The cryptic title of this week’s crossword leads to a five-letter representation of the theme. The unclued lights include two pairs; one solution has three words and six others are of two words.
Across
9 Wood sorrel plants tangled in 11 (4)
12 See 35 Down
14 Arrive at a junction in a flurry (6)
16 Intestinal condition involves some bile, usually (5)
17 Educated woman consumes a cucumber dish (5)
20 German short story portraying short month at women’s magazine (7)
21 Honour about six at counter (7)
23 Hurtful commercial jingle (7)
24 Palmettos seen from Tulsa balcony (5)
25 Restaurant employee drops one drink (5)
27 To economise is lacking all purpose (7)
30 Drug increased paranoia, we heard (7)
32 I repeatedly snore – sadly making more din (7)
36 Fights which are probably rigged (5)
37 Borrowing rate one pound a month (5)
38 Lazy old couple housing sailor (6)
40 Tom Cruise, extravagant dresser (9)
41 Ancient civilisation’s illusion (4)
42 Car trader who circles and cuts (7,6)
Down
2 A lot may go when it falls (5)
4 Man of note could break galley up intermittently (5)
5 Cloaks from party with Cretan king (7)
6 Month with birds in groups of eight (7)
7 Communications from English men, we hear (1-5)
10 One enjoying party sorted out rebel Croat (10)
13 Review composition of pure wit (5,2)
18 Flexible quality of priest with debt (10)
22 Led up river free from vermin (7)
26 New publication about children (7)
28 It affects sheep, as price changes (7)
29 Polish language, overheard (6)
31 Travelling assistant in a gig (6)
33 HM leaves dog in German city (5)
34 London team spurned by Poles in the neighbourhood (5)
35/12 Title of Panorama (5,4)
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 18 July. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. Please email a clear scan or photograph of your entry (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk – the dictionary prize is not available. We will accept postal entries again at some point.
Download a printable version here.
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