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themadwomanintheattic

7th April 2026, 10:05
Easter Monday

What a stinker this was! We finished it, but need help with some of the parsings please.

33a: Meet to gradually increase backing for broadcast (10)
FOREGATHER?

23d: Official line in electronic parts plant (8)
REFINERY?

31d: Spotted male animal that's valued in the States (7)
I have SAWBUCK. I can see how the answer is constructed, but where is the definition? Am I missing something obvious?

38d: Upset shaved cat entered, hopefully empty, folk's study (10)
DEMOGRAPHY?

All explanations gratefully received!
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rekal

7th April 2026, 10:10
23d
Official = ref
In electronic = in e
Line = ry (railway)
REF(INE)RY
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rekal

7th April 2026, 10:11
31d
I think sawbuck is ten dollars ?
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malone

7th April 2026, 10:12
38 Pared Mog is the 'shaved cat', and HY is hopefully empty, H opefull Y.
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rekal

7th April 2026, 10:14
38d
Shaved = ‘pared’ reversed
Cat = mog
Hopefully empty = hy
DE MOG RAP HY
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rekal

7th April 2026, 10:16
33a
Gradually increase = gather
For sounds like fore
Foregather = meet
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themadwomanintheattic

7th April 2026, 10:17
Thanks everyone. I wasn't aware of that additional definition of sawbuck. And what a sneaky trick with 38d - an anagram of words that aren't in the clue!

(Is it just me, or is anyone else getting heartily fed up with the increasing use of American slang?)
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norah (admin)

7th April 2026, 10:25
Duplicate Thread by Bobdown

Oh dear, malone, you should never have mentioned 'epee' ...

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malone

7th April 2026, 11:48
Bobdown, yesterday was a very busy day for me - I think any swords went unnoticed!
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