Crossword

2581: In the balance

The unclued lights are three sets of three words of a kind, all linked by a theme word represented by one clued answer which must be highlighted.         Across    1    Where pupils are receiving gentle hugs (8)    8    Finished structure erected in triumph (4) 11    Goal to renovate new hotel figures in Levantine

2580: Cobbled

Around the perimeter starting at square 20 and reading clockwise are five themed solutions, ten words in total. The other unclued lights (four pairs) continue the theme, if 12 Across is pluralised. Ignore two apostrophes.         Across 11    Fiddle with jacket removed after a dip? (5) 13    Get rid of European visitor – that’s not

2579: Destructive plot

One unclued entry (three words) gives the theme, and five others give two-word names directly connected with it. Remaining unclued entries give two examples of the theme phrase, one of two words and one of three. Across 1 US underdogs willingly bring moggies under control? (4,4) 7 I’m sorry, love, to get info about daughter

2578: Torture

The same word appears as eight headwords in Chambers. Unclued lights indicate what they mean. The word will appear in the completed grid and must be shaded.   Across 10 German town invited Newton twice (5-5) 11 Smart monarch nailing the ceremony (6) 12 Granny’s wonderful honey (3,4) 14 Yes, grandparent’s about to be of

2577: Light and dark

The unclued lights (three of two words, one of which has an apostrophe) are of two kinds. Across 6 Eat away with genial wraith oddly (4,2) 12 Antibiotic disguised in nice pill (10) 14 He raises stock for reactor (7) 15 Second chapter on king and almost utterly mad literary character (4,6) 16 Medic enters

2576: After Eleven

The unclued lights form five pairs, as suggested by the title. Across 6 Fashion blunted by useless needle (6) 10 Sister in action in a moving church feast (12) 13 Lily and Len backing boss (7) 16 Youth turns to another who’s idle (4) 17 Scarper from unstable ice-sheet (6,2) 21 Underclothes hang loosely? Twaddle

2575: Problem XIII

Singers will know that where ‘Q’ = ‘the number of’: Q34/22A x Q41/39/1D x Q3/8/38 = Q the 14. 41/39/1D is a 7D. 3/8/38 is four words in total. Across 1 Ship transported new preemies (11) 7 Salary drama lecturer forfeited (3) 11 Parrot crosses centre for orris plants (6) 13 A smart criminal and

2574: A Chinese

The unclued Across lights (including a pair) are of a kind and the unclued Down lights can be preceded by another (associated) word.   Across 1 To obtain acknowledgement, order direct (6) 13 Love making fuss about … (5) 15 … drink in The Wheatsheaf in encampment (5,4) 21 Coolness of pal stoned by wild

2573

  22 5 42 14 25 31: 29-40, 10-26.   Across 1 Hidden by grass, squad joined after separation (8) 9 Most of scenery framed by brainbox movie maker (10) 16 Will’s interest in America essentially sprang (6) 17 Region outside northern stadium (5) 18 Dread being tense after fringe cut by bishop (5) 20

2572: Blown up

Around the perimeter, beginning at square 1, is a line of poetry (seven words, in ODQ) followed by the title of the poem (six words; one abbreviated word in the original title must be written out in full). Remaining unclued lights are of a kind, suggested by the quotation.   Across 11 Drug ring spread

2571: 10”

The unclued lights (one of two words) are of a kind.   Across 1 Bringing down plane that was used on D-Day (7,5) 12 Heart tremor? (10) 14 Member in bar, musing (3) 17 Folds in damask curtains partly drawn back (5) 18 Married? Possibly him! (7) 19 Provide plaster (6) 22 Agamemnon’s father sure

2570: Short story

The unclued entries comprise two authors and a work of fiction, attributed by one author to the other. Each author occupies two unclued entries. Four of the unclued entries are two words each.   Across 1 Tea service that needs to be done again for villa (6) 7 Remote republic gets peace from Spain back

2569: Anadad

Round the grid from 1 runs a quotation (1,3,4.2,5,3,5,3,2,6) from a play followed by the dramatist’s name (two words). Two pairs of unclued lights give the name of the speaker and a sparring partner. Elsewhere, ignore an accent. Across 9 Romeo sharing bathroom with a woolly bear? (5) 10 The Enemy’s former sobriquet (3,4) 11

2568: Next door have gone

The unclued lights, two of two words, and including four pairs using two of the unclued lights twice, are of a kind.   Across 1 Metal-workers task expanded reportedly to include trophy (4-4) 11 Bill’s new car. Capital! (5) 13 A way to work out the last part of Hedda Gabler, possibly (7) 17 Patrols

2567: Stop!

The unclued lights (including two pairs, one of which is three words, and one single light of three words) are of a kind, as found pleasingly in Brewer. Ignore three accents and one apostrophe. Across 1 Reveal details of ride in car with open top (4,3,3,3) 9 City is enormous, endlessly gloomy (4) 11 Ivied

2566: Somewhere XII

Somewhere in 23D 30 July is important. Remaining unclued lights (including two pairs and a trio) give the place’s capital city, one of its volcanoes, an indigenous reptile and its national anthem. Its former name (three words) appears diagonally in the completed grid and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an apostrophe.   Across 1 Observe

2565: 3 x 2

The unclued lights (two single words, one a proper noun, four pairs and one trio) share a certain feature.   Across 4 Insightful patient, ever worried (11) 11 Report of joints at hideout in London suburb (7) 12 Instruction to massage deep’s not hard (6) 16 Fears one is concealing crime (5) 19 Escape from

2564: Sea monster

Five unclued lights are descriptions of another (four words), from another, by another (two words). Elsewhere, ignore one accent.   Across 10 Player and wrestler oddly changing places (4) 12 May take home case of oriental hemp product (10) 14 Regularly fooled veteran (3) 15 Prince’s press officer holding drink (8) 17 Mounts horse with

2563: Areas for development

11 Across (two words) suggests the other unclued lights, which are all one-word anagrams of words of a kind (one of two words). Across 1 More mawkish sot that is hugged by sister (8) 8 They may be catching insects (4) 12 Indian manager’s hesitation, in trouble (5) 14 Like a diplomat dancing one-step (7,

2562: Clear view but no vowels

The cryptic title of this week’s crossword leads to a five-letter representation of the theme. The unclued lights include two pairs; one solution has three words and six others are of two words.   Across 9 Wood sorrel plants tangled in 11 (4) 12 See 35 Down 14 Arrive at a junction in a flurry