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Not as hard a grid-fill as it at first looks, but what on earth are the 3 phrases? There seems no hint to unlock them, apart from the effect they have (clear once you've filled the grid) on entries and clues. Well, the first two anyway. A mystery. Anyone got any ideas?

I'm exactly where you are, or maybe a step behind. What's removed from clues seems clear, but the method of entry for the other 6 is not. I have an idea but it does not seem to work for 7D.

Seems like there needs to be more of a hint as to the phrases; like, is the "response" to the asking for help a yes or a no? at least. I will ponder on.

One phrase could be "give the game away".

"Give the game away" is correct. The other two phrases have much the same meaning.

Ah - Chambers thesaurus is quite helpful for finding the others!

I think the first phrase is "that would give the game away"; just "give the game away" is hardly likely to be the response when you ask for help.

22d is AIEGOL or LIEGOA but which one and why? (apart from the fact that it is an anagram of the actual answer).

give the game away = spill the ......

the spilled items fall to the bottom of the down answers.

I have had a full grid apart from the barred off eight cells at the bottom since yesterday evening. None of the various phrases I can think of yield a word fairly synonymous with any of the three letter words in "portmanteau". A pointer/nudge in the right direction would be much appreciated before any remaining hair I have either goes grey or falls out.

Gee, I'd hate to let the cat out of the bag.......