RT34

[quizzer01]

I have completed the crossword and the wordfinder but there is one clue I dont understand
20a so a clock is placed in part of the brain - the answer is thalamus - can someone explain the clue to me please

[quizzer01]

yes so do i Penelope2

[nilesquimby]

As do I penelope2!

We shall agree to disagree (that sounds healthy) :-))

[mojay]

I don't think a discussion should lead to an upset.

I never offer an explanation unless it is asked for as I think the questioner likes the opportunity to work it out

But when a discussion ensues then it helps folk, newbies especially, to understand the thinking of a cryptic setter

[nilesquimby]

Ah, mojay, the setter asked for an explanation!

We are now just arguing the toss! (however, there are rules to cryptic, ALWAYS leading to the correct answer).

You can never just drop a letter for your own convenience! :-))

[quizzer01]

nilesquimby I am really sorry that I asked for an explanation now remind me NOT to do it again

[nilesquimby]

Don't do it again Quizzer01! See how I reminded you straight away! he he

Seriously, though, keep asking! :-))

[inquisition]

a Thalamus is a mass of nervous matter on either side of the third ventricle of the brain - called also optic-Thalamus. Hey ho!

[To-Ryscum]

thus is so - around a lam - lam- as in "clock" hit someone

[fireflybob]

"LAM" To give a thorough beating to; thrash.
v.intr.
To strike; wallop.

so LAM means clock (as in clocking somebody)

" a clock" = ALAM, placed in "so" (=THUS), hence ALAMUS

[fireflybob]

LAM is to "clock" someone (ie hit them!)

Therefore THALAMUS is correct

[fanciful]

Could it be that the thalamus is a regulator of motor function, so regulator is a timer, is a clock?