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Crucifer. Fare - to get on or succeed according to Chambers which loosely means flourish. I think we are supposed to deduce (somehow) it’s a word ladder. That’s the only way I could interpret what was going on. The final word has to be CURATS to give the U in the thematic word.

Crucifer - Although my Chamber Crossword Companion does not show them as synonyms of each other - they both share synonyms - prosper, succeed etc

Totally stuck on this one. I think I’ve got the top left quadrant done, but haven’t a clue about the others. Have got the circled letters, but haven’t solved all the clues yet. Some help needed with the first clue, smelly herb and your old. Thanks.

1 is AHARAS

Herb is RAMSON

First clue A(S) FAR AS Extra letter removed (C)LEAVES.NE quadrant
Your (h)old clue. EAR THY. NE quadrant

Gosh, thanks re 1

Not for the first time having completed ok some time ago - now realise I have not a parse for clue 5 (Have the definition) - Any help without a spoiler for others appreciated.

Anagram of R(ock)+METAL. Nudge for clue 7?

Exceptional is the anagram indicator for r metal. Normal clue.
All finished now, thanks for the hints. I did need the SE “W” quadrant to get the last two clues though, and yet, they were so simple.

Ethik, word should be gemologists. ATS after (S)car(P)