guardian 25, 167

[clog2]

We think we have solved the puzzle, but cannot understand why 20ac pirate doesn't finish nasty beer ( vil-lager) is villager?
Any help here?
Thanks

[quinie]

pillager

[quinie]

Think your answer is correct

[geo0939]

Vil(e) lager

[clog2]

I agree the vil(e) lager bit, but odn't see the link between pirate and villager and araucaria is usually quite precie in his cluing.

Thanks anyway

[Valanne]

I think it is pillager. A pill can mean something nasty or distasteful,

[JHolland]

Pirate is pillager. nasty beer is vil(e) lager

[geo0939]

It can't be pillager as the P has already been used.

[quinie]

Where has the P been used,geo 0939? Were any letters already there?

[Valanne]

Looked up the crossword online. Letters round the perimeter are 26 letters of alphabet. Half the clues are double answers, eg pillager/villager and you must decide which to enter. If only we had been told that at the beginning!

[kayakamina]

The P was used for 7d (Patent)

[ece9600]

Villager is correct. NB that the correct option might only be cryptically suggested not actually defined (look at the examples- "life-changing river" could be "file").

[davidas]

kayakamina - thanks - rare to say but I'm not that happy with this one - a clue is a clue is a clue.