The Spectator ( A Trifle ) 2522

[Matakari]

This looks like the final hurdle. Since 24 (a ) ends with an "S", then

26( d ) River channel sandy, without a delta (3) : SN? ( SNY )
21(d )Conical pin in top half of violin (3) : ?ID ( FID )

My last UNCLUED ( 39 )is baffling. I have: ?OVE, but cannot get the answer. Any hints?
Thanks in advance!

[bobbinwales]

Sny looks good if its meaning river channel

[bhg481]

21d a fid is a conical tool and is the first 3 letters of fiddle.

[bobbinwales]

Is there a theme as it could be anything otherwise. Gove? Hove move love dove wove

[bobbinwales]

Sny works for wordplY but can't see a river channel meaning , something to do with curve of a plank?

[bobbinwales]

Sny is right it's a river chanel in mississipi

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, I'm sure you must have encounted ?OVE, meaning the same as the other unclued entries, dozens of times before. It is a crossword staple!

Bobbinwales, the theme a really simple one this week - the unclued entries 'have nothing in common'. That should maybe help you with ?OVE.

[Matakari]

Many thanks, bobbinwales ! The theme is in the title of the Crossword, quite "trifling" indeed, but I do not recall seeing anything like "?OVE" to fit.

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, I think/hope my hint for Bobbinwales was enough.
If you yourself are still struggling, think of the word that is often used in sport, meaning 'no score' (thus fitting in with 'nothing in common'.)

[novalis]

Think tennis.

[Matakari]

Thanks, NACW, I just did not see this one. In hindsight, it's quite clear!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari - at least you got there... eventually (and aided!)