Everyman

[Wolfram9]

Possibly the hardest xword for a long time -
Brave, keeping one settled and at ease (10) The answer is FACILITATE, but we can't parse. Thanks :)

[vetuste_ennemi]

fac(I+lit+at)e

[vetuste_ennemi]

(def=ease; brave=face)

[Wolfram9]

Je ne comprends pas :(

[vetuste_ennemi]

All will become clear when the professionals return in the morning, Wolfram.

I'm just doing the graveyard shift.

[Jackdaw33]

To brave something is to face it, i -1, lit - settled ,at inside.

[Wolfram9]

Many thanks Vetuste - I get the 'FACE' the 'I' and the 'AT' - where does the 'LIT' come into the equation? No worries, we have finished it and have opened the bar. Have a great 2019 :)

[Wolfram9]

Kia ora Jackdaw & thanks - still can't see 'LIT'. But, who cares :)

[Jackdaw33]

Lit as the past tense of light, to come and settle on the ground.

[Wolfram9]

OK - Now that is very clever. You have a wonderful 2019. Thank you :)

[wzevon1951]

We are with you wolfram, we finished at about 2.15 am. Hardest for ages. Yawn, 26 a puzzled us too. He is finishing due to illness we hear, 20th January is his last puzzle. We were trying to remember when he started, Spring 2016 we thought? Sad moment when a setter retires