Guardian Genius 257

[Owain]

25A  I cannot see how CREATURE can be interpreted as SORT!

[Captain2]

I think we need more information for us poor souls without the crossword.

[elliemay1]

Owain, please post the question, thank you

[elliemay1]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1881730.html

[elliemay1]

... and this:

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2024/10/21/Genius_257.pdf

[Owain]

"Creature taken for a ride outside, only needing to have one central bit? (9)"   The question doesn't have a definition.

I have the letters C*N*O*T*D which I'm pretty certain are correct.  I have interpreted the question as a word for CREATURE with a word meaning 'taken for a ride' with only 'one central bit'.  This word could be CONNED giving CONED.  We thus have CON*O*TED which as far I can see can only e interpreted as CONCOCTED, CONSORTED OR CONTORTED.  If this analysis is correct, CREATURE must be represented by SORT or possibly TORT.  Neither seem likely.  I must be on the wrong track altogether.

[elliemay1]

^ unless 'tort' is acceptable for 'tortoise'

[Owain]

Thank you elliemay1, it certainly is a possibility.

[chelle7272]

Sort as in person, e.g. a decent sort

Creature listed as a synonym for sort here

https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sort

[Owain]

I think you've cracked it chelle7272!  Thanks very much.