The Times 26988

[TioMateo]

Thank you to aelmpvw, dannyk13 and goodgoalie for their prompt answers at lunchtime. I am embarrassed to admit that I don't understand the word play of ANY of the 3 clues. Would someone be kind enough to parse them for me? Sorry for being dim and thanks in advance.

[Captain2]

Clues/answers here for those that want to help.


Tio - better to add your comments to your original thread, then we can see what you mean.

[Captain2]

Here!!!

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1650779.html

[ichkeria]

Casting an eye back over previous posts I think it’s actually:
COLERAINE (Col era in e)
ROOT as in turn up (with eg snout) and CROP as in WHIP
CREEPS is CEPS around RE (touching)

[TioMateo]

Many thanks ichkeria.