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I have a full grid, the four modified answers, the theme, and the four vertical straight lines. What I cannot see, even after much grid-staring, is what to highlight. Any help would be gratefully received.

Look for bits of the thing described by the word that follows what the lines form in the essential feature of the theme -- and you'll find the lines nicely hanging from what results.

Thank you, Throck - I'll give it a try.

I have it now, many thanks, throck.

You;re both ahead of me! Bottom half done, though I don't understand 35ac, 37ac. Nothing done in NE corner - hint please to 9d ( is it in Italian?) and 5dn or 7dn

thanks

Dylan - I think we're both at a similar stage. 37a is shortened kicking (excellent). I don't understand 35 either. 5 is moppet (child) shortened with r. Hope this helps!

Long way to go on this one ! 35A is 'CESTUS' for 'girdle' with 'E' for base removed. I assume therefore 'O' is the letter lacking in wordplay.

I am in exactly the same completion state as carpox1 but even with the help of throck I cannot spot the three components of, I think, the ****. A nudge to, say, where one of them starts would be gratefully received.

Components are

5 beginning with T
The other 2 share the same first letter B

One is 5 letters the other 6.

They are well known parts of a T???.

And, as ever, no sooner do I ask for help when I mediately spot the answer. All complete - my vote as the most elegant puzzle of the year so far.