The wordplay gives an extra letter or a double letter is missing from it... 23a Blunt, shortly annoy and go away (8) ?M?????E 25a Stars show butts on stages (7) ?E?????
End game... I can see what to drop out, but what to replace it with?? Also missing one letter in an answer... 16a Men in Acapulco uncovered and outnumbered opponent (5) ?MBRE
There may be an extra letter in the wordplay. It's an alphabetical "jigsaw" grid so crossers no use yet... Instrument performing central parts in concerto (6) C????? Compose letter descrining female... ...
3d King novel and short story by Vidal carried by Venetian executive (9) P?L?*?U?O politburo?? 12a Break out rejected introduction to The Innocent (5) E?U?* erupt? 6d Perhaps reading poem set in... ...
Full grid, apart from several unclued, phrase highlighted but still don't see how the phrase identifies clues, so still missing several of the unclued....
1a Vulgar adult enters religious prison (8 or 9 letters) 21d The old reveal value in exercising (7 or 8 ) 35a Toolmaker shows collection of data on motor-launch (10 or more)
Everything fits in the grid without having to refer to "acrosses jumbled thematically" and "downs non-thematically" by eliminating/using letters which are in both answers EXCEPT for 12a where the... ...
There is an extra word in the clue which needs to be removed before solving... How do these parse/extra words? 6. Upright like anchor cutting a tense disturbed at sea. ATRIP 11. Opening of note... ...
25a Fumed about husband heading to disco (6) R??KED reeked? 21d Tense Empress regularly alters hubs of activity ??MP?ES temples? 38a Docked mark in proofreading concern ?ARE
2d Hastily learn book of rhyme (5) 22a Age companion occupied in wheeling Balmoral's rubbish bag (8) A?T?N??? 40a Plans crossing Asian dog (removed from capital city) with short tailed mongrel (7)... ...
1. Tannoy etc. installed by expert at speed (5) A???? 16. I'm a fellow backing one telling tales about everyday life? (8) Starts with a letter between E and I