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Crossword Help Forum
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malone

1st February 2026, 17:14
The February puzzle is out now, and was very good fun.
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wil

15th February 2026, 20:41
I also thought this was a good puzzle. Once I worked out which entries were to be replaced it all fell into place.

I’m missing one answer (the second downwards themed one) - I think I’ve got an answer to the clue but no idea of the ‘replacement’ needed. I’m also not sure what to do re the entries to be “modified to show their provenance”.

Any help greatly appreciated!
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quisling

15th February 2026, 22:23
The key point to remember is that real words are created at all stages. The second thematic down entry could be either of a pair with the same provenance as some of the others. To modify two answers to show their provenance, you need to think where they saw the light of day
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wil

16th February 2026, 08:57
Thank you for your response, quisling. Nothing’s jumped out at me yet but I’ll keep thinking on it.
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quisling

16th February 2026, 09:43
The first four letters of the down entry have to be changed in both cases. But you almost certainly need to have sorted out the provenances first so you know where to look
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spoffy

16th February 2026, 09:49
Giving some consideration to the puzzle's title, in particular the first word, might also help.
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wil

16th February 2026, 12:48
Thank you, quisling and spoffy, I think I’ve cracked it - the modifications are very clever. I’d misinterpreted the preamble and thought the seventh entry would be the central one, but I appreciate the well-pitched hints to get me there. Thanks again!
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quisling

16th February 2026, 23:59
I’m glad you’ve cracked it, and your kind reply is much appreciated. It’s difficult to give appropriate hints which don’t spoil it for you or others
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