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Stuck with parsing one clue.

Pope on edge, fake news? (5,6)

The answer is URBAN LEGEND

Now the “Urban” bit is easy to explain but the “on edge” becoming LEGEND has me foxed.

The best theory I can come up with is a compositing mistake that substituted FOOT for EDGE (a foot being a leg end).

Probably completely wrong and I’ll be kicking myself when it’s explained. ;-)

On= Leg, or vice versa, a cricket term. Edge = End, of a table say.

Thanks. That makes sense (but I prefer my theory). ;-)

Very cold, one in fix. (5)

Viced.

No, apparently Gelid.

Such fun to work on clues with two possible answers.

54a that was

6d Polish composer appreciates protection for piano players? (6,6)

So RUB(BER G)LOVES. But what's it got to do with piano players?

38a Ill-equipped to outsmart the police? Close! (5,2,7)

THICK AS THIEVES. I must be thick too, because I don't get it.

6 I think it's just that hands are used to play the piano, and the gloves can be used as protection for them. A bit odd, though!

38 If the thieves are thick they wouldn't be able to outsmart the police?

Thanks chrise,

38a I obviously thought of that but it didn't scan too well and just seemed a bit lame.

6d Just doesn't make any sense. Piano players are no more likely to wear 'rubber gloves' than anyone else, and it's hardly a synonym for the definition. If the setter wanted to continue the music theme from the 'Polish composer' then something like 'protection in the percussion section' might have served, being a pun on 'kitchen'.

But jeez, they're all using GridFill 4000™ and only need to think up some snappy clues. Perhaps it might get better when they use AI. Or is that the problem? They already do?

I am very poor at crossword solving, I really struggle. Yes I know all the rules but..... generally, with ehelp I can finish the Times Jumbo cryptic, my weekly brain exercise, but not this week I found it opaque.

For me this has been a run of grids that were really hard to like. Apparently 1807 was good but i missed it. Opaque clues, tortuous definitions and a general lack of snappy clueing.