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geeker

15th January 2022, 01:49
Thanks to Tramp for this week's Prize. Can't recall the last time Tramp was showcased in the Prize slot, but I don't believe he's been in heavy rotation.
I found this a difficult puzzle from start to finish, struggled (especially with UK-oriented solutions) and never felt as though I was on the setter's wavelength.
FOI 19, LOI 9, COD 20 over 17. Confident in my guess for 23, but can't fully parse (don't use the app, so no tick to go by).
I'm inept at spotting themes, but get the feeling something really clever thematically is going on, without being able to put a finger on it. There are several groups of vaguely associated answers.
Curious to see what other forum members think of this puzzle.
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rainman

15th January 2022, 03:53
With 23, I presume the last two letters mean 'there', as when people spot land in the distance. Not that I'm an expert, but I don't think the clue is an @lit any more. Mind you, I'm still struggling with the NW corner. I found it to be really tough this week.
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geeker

15th January 2022, 04:10
Thanks, rainman, agreed on 23. I also found 5 and 10 a bit strange, including usage unfamiliar to me (but I don't consult Chambers, so often miss things).
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rainman

15th January 2022, 04:19
I agree about 5, although I guess the outer four letters could mean 'escort', as in 'give a tour.' I was less bothered by 10, where I assumed it was 'party' as in 'partisan.'
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rogissimo

15th January 2022, 09:09
Hi geeker and rainman.
Thanks for the confirmation that I was thinking along the right lines on 23.
I had mentally prepared myself for a Paul as he hadn’t made an appearance in the week, so perhaps the unexpected Tramp and the rarity of his appearances contributed to this taking me a bit longer than usual to solve last night. Some unusual usages in the cryptic parts of the clues also made it a tricky solve, but all the more satisfying to complete. Looking back, I can’t see anything that was unfair.
9a LOI for me too: needed all the crossers, then got it from the cryptic parts, but had to check the definition as it was unfamiliar to me.
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jono

15th January 2022, 09:26
Tough but rather good I thought. Couple I didn’t know, 9 and 25. With Tramp we’ve come to expect some political commentary which I suspect is what we have a smattering of here, both in the clues and solutions ;-)
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chrise

15th January 2022, 09:29
I found this unsatisfactory, as is often the case with Tramp. I've put in several with the thought "I suppose it must be that", but the definition being very loose.

No idea on 24a. I have G?O?G?. Is that right?
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jono

15th January 2022, 09:34
Hi Chris, your first G is wrong
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chrise

15th January 2022, 09:40
Thanks jono
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chrise

15th January 2022, 09:43
Good example of what I don't like about Tramp. 22d was actually first one in.
A(merican) kinG sizE cigaretteS
Perfectly valid answer!
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