Guardian 25969

[iminoz]

2 Said to have acquired chopper when on the rocks (Guardian's series) (3,3,5,4)

--- -w- --R-- ---P

[Canary42]

One two three chop ?????

Not sure why - comes from old children's party game "here comes the candle to light you to bed, and here comes the chopper to chop off your head, one two three chop"

[aloka90]

One two three four - won tooth reef

[iminoz]

Thanks to both of you, and Aloka90, that means my answer to your 26a is wrong....sorry for the red herring!

[Cryptomaniac]

Yes - one, two, three, four, and Aloka's explanation is surely correct (that chopper = tooth). That brings me to 16 ac: Scriptures prescribe slowdown in theatrical margins. I have WRITINGS (RIT) within WINGS, but how does RIT equate with 'prescribe slowdown'?

[iminoz]

cryptomaniac
rit is short for ritardando in music- gradually become slower

[Cryptomaniac]

Iminoz - thanks for this. Yet another musical term for me to try and remember!