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Only just started this and already having parsing problems. 14ac Two axes cut and sharpen something in the kitchen. I can see the answer is xylophone (xy + lop + hone) but why is it in the kitchen?

Hi Houndsditch,

Kitchen is an informal name given to the percussion section of an orchestra.

Aha! Thanks so much

I think "kitchen" being used as a nickname for the percussion section of an orchestra is a reference to the timpani also being known as kettledrums - presumably because they're made of copper and hence resemble copper kettles. I agree it's a bit of a niche clue, though!

I had never heard of it... Looked up chambers and it's there. Learn something every day

As well as perhaps some visual similarities, it's mostly a humorous disparaging reference to the noises emanating from a busy kitchen ...