Clue Chain 3

[Hazlinny]

Miser has kindly asked me to start Chain 3 so here goes ...

The idea of the game is that the setter poses an original home-made clue which everybody is invited to solve.  The poster who solves the clue first (hopefully identified by the setter) is then invited to post their own original clue, easy or cryptic.

My clue:  Lightly touch a seabird would indicate a design. (7)

[Hazlinny]

? apathetic but can't parse unless word is failing?

[Canary42]

Sorry hazlinny, it's not apathetic.

[Hazlinny]

? collapse

[Canary42]

Having just indulged in some googling, I find that my "cheap tat" is very subjective, and differs from reality.  I hope this doesn't make it more difficult.

[Canary42]

Sorry, not collapse.  Think "expensive tat" perhaps.

[elliemay1]

tumbling??

[Canary42]

⚫   ⚫   M   ⚫   ⚫   I   ⚫   ⚫   

[Canary42]

Beat me to it Ellie, well done.

Cheap tat = BLING

Corporation = TUM (as in belly)

[elliemay1]

scrutinise a boss and an unknown (5)

[Canary42]

study ?

[elliemay1]

Yes Canary

[Canary42]

Difficult periods with Dickens (4,5)

[Hazlinny]

Hard times

[Canary42]

Help! My little store is running out so I'll have to exercise the old grey matter to replenish it.

Hard Times is correct, well done 😋

[Hazlinny]

Canary, I thought you would have compiled a dossier of clues during your prolonged absence? 😃

Clue:  With reference to previous clue/answer, they would have lived in this.  (5, 5)

[elliemay1]

Bleak House

[Hazlinny]

Yes, Ellie 😊   .... another Dickens novel.

I'm off now so 'Night all and Nytol to those who need it. xx

[elliemay1]

In a similar vein, do they think that good things will come their way? (5,12)

[Canary42]

David Copperfield !

 

Only joking, but I'll try Great Expectations

[elliemay1]

Yes Canary