Hi Brendan, 12a, ‘clue as definition’ but with the wordplay in the middle of the clue? Or perhaps two definitions split by wordplay? How do you see it?
Got it, I see what you mean about the definitions being on both sides of the wordplay - that is unusual and, naturally, I completely overlooked it when solving:-).
Yes, quite easy, especially for a Philistine. I loved 7,17.
I got 18a easily enough, but the clue seems incomplete.
In 25a I would prefer "plant" to "plants".
[Off topic, but I read the FT is launching a new puzzle tomorrow (online only). It’s “monthly” so perhaps akin to the Guardian Genius series. Will be interesting to see]
I agree with everything everybody has already said. Easy in parts, harder in others - with some little seen or cleverly disguised devices. My LOI was 18 too but the PDM was satisfying. I hadn’t heard of the language and wasn’t familiar with the primate - but I like to learn something new.
I have to agree with Brendan: this was the easiest prize crossword I can recall. It is very rare indeed that I can just write all the answers in. Good fun though.
Yes a bit easier than usual but not as much of a write in for me as I'd never heard of 25a or 4d and I'm still not sure how 18a works. But the clues you didn't know were very getable from the wordplay and just had to be confirmed with the dictionary. Like Brendan I had no idea about the Scottish connection to 24d.
But I really liked some of the clever clues in this and Phillistine should be applauded for it. Loved 7, 17 also and 5a.