Azed 2603

[JJ109]

One letter required, hopefully

Buttocks (5) _ eras

I am not 100% with the A but I think it is correct

Thanks

[mallyh]

rears ?

[JJ109]

Unfortunately, no Mallyh! The ER and S are 100%.

[elliemay1]

can we check them anyway, jj??

[JJ109]

There are special instructions with this crossword but I have solved everything apart from this 1 (or 2 letters). So what I say is right

6d = 15a = Climbing dens a safeguard for last of mice in a row (6)
My answer SERIAL giving the E

[JJ109]

Sorry pressed too early!
8d = 16d = Couches with endless artifice I nail in new style (9)
My answer TRICLINIA giving the R
10d = 27d = Blow missing boxer’s head, fray’sending, making one livid (4). My answer ASHY (b)ash + (fra)y = ashy = livid

All the crossing letters fit

[TheFrogman]

The definition is not 'buttocks' but is a word in the clue for 12a which is otherwise unclued; you are then required to write the clue for 12a, including a definition of the word at 1a.

[TheFrogman]

I'll rephrase that:

The definition is not 'buttocks' but is a word in the clue for 12a, the entry at 12a otherwise being unclued; you are then required to write a clue for 12a, including a definition of the word at 1a.

[TheFrogman]

(your checked letters are correct)

[JJ109]

Thanks Frogmen - I obviously misunderstood the preamble, in addition to the definition word in 12a I also thought it had to equal "buttocks" (1a)

[TheFrogman]

If you imagine the new clue for '1a' completing the loop, it will be a normal clue to the entry at 12a (currently lacking a clue) with an extra definition of the entry at 1a (currently provided by 'buttocks'). The clue labelled 12a is a normal clue to the entry at 25d with an extra definition of the entry at 12a.

With this sort of puzzle there are usually several competitors who send in a clue for the wrong word, quite understandably in my view!

[hankir]

I am still struggling with this with about 8 entries remaining.
I need help with what goes in 11a, 19d and 20d. The clues are elsewhere.

Thanks.

[ProfessorMaisie]

11a is the Greek dance - 'caper' def
9d def 'file' (the original def is 'gravelly tone')
20d def 'cleavers' (orig def 'growth drastically reduced thereby')

[ProfessorMaisie]

sorry, hankir 19d is def 'march' - from 2d anag of STOCK with LEP = 'spring' on the outside.

[hankir]

Thanks ProfessorM.
I had tried the anagram for 20d with correct letters but did not get that word.
Now first letters for 12a and 18a remaining.

[ProfessorMaisie]

12a starts with T (I think there's only one possible word that can be made).
18a starts with C

[hankir]

Thanks again, ProfessorM.
That word means a moth or monstrocity (12a). Was trying to figure out which word in 12a matched that meaning.

My 17d was wrong. Have never used the female version of that monster.

[ProfessorMaisie]

'malformation' is the def.
It was a tough puzzle, hankir - with plenty of scope to go wrong.

[ProfessorMaisie]

... and we don't often see parts of clues doing double-duty [anagram indicator and definition in this case] so it takes a bit of getting used to.

[hankir]

Thanks ProfessorM for helping me over the finish line.

It must be pretty late where you are so your help much appreciated.

[ProfessorMaisie]

Another few minutes and I'll be calling it a day - glad I could help, hankir.