I'm not new to cryptic crosswords, just hopeless. I've been doing them for over 20 years. They used to be easier or perhaps I was brighter. andyc - I realise that I have been using the indicator thingy for years but just didn't know the technical term for it. You are well good if your a novice. Yes it's been a busy week. I use a spellchecker the Seiko Concise Oxford Dictionary. Invaluable.