it doesn't include all the words that are in the dictionary.