Guardian

[neversaydie]

7(a) I have ?o?i?e?
I'm too lazy/tired to explain the instructions in the grid.
One of the missing letters is an x
The six letter word left when removing the x should answer the clue:-
"Was heartless, left " ( I think!)

[scorpiojo]

Clue gives exi(s)ted (left)

[scorpiojo]

Was - existed minus middle letter

[neversaydie]

Thanks - it does, doesn't it. But I can't believe I've made so many mistakes ( although anything is possible!)
This is my last one to finish the puzzle and the crossing letters I've given seem to be OK.

[scorpiojo]

If you make 1d O(x)liver, then ex(c)ited will fit 7a

[neversaydie]

Certainly the I seems to be in the right place. Less confident with my O

[scorpiojo]

Have a read of this:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puzzles/Crosswords/Question1387612.html

[scorpiojo]

^^see suggestion for 1d

[neversaydie]

All understood now - thanks a lot. For what it's worth I had co-liver for 1 (d). I make up the occasional word - although just possibly I made a mistake and the word exists!

[scorpiojo]

I made that up as well :o)