Spectator 2148

[grandilo]

Some help will be appreciated for the following, please:
DOWN:

14 Flash tie is alternative choice(12, two words)
?????D?????G
23 Piece of machinery to clean out fish boxes(8 two words)
???????R
31 Plant completely drowned by waterfall (5)
?????U

Many thanks in advance!

[toalisi]

14d second string
23d spurge gear
31d lupin

[EMor1]

Toalisi

I'm sure you meant to say spur gear for 23d

[grandilo]

Thanks for the help! Yes, 23d is spur gear.

[grandilo]

Thanks and just a few more hints for my own edification, please:
ACROSS:
13 Dramatist from Italy a certain ancient poet abridged(7)
??ML???
17 Implant in Henry's heart and back as well(6)
??LE??
22 Pessimistic precept or maxim grabbing sorry old square (7, two words)
??TS???
37 Extraterrestrial Buzz A's commander brought back (5)
???E?
30 East Indies market vinegar no longer(6)
??S?LL
34 CLUE IN ?
39 AGOING?

DOWN:
26 Cardinal houses goddess in city(7)
??????N
24 ALDERMAN?

[bibblebub]

34) yes
39) no
24) yes

(idon't do hints, only answers)

[kayakamina]

13a inesco
17a enroot
22a sod's law
37a a lien
30a ei sell

[grandilo]

Thanks very much! Did you mean IONESCO for 13a?

[EMor1]

13A
I (Italy)
ONE (a certain)
SCO (sco(p) - ancient poet abridged)
= IONESCO

[grandilo]

Very clear, indeed, Emori! I understand it perfectly, now! The Spectator puzzle is really very subtle with the word play! I will keep doing it until I get the hang of it. Thanks again!