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Hi Bazotto, I didn't intend to criticise you, apologies if my comment came across that way...

Yes, the first word of Z is checked. Looking more extensively at the entry in TCD reveals the whole phrase.

This discussion thread is really helpful so thanks to all. Alas this one I found too difficult.

I'd just to share a frustration on 11. I'd solved this as 'Baron'.
Bar=avoided
on=getting drunk
with Ulster as the redundant word.
If you look up Baron in TCD it is defined as Head (of organisation)

No wonder I was stuck.

Could anyone give me nudge on 10 across?

Thanks

10 Across involves a common four-letter word for complaint, moan. The 'beginning to backfire' shows that one letter is to change, 'for female' shows what it's to change to. Broadcaster = colloquial word.

This hint is rather clumsy, sorry!

Meursault. I certainly didn't notice any hint of criticism so naturally no offence was taken! This is only the second puzzle I've ever written in about and I'm rather like a kid, needing reassurance that I'm going about things the right way (or not) as I used to think Listeners were way above my level but have pleasantly discovered that a kick in the right direction is often all I need and indeed many thanks for your much appreciated help. The reason I asked about Z's first word is because I couldn't get ORDER out of my head and discoved an ordered square is in fact an object in geometry, a language containing lots of x's, y's and z's, but that proved to be another of my goings off on a tangent. Quite an interesting diversion however.

Indeed I sense some humour here, Bazotto. It seems that your journey in solving this puzzle was an interesting one...Well done for sticking with it !