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Lawks! I'm making heavy going of this. Thanks for all the helpful comments, here. I wouldn't have got this far without them.

Still struggling with 25d and 21d. Possibly because my answer for 19a is wrong. Any hints would be welcome.

Also - where is the definition in 22a? I have an answer but I don't really like it.

Thanks all!

Whistler, 25d is a common word, but the clue is one of the six. 21d is also thematic (but an uncommon entry meaning depression.) Perhaps that is the reason for your trouble? Assuming you mean 22d, the definition is the last word.

Hi, Whistler.
19a: definition is the first two words. 'Girl' is a common synonym.
21d: definition is the last word, If you know French, it will help you. It was one of the favourite words of existentialist novelists.
22d: the definition is the last word but it's not the everyday meaning. The wordplay is speculation followed by Delia with subtractions.
25d: my least favourite clue. The synonym for 'important person' is really obscure. The best bet is to think of synonyms for 'mighty' that would fit and parse it from there.

Thanks, Darla. I suppose its no surprise that the ones vexing me were also thematic. All clear now.

Still don't understand how 22d relates to that definition. Which may mean that my two unchecked letters are incorrect. I shall ponder on it!

Cheers.

Thanks also, Mack. Re 21d - sometimes an unfamiliar answer gives more joy than the clue. Which is ironic on this occasion.

Still battling with this. But judging by all the praise, it's obviously well worth soldiering on. (And not worry about the mysterious 23dn.)

Moments of feeling a bit 14d with this one, but I've staggered across the line. Thanks, Paddock. Can't imagine how long it took you to fill that grid.

Whistler - 22D - Alternative names for the same thing ... (in BRB) ...

Thanks Will37

This was most helpful. I've found the five letter word and see the connection with the title. I'm still a bit mystified and am sure, judging by the reaction of others, that I'm missing quite a lot. I've never been into the familiar derivative and wonder if I should look there. Would an examination of the words in the perimeter help? I know we shoulldn't give too much away in the thread but the week is moving on and it is very frustrating.

Hello. If anybody is still out there could you help with the parsing of 11d? Perfect Illumination is lacking in one. I have the answer and have resolved the other challenges in this very impressive puzzle but as I seem to be the only person to have raised this issue i must be missing something relatively straightforward. I'd be grateful for your assistance