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I am really struggling with the left hand side of this - the right hand side is complete ( with five clashes resolved ) and I can see what needs highlighting there - and still need eight answers. Apart fom that I cannot decide which of the answers I already have are entered in reverse. I suspect 41 across may be miasma - but why? 3 down seems to be an anagram but is not confirmed by Chambers and I suspect 18 down is earn - but, again, why? Of the remainder 45 across ( Apart from the fact I think it contains S somewhere ) and 26,27, 31 and 39 down are proving more than irksome. Could somebody please point me the right direction.

I haven't got very far with this at all, but I think I can explain 41a.
Gentlemen is MM, around IAs for Iowas and A at the end for Are.

alwayspuzzled, Ithink I can help with the following:
18d is 'EARN' from 'NR' (near) 'A'(american) and 'E' (base) inverted.
27d is 'CHI'(female gypsy) , 'A'(advanced) about 'ASM'
39d Irregular projection is a 'CAM'
Sorry can't help with the others as I'm struggling with quite a few others myself! 30,33,37 down and 38,42,43 and 44 across. 3D is a complete mystery to me , I have 'SMNM?N? Clashes there obviously!

Got 30D now, as often happens after posting!

3d is HAMMAMS - ham, coarse acting, with mam's, mother's.

Thanks orson , now nearing a complete grid.

Thanks clover jo, uncle-w and orson.
The ones you listed uncle-w are attap. relume, amity,manent, murine, unarm and army.

Thanks alwayspuzzled, I managed to get over the finishing line just before you posted. I agree with your answers except 32d which I have as 'VOLUME' and 30d which is 'WATAP'.

Thanks for that uncle_w. That's the reason that I was having difficulties and perhaps also why I should not attempt the EV! I am still struggling with 26 down and a gentle nudge in the right direction would be appreciated.

Always - "the box" is what a certain appliance is sometimes called. Odd bits of some. There is a misprint in the last word of the clue.