Oldie Genius 303

[RocW]

Almost finished but I am stuck with two: 31a: Arranged to guard pawn. I have S?O?TED. I guess it's one of those undefined clues. Also 21d which is unclued. I am probably being dumb but I can't find any reference to it anywhere in the crossword. if anyone out there could enlighten me I would be most grateful.

[jim360]

Sported = sorted about P. You'll need to provide the clue for 21d.

[RocW]

Hi Jim, There is no clue for 21d. This particular crossword usually has some clues which are formed from some of the other answers but I can't figure it out in this case.

[Crispor]

1d 21d and 42d all derive from 11a as stated in the intro.

[Crispor]

Some rather contrived clues in this one - eg the use of odd abbreviations - for example LR for letter in 33a.
I wonder if there is also a cluing error here. 31a clearly is SPORTED and defines 21d which is otherwise unclued. But the obvious answer to 25d , which is not undefined, (Cold, breaking off search) is SHEAR,and not SCOUR, but this would give an E instead of O in 31a. I wonder if there is also an errror in the rubric, in that 1d, 21d and 42d are clued by 11a only and not by 11 and 18.

[Crispor]

Sorry, I realise I was partly wrong. 18a is of course part of the clue. But still puzzled by 25d.

[RocW]

I am happy with 25d. C = "cold" breaking (inside) "off" which is "sour" as in milk. But I still don't understand the logic of 21d. Could someone enlighten me please?

[Crispor]

Thanks RocW. I hadn't looked at 'off' like that. 21d is defined by 31a (sported), which is one of the undefined clues. Its letters come from 11a, as do those for 1d and 42d.

[dannyk13]

S p orted

[RocW]

Thanks, Crispor. The penny has finally dropped! As you said earlier, some rather contrived clues this month.