Azed No. 2539

[Blackhawker]

....any help please with Azed’s latest offering? I can normally work my way through his puzzles, but today’s is a different ball game altogether. So any guidance/help truly appreciated. I’ve read the example but can’t see what PESTO has to do with any of the reconstructed clue! Many thanks!

[JJ109]

The answer has NOTHING to do with the clue. You simply have to come up with a word that is inserted into the clue makes sense

For instance 18d is ERATHEM
which has nothing to do with the clue
"In Mozart's opinion Figaro must outwit his master"
but if you insert it after the op in opinion it reads
In Mozart's opERA THE Minion, Figaro must outwit his master

[JJ109]

I have only just started this crossword so there may be alternative answers to my suggestions, but
29a could be HEATER. If you insert this in the clue
"We go out for meals occasionally but avoid posies" (6) after the s in posies it reads
We go out for meals occasionally but avoid posH EATERies (6)

[Blackhawker]

....thank you both......I think!

[nescio]

Printer’s Devilry are by far the hardest “special” Azeds, because ther is no definition of the answer and it bears no relation to the clue whatsoever.
I have found an answer for 18a. It needs to be inserted in p/ad.

[Blackhawker]

...thank you Nescio

[JJ109]

I had to leave this and come back today.

I have found an answer for 25a
"Dad, after yet another night at the local, burns unsteadily" (5)
that is inserted after the "B" of burns