dt 25772

[Rain Man4500]

Probably gonna kick myself for this but I'm stuck on the last one...

15a Drop of sherry left for trifle (5) S?O?T

Please explain answer. I'm thinking of SPORT S from sherry + PORT (left) but it's a bit lame.

While I'm on, anyone know who the French writer (8) is in 16a in the quick crossword please ?A?T?I?E Thanks

[Catron]

Yes, sport it is. The wordplay is as you have it.

trifle n, v
n
1LITTLE, bit, small amount, spot, drop, dash, touch, trace
2TOY, plaything, trinket, bauble, knick-knack, gewgaw, geegaw, triviality, nothing, trivia, inessential, minor consideration
OLD flamflew
v
toy, play, sport, flirt, treat frivolously, dally, dabble, fiddle, meddle, fool, potter

[Rain Man4500]

Thanks for that Catron.

It's not marvellous though is it? At least as it's what I was thinking of I can take a bit of satisfaction of a finished puzzle.

Any ideas on the other bit?

[sarumite]

Is your A correct ... it may be Voltaire ?

[spitza]

could 38 be voltaire?
regards

[Rain Man4500]

Sarumite - you are a star.

The A was wrong - I had AROMA instead of ODOUR which in turn gave me further problems with the start of 22 across.

Thanks again - crosswords banged to rights for today so back to boring old work!