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Jono

It was sircrispin reference to agent noun that made me look up verbs.

Yes, the first down has that meaning - it is new to me.

"Simple derived form" has one letter missing, if that is where it goes.

--- my earlier comment@59

The above is a misunderstanding on my part. I thought there is something more to be done.

I realise now it refers to the central down answer, which I worked out.

Can anyone give a hint to the parsing of "Ultimately nurse..."? I've got the solution from the crossers, and I think I understand the wordplay, but is the definition "dummies"?

App, You would need to be a bridge player to get this one. The answer relates to a seating position in bridge, who may be the 'dummy'

Well, I persevered, and I'm pretty happy with all my answers except perhaps "Leave wife ..." But now I have twenty-one empty squares and twelve LEAKY letters. I cannot find any instructions except by using abcdefg, but the message is sensible but obscure. If I clear alternate rows, I'm going to have even more blank squares! And don't mention fragmented downward notes ... For once, when I hit enter, I know I am not going to suddenly see it!

If you clear as instructed and read the clues downwards you will find indications for what is to be entered in the empty square.

I’ve been staring at these instructions for the last two days and not understanding them. The first three words could apply to various places in the grid. And having only partially filled in two five-letter crossers with three-letter answers (in one case because a 6-letter word was cut in two) I have 24 blank squares. If I stare at this for another 48 hours will the penny drop?

Hi
The first three words relate to the (three) cells that are attached to the NE 5x5 grid in the NE corner, in rows 2 and 4 and in column 15.
This grid is then filled with 5-letter synonyms for the clues listed after following the second instruction.

Hi castafiore

Clues are listed under normal headers, under A and D

Rubric says ignore the rest down there, if/when you see it.

Rubric says 'central final answer is a derived form'.

LEAKY REASONS in unchecked provide(s) constraint.

Hi Castafiore. If I stare at this for another 48 years will the penny drop?