A quote (ODQ, 8th edition) runs around the grid’s perimeter, beginning at 3. It is preceded by the first name of its author, whose surname is an unclued entry. Four further unclued entries consist of two leaders, a receptacle, and its contents; letters of the five unclued entries unchecked by clue answers may be rearranged to spell out ‘BASK IN CHANTS’. Two sides, in short, should be highlighted.
Across
10 Regularly avoid man in exotic female attire (2,3)
11 Returned home within a day for baby’s protection (6)
14 Naked boozer, close to collapse (4)
16 They sharpen points less clumsily (10)
17 Instincts + body = who one is (8)
20 Buffed front of sideboard with polish (5)
21 Comes in after splitting of subatomic particle (7)
22 Brought back most palm oil (5)
24 Mothers of 4 reportedly take drugs (3)
31 Briefly arrest former secret policemen (5)
33 Promoting peace in both parts of Ireland, optimistic at last (7)
34 Range of knowledge enthrals Arkansas woman (5)
35 Boy recalled a short clog dance (8)
36 Heated chilly yard using water (10)
38 Lapplanders in salt mine, both half-cut (4)
39 Triplet crept out periodically after row (7)
40 Old lag, retired, embraces extremely eager warden (6)
41 Some dusty little old writing implements (5)
Down
2 Call European male up (4)
3 Wife running marathon to shut up eastern misogynist (5-5)
4 Bleating newborn in Gin Lane, abandoned (7)
5 Talkative and cheerful after change of leader (5)
6 Makes one model suit in middle of Folkestone (8)
7 Tendency to sacrifice energy for love, making advances (7)
9 Expert detective boarding boat (6)
15 Brief Encounter’s ending upset one Italian (5)
18 Time each meal (3)
19 Move on to calmer Riviera resort (5,5)
23 Relative hiding one billion under King Lear’s coinage (8)
25 Young adult supporting library in country (5)
28 Actress Christina appearing in Capriccio (5)
29 Finally appreciates Frank Zappa’s offbeat music style (3)
30 Vocal Meatloaf critic (7)
35 Mollusc caught in antipodean tree (5)
37 Heartless, bitter and acerbic (4)
Download a printable version here.
A first prize of a £30 John Lewis voucher and two runners-up prizes of £20 vouchers for the first correct solutions opened on 5 January. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2732, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.
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