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I have an idea about 1d but the parts of speech don’t quite fit so I’m probably on the wrong track…

Wondering if it involves a (very minor) anagram, which is inserted. This would be a straightforward parsing but I suspect it’s incorrect because the definition is a verb and the answer a noun. I’m wondering if the verb could actually be a noun in its second definition (Chambers), but the connection seems tenuous.

Miles behind inevitably - and scarcely encouraged to learn that it’s one of the hardest.
Ironically I’ve cold-solved the first four across clues but only the second down, and am not too confident about that. Any hints on the first, third and fourth down? If I get them should I be able to start?
Thanks

Dylan. Re 2d. I finally cracked it and it's actually a very straightforward clue to a very rare word. If you divide the clue in half, one half is clue, one definition. The end result is almost familiar.

Hello williamseal .. the 4th down might get you going with the grid fill (or at least a suspicion) .. the first word is the definition,

Thanks granama1, that got me 4d. Would never have thought to consider the definition to be so long!

I’m up to a whopping seven clues confidently solved, with perhaps four more of which I am decidedly not so confident…

Oops, I meant to refer to 2d. (I do separately have 4d though!)

Well this one is a toughie. I have cold-solved 22 clues but try as I might I can't get them to agree in the grid - it's like herding cats!

Good gardening weather has held up progress, I'll try the grid filling tool suggested earlier I think - but tomorrow probably - my brain hurts.

Dylan and Chrisremo

2Dn Def is last 3W
3 letter word for refuse (also a colour) + 3 letter word for deal (also part of a play)
I've seen it used most to talk about documents

I'm having trouble constructing the grid. I can't see how the first two down entries can cross the 10-letter across answer with only one extra letter. Any hints would be appreciated.

Is that 10-letter across answer on the third or fourth row?

Ukridge, this is such a well constructed puzzle that I would not like to reveal its secret on this forum. You need to get as many of the early down answers as possible, then consider closely those answers and the first 10-letter across answer. It requires some lateral thinking, but the setter has been meticulously fair in his choice of answers.
I hope the penny drops for you eventually.