Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

The clues...
Requests for help should normally include the clue itself, the number of letters in the answer, and details of any you already have. Any additional information or special instructions, common in Listener puzzles, should also be included.
Hints only, please, no answers.

The theme...
Help with the theme may also be sought here. If assisting, aim to give just a nudge, a pointer in the right direction. Avoid anything that would spoil the puzzle for others.
Any posts which, even inadvertently, reveal too much of the theme are likely to be removed.

The Listener threads attract many regulars, but newcomers are welcome - and should be made to feel so.

The Listener is a unique puzzle and should be treated with respect.

I always assumed Listener crosswords were set well in advance of publication, but 9 down’s clue seems extremely topical. Coincidence?

I had to jump through hoops, cerceaux, reifen, cherchi, to find this on the website!

The Times used to have a rule, which I think included The Listener Crossword, that there must be no allusion to any living person, just in case they died. If this rule is still in operation in our now much more sensitive can't-possibly-offend-anybody age then perhaps Tringa sought to substitute today's clue after offence could no longer be given. If so, hats off to Tringa! Hats off anyway, for a charming (and informative) puzzle.

Cockie, I’m sure The Times have changed that rule and setters can now refer to a living person. There have been a few examples since the rule change.

Thanks to Tringa for an enjoyable and well-constructed puzzle. I liked the clue to 1Down in particular.

Yes, JBird54, that was a nice clue.

And it was indeed a nice puzzle. Thanks, Tringa.

I am in deep trouble here!!

I have a full grid except for 30d, and I cannot see 17d at all. My major problems though are that I only have 15 clashes and 18 misprints and those I have do not seem to make much sense.

Given that the misprints give an instruction and two steps, looking at what you have and filling in the gaps may help.

17D; one of the DD isn’t that obvious, but is backed up by Chambers. 30D; probably a case of looking at the wordplay then checking the definition then working back.

The clashes were easier to resolve than we had at first expected - an amusing solve.
Thanks, Tringa.