Welcome to this weekly competition - to compose a cryptic crossword clue, the winner to be decided by fellow contestants.
All entrants are welcomed, particularly new ones. Entrants may make as many entries as they wish.
Feel free to explain your clue if you think it will help, or to ask another setter to parse a clue - but please refrain from commenting on any entries until voting has begun.
Entrants should vote for their favourite clue
and give a clear second choice – helpful in the event of a tie[b/]. Please be sure to reference the post numbers of your choices.
Feel free to mention as many other admirable clues as you wish.
Clues should be posted by 11am UK time on Friday 2nd August at which time the voting opens. Voting closes at 9pm later that day.
The entry with the most votes - or in the event of a tie with the most second votes - wins and its composer sets next week's competition.
The setter has the deciding vote in the event of an intractable tie and may change the rules if necessary.
The setter will declare the winner and award an online prize.
The word to be clued this week is
DARLING (7)
Have fun and good luck!