Eight thematic words (one of two words), which solvers have to discover and whose two-letter abbreviations form the anagram I’M IRISH-CAVAN-YORK, do not appear in the grid, as the title suggests, but each can be linked with one of the unclued lights. Two unclued lights are of two words, another includes an apostrophe and a
Four pairs of unclued lights (17/5, 22/27, 29/31 and 8/26) form anagrams of the titles (one hyphened, three of three words) of novels by an author whose name is clued without definition. Across 1 Apportioning silver crooked nursemaid pinched (11)7 Being in French city without local friend (3)11 Sickness in Vermont and Maine infected America
One clued light can be associated with ten unclued ones. Ignore accents. One solution is an IVR. Across 4 Thrills if Leicester is rebuilt (11)11 A guy inside upset funny Shakespearean philosopher (9)13 European articles on new growth – fails to hit target (11)14 Jar in school laboratory (4)15 ‘Parking no good’ – sign on
Each clue defines the full solution to which the letter-count refers. However, the cryptic wordplay leads to the grid entry, after one letter has been omitted each time it appears in the full solution. The omitted letters in clue order reveal a relevant timely phrase which solvers should include with their entry. Across 1 Helped
41, 1A, 10 (seven words in total) is a description of a phenomenon. Remaining unclued lights, including one of two words and three of three words, either singly, paired or as a trio, form four examples of this phenomenon. All are confirmed in the ODQ (8th ed.) Across 11 Leaf parts of liana ice destroyed
The unclued entries (three of two words, and two hyphened) share an origin Across 1 Put an end to fight where you get a pinch (8) 12 Gold chain found in tangle (5) 14 Produce eggs to value somehow (7) 17 Panic in the manner of commandos (5) 22 Francophone settlers take from simple country
The unclued lights are of a kind. Chambers does not include 17D. Across 4 New cabinet door which bears information (11) 11 Depict England captain Illingworth after drink (7) 12 Unploughed land where member takes in bad air (6, hyphened) 13 In France, he is in school, for the most part (9) 14 Good
Eight unclued lights are of a kind with the 3 of the 30. Elsewhere, ignore two accents. Across 1 Nick is sound (5) 10 Category containing almost pure red rose (rambling) (10) 11 Universal spirit and life-force in Chinese city (6) 14 Lass did it, backed not by Pabulum (5) 15 Bill brightened retired
28 2, born in 36, is best known for 10 41 (four words). He also produced a 19, 11 (two words; ignore the apostrophe), remembering his 1D and his 43 30 25A. Across 1 Suite has horrible gaps (8) 5 Covering article in material for publication (6) 12 One held on sofa perhaps right
The unclued lights (as four pairs and a singleton which includes an abbreviation and apostrophe) are of a kind. 36 is an acronym and 10 includes an accent. Solvers should highlight a further themed title of two words hidden separately in the final grid. Across 1 Sheriff’s officer’s wild spat during argument (8) 12
‘10/17’ give the first three words of a statement (in ODQ) made by a famous 48/21. His works include 1A/23D (four words in total) and The 44. His forename is the remaining unclued light; the puzzle’s title suggests his surname. The fourth word (hyphened) of the statement will appear diagonally in the grid and must
A quotation (in ODQ), starting on the appropriate side of the grid, runs clockwise around the perimeter. The other unclued entries (one of two words, one of three words), will show solvers the event being described, interrupted by some disposals. The original author of the quotation, found in anagrams in symmetrical answers, must be highlighted,
One clued solution (which solvers must highlight) can be linked with eleven unclued solutions, (one in the plural). Brewer confirms them all, even showing that two of them can be further linked as a trio, thematically too! Across 5 Character in Eliot drama, also in the saga that inspired it (6) 9 Maladjusted, he
The unclued lights (two of two words, one of which includes an apostrophe) are of a kind. Where alternative final letters occur, M and O are to be used, not T and I. Across 11 Carpet salesman finished right at the front (7) 12 Rode at front, elevated as aid to driver (6, hyphened)
The unclued lights, including one of two words, comprise two adjectives and six nouns. All share a common origin and are confirmed in Chambers. Across 11 Prelude not quite within 24 hours (7) 12 Seen dancing without my extra turns (7) 14 Kind of horse judge impounds (6) 16 Number in Bow with many
Unclued lights, two of two words, are of a kind, verifiable in Brewer. Elsewhere, ignore two accents. Across 12 Second horn and nail defective, and with one fewer hole in the head (10) 13 Champion forgetting wife’s secret (5) 14 Online mention special interest — all these replies! (7) 15 Still on the phone
The unclued lights (two of two words), individually or as one pair, are of a kind. Across 9 City call that reverberates (4) 11 A bouncer from evil European, reportedly (9, two words) 12 The Times with leaders only advocating German economic safeguards (4) 17 Explosive sounds of large swallows (5) 20 Petty quarrel
Across unclued lights (one of two words) combine with down ones to suggest the surnames of four famous English painters; the puzzle’s title suggests the name of a fifth. The fifth letters of these names form STARS. Elsewhere, ignore three accents. Across 11 Leading soldier and cardinal are to stick together (6) 13 Uncouth
Unclued lights (one of two words) give an event, its organiser, some participants, its winners, and the prizes. Across 1 Stamp hard — everyone notices (8) 8 Men caught by a great beast (4) 13 Men impressed to receive hired waistcoats (6) 14 Elephants’ cup final? (7, two words) 15 Most frightening decay, in
The unclued lights (two of two words) be paired and are linked by an anagram of the four letters in the yellow squares. Brewer verifies the theme. Across 1 No stamp confused Pat. Could be him! (7) 6 Optical expert’s endless worry returning item for camera (7) 12 Gave notice of danger of now