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Struggling with 21a:

Like best and worst, verbally (10)

I have S?N?N?M?U?

It looks like SYNONYMOUS (= like), but can anyone explain the rest of the parsing? Am I missing something obvious?

Best and worst are examples of synonyms (as verbs)

Thanks jono.

I can’t help wondering what dictionary the compiler used for this one. I wasn’t convinced by FOOT for PAY (6d), RAT for SINGER (7d) or TAG for QUOTE (31d) either.

42a Like key parts of Florida or part of New England? Yes and no (7)

Solution is 'Insular'. I get the Florida part of the clue but remain unsure about the reference to New England. Can anyone enlighten me please?

One of the states in New England is Rhode Island, which isn’t actually an island. I think that’s what is being referred to here, but I’d be happy to be corrected if anyone else has a more plausible explanation.

Thank you. Sounds reasonable to me.

40d So ready and willing too support English (9)
Is this 'Therefore'?

51a Something frowned on in court that whoppers and howlers have in common? (7,8)
I think this is 'Leading question' but I don't under the stuff about whoppers and howlers.

Whoppers and Howlers both start with questions - who and how....

40 There For E, willing to support, E, English .

Thanks Malone.