Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

It's a long time since I have had such a failure! I've solved 6 clues, and have no idea about any of the others. I'll put it aside and see if inspiration strikes later.

Certainly the toughest in a long while I would say. I’ve got a full grid with a couple unparsed. Will need to put it down and come back later.

Just got 11a. Do not, in any way, agree with it. A fair percentage will, I'm sure, be softening wax and sharpening pins, ready ro impale Vlad.

Done a few more. 5D is a great clue!

Top finished. Just posting to say that 9a is not a very fair clue.

Well, the grid is now filled, but several parses needed. I'll put it aside again.

ChrisE - I agree with you about both 5d and 9a!

swarbrules - I’m a member of the group I think you’re thinking of, but I’m ok with 11ac. I’ve always thought of the solution as having two distinct meanings, one of which (that indicated by the clue) is not offensive to a particular group of people. It is only if it is assumed that because I am in that group I must have that characteristic that I get a bit cross. Hope that makes sense without being a spoiler!

rogerm & swarbrules - I agree with Roger. I'm not a member of the group but, when I was younger, the term was aimed at all of us, regardless of group, if we displayed that characteristic.

9a was my last to parse. Way beyond my GK, though the wordplay could only be one thing with crossers in place.