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Crates I think it shows that the number in the title is approximate , hence the question mark. It is a bit vague and maybe somebody has a better explanation.

Hi, crates.

If you have highlighted the correct 10 cells, then the number of items should be obvious from just looking at the grid. The one-word definition of the phrase revealed by the discarded letters (which consists of two two-letter words) is given as a synonym (described as informal) by Chambers in its entry for the phrase.

Many people who use the express till ("up to 10 items", for example) in a shop interpret the restriction rather loosely, and I suspect that is why the setter has included the question mark in the puzzle's title.

Thanks wintonian. See it now. And found the synonym for both (engaged in).

Struggled with this. Still got some left but maybe if someone can explain 33a and 10d I might be able to work the rest. Thanks

Hi rrrobbo,

33a Anagram (cuckoo) of MS (wings of magpies) and AS (ditto anis) and THE. Def is country name for wigeons
10d Def is Scots plundering. SING (celebrate) around PULY(whining) E(earl)

Crumbs. I am using the wrong word fingers. I had several crossing letters to those and my tools did not offer those words. Must must buy a chambers! Thanks hugely

15a please. I have it starting with 2 consonants 8-(. Last letter of 36a? 7a will probably be the final beg. Too scared to even start today's offering!

Hi rrrobbo,

15a Def is Greek sums. Word for without (... serif) with last letter missing, M(marks), all reversed
36a R. Def is catch, as in pick up in conversation
7a Def is black person in community. Anagram of HAS after 4-letter word for a madrigal beginning with F.