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I’ve heard of 23 but would never have known how to spell it. Even Chambers is uncertain of the origin.

Birder, if you fancy more Paul he has a jumbo cryptic in the paper-only puzzles supplement today.

I seem to have shared with geeker that 23a was FOI (and only one, for some time - 15d was second). I think I have come across it in books by Us authors?

chrise, 23 was also my only one in for a (n alarmingly) long time.

The first (and only?) time I ever heard of 23a was in The Godfather, when Mike goes to meet Virgil Sollozzo, and Clemenza says that their reciprocal 'hostage' (to guarantee Mike's safety) is happy p.....ing. 23a.

Ah, happy memories 😄

Jono @51.
Imagine my disappointment at buying the print edition and finding the supplement missing. Despite seeing the supplement in another shop I didn't buy it, I already subscribe to the app, call me tight fisted!

Geeker @50. I think the version more common in Europe is German origin and begins with B. In fact I've got a feeling it has a movie named after it.

Only just got onto this, but made it through. Agree with the many groans on the puns - cannot really glorify them as homophones.

Coming back to this after a couple of years.
FOI 23
LOI 6
and still can't parse 5.
24 + 28 made me laugh.

Hi Pauly, welcome back.

5a - 2 letter "pass" + 4 letter "small runner" (this is in the same guise as a 'flower' is something that flows) + a from the clue.

rocky@50: Yes, I've read about the Euro "B" version of 23 in some old novels. Unfortunately I can't recall which ones.