Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

20a. He didn't really want an egg the dog munched(6)
-u-a-e

CUR-ATE

Thanks, Peter M. I understand the dog munched part but how does the other part fit?

The other part "cur" comes from a dog/mongrel - curates egg - good in parts

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms, "A curate's egg is something of very mixed character, partly good and partly bad. From a Punch cartoon in 1895 showing a curate breakfasting with his bishop. BISHOP: I'm afraid you've got a bad egg, Mr Jones. CURATE: Oh no, my Lord, I assure you! Parts of it are excellent!

Thanks Julie & Boltonian. A curate's egg is new to me. I won't forget it in a hurry.