Guardian Crossword 23,598

[lloyd1e]

I have thought long and hard but am stumped by the clues beginning with V, M, U, and B. I've managed the rest. I thought the M could be Mark Twain but couldn't see why. HELP!

[crofter]

V is VIALFUL (see Muriel below)

What are the other clues?

[Murielmci]

U is unready.

[lloyd1e]

Thanks for help. Clue for B is - Void at the outset, asks "they leave nought dry?" (7,6). Clue for M is - Old second version's many a humorous text (4,5). Clue for D is - Meet most of cost, what food is governed by? (5)

[gen2]

D looks like defra (mosy of the word defray)

[lloyd1e]

Of course - it's easy when I see the answer!

[lloyd1e]

Could/Is the B clue BLANKET something?

[Murielmci]

It is blanket sprays.

Lloydie can you tell me the g one please g?t? net - I just can't think what it could be

[lloyd1e]

Sorry Murielmci - haven't got that one but didn't want to ask for too many! It's the only one left now. I'm on the case!

[crofter]

G is GATE NET = a way to trap hares

[lloyd1e]

Grateful to all for the help received.

[Murielmci]

as am I! You lot are awesome and as I helped a bit so am I. Wow had never thought that before.

Thank you you awesome bunch!

[FlickMay]

Thanks

[FlickMay]

Hit the return key too early. I was going to say: thanks for B U and V. And explain M: it is Mark Twain - Twain being an old term for two, so mark 2 = second version. And he wrote many a humerous text. I'm sure you'd worked it out by now but wanted to give something in return for the 3 clues you gave me between you. And finishing it. WOW!! Now to the Telegraph ...