Crossword

2277: Royalty

Having solved the puzzle, solvers are required to highlight a 2×2 square which contains the four letters of the otherwise unclued theme word. This theme word can be paired with five of the unclued lights. The resulting pairs are then defined by the remaining five unclued lights (two of two words), all of which can

2276: Iron Man

Definitions in ten clues contain a misprint; corrections spell out a theme word. Unclued lights are four pairs of words of a kind, each relating to the theme word in a different way. Elsewhere, ignore one accent.   Across 11    Like some parasites? See ten in rotten tree house (12) 12    Statesman needs iron, regularly

2275: Frame of reference

Seven words read clockwise round the perimeter, in alphabetical order. Each of eighteen clues contains a misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell two words; the first defines six words in the perimeter, and the second defines the last word in the perimeter. Letters in corner squares and those adjacent to them

2274: Round and round

The perimeter squares yield six theme-words in order, though any one of them can come first. The remaining unclued lights (two individually and a pair) reveal three more theme words. Solvers are asked to highlight in the appropriate colour a final two-word theme-word hidden in two rows in the completed grid.   Across   6   

2273: Numbers

Clockwise round the perimeter from 3 run the titles of three items (1, 6, 3, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4, 1, 4, 3, 4, 5, 6, 3, 4) from the same source, the title of which is epitomised by the four unclued lights. Ignore two apostrophes. Across 8    Slowly cycling with a bouquet? (5) 9   

2272: Holiday time

In eight clues, cryptic -indications omit reference to parts of answers; these parts must be highlighted, to reveal two words. Two unclued lights are definitions of the first word; the second word defines each of six unclued lights.   Across 11    Mineral, concrete and stone around (7) 12    Insane broadcast in colour (6) 16   

2271: I’m not here or there

All but one of the unclued lights can be preceded by the same word, large or small. Solvers are requested to highlight the other thematic solution which does not follow this pattern. Brewer confirms the theme. Across 3    Acrylic pot he refashioned in copper and iron compound (12) 11    33 returning after the usual time

2270: Hard

Seven unclued lights (all real words) are names of 22 (hyphened) minus one letter. The missing letters give GROWN-UP.   Across 4    Game Charlie (athletic chap with a heart problem) (9) 10    Pro shinned nastily getting painkillers (10) 11    Rosy Lee and fellow almost dance (6, hyphened) 12    Secure university members axed watchman (7, two

2269: Humiliation

Answers to clues in italics are to be subjected, before entry in the grid, to the treatment indicated by one unclued light (three words). Definitions of the resulting entries are supplied by the other unclued lights.    Across 1    Details no longer always in unfinished dance (8) 6    Fellow admitted to constant trouble with

2268: In state

The unclued lights (two of two words) are of a kind, verifiable in Brewer among other reference books. Elsewhere, ignore one grave accent.   Across 1    Complete support for defender (8) 6    Wan painting child’s vehicle (6) 11    Novice leads the experts, then ties (5) 14    Calm meeting in silence (6) 16    Slight, and slightly

2267: Double-edged swords

One of the unclued entries (two words) defines the others (two of which are hyphened), which are all real words. Collins, not Chambers, confirms 23D. Ignore one accent in the unclued entries and another elsewhere.   Across 1    Clergymen demolishing a church helping its loss of status (14) 9    See missing competitor getting ready for

2266: 587

Around the perimeter starting at one corner run two lines of a verse (ten words). Two unclued lights give the name of the author (in her formal style); other unclued lights give one association with each of the adjectives in the quotation.   Across 10    Smile conceals a natural character (5) 11    Eastern exercise in

2265: Pouring

The unclued Across lights (two of two words) are of a kind, as are the unclued Down ones, all verifiable in Brewer 19th edition.   Across   1    Originally inexperienced, feels skill growing (12, two words) 12    Outlet I left, working out rota for a breather (10) 14    Some greet Andalusian character (3) 17    Lawgiver cut

2264: The A-Team

Six unclued lights, the sixth spelt in its original way, are members of a team proclaimed dramatically at a venue given by the remaining pair. The proclaimer and team leader appears diagonally in the completed grid and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an accent. Across 1    Minister and unknown independent in conflict (5) 9    Eyelid

2263: Hurry

Each of twelve clues contains a misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell a four-word phrase forming an indication of the unclued lights in each of four columns in the grid. Ignore an accent in one unclued light. Across 1    Tremulous nut faced by snake (5) 4    Photograph taker’s last

2262: Numbers game

The unclued Across lights are of one linguistic kind and the unclued Down lights are of another, all of which solvers must figure out.   Across   1    Busy person squeezing scab on carpet (6) 7    Cilla’s out gathering what Novello suggested (6) 12    Ends of the line abolished at privatisation? (9) 13    Come down

2261: Long jump

Six unclued lights are examples of ‘3/4/18’ (four words in total, ignore an apostrophe), a quotation (in ODQ) whose author’s surname (7) will appear diagonally in the grid and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an accent.   Across   11    Tony and Charlie amid ducks beside Yellow River (7) 12    Men declaimed European decree (6)

2260: B & B

One clue lacks a definition part; its answer is a film title. One unclued light (three words) is the title of a song in the film, and one unclued light (two words) is the name of its singer. The first word of the song’s title defines three unclued lights, and its third word defines three

2259: Eco

The unclued lights (one of two words) can be preceded by the same word which is hidden in the completed grid. Solvers must highlight this word appropriately. All resulting phrases are verifiable in Brewer. Elsewhere, ignore one accent. Across   1    Ought to be quiet when dreadfully loud (6) 7    Elysian areas of knowledge? (6)

2258: Perimetrical jigsaw

Clues are listed in alphabetical order of their solutions. An 11-word quotation runs around the perimeter from the top left-hand corner. Four thematic clued answers need highlighting, as does a thematic name (7) in the completed grid.   Not looking well, with a scar and spasm? (10) Gossip’s husband abandoning visit (4) Always home for