Guardian Sat Jan 7

[maimai]

Can anybody help with the theme for the across clues? Particularly wiht 23 ac Cor! (6,4). Thanks in advance

[lloyd1e]

The across clues are all musical instruments. I've just got one to do. 7d - and I'm stuck, International flower scene? ?o?d?r

[lloyd1e]

23a is french horn

[MacSmith]

lloyd1e - only answer I could think of for 7d is "border"

[lloyd1e]

That'll be it I reckon. Thanks MacSmith. If I can help with any other clues maimai, post another question.

[maimai]

Thanks so much - was withering my brain -going to now give it a re go and see how far I get!

[maimai]

Okay, due to your help have completed all but one. 19d Uncooperative agent holds up the left (7). ?T?O?P?

Stroppy fits in but don't understand the reasoning - unless my panpipes should be bagpipes?

[MacSmith]

Agent = spy; port = the left hand side of a ship, hence the anagram stroppy - I hope!

[maimai]

THANK YOU! of course - I was getting hung up on agent being rep so thrown. R you doing today's Observer?

[MacSmith]

I've bought it (new format and all) but have yet to look at it - is it grim?

[maimai]

Not bad - just got the top right-hand and bottom left-hand to figure out!

[MacSmith]

Hi Maimai

Have had a quick look - top right hand 5a is prefab; bottom left hand 24a is fritter (tex ritter was an ancient singing cowboy); I reckon 21a is for the high jump. Haven't got any more in either area.

[maimai]

Thanks MacSmith - managed to finished it but couldn't fathom fritter. Doesn't sound like you'll need any help on it but let me know! Now just Azed to work on - have never managed to do more than half!! Mai