Saturday Times Jumbo Cryptic 957 Saturday December 24th 2011

[sandranufc]

need a couple to finish 16a from country, saint's taking high road back (7) A?B?N?A - Albania presumably but why? 31a employed, he would give you his best shot (5,3) ?I?E?/G?N (? something gin) 39a Barrister dropping round in mess (6) R???L? Also 56a about time, I grant, to get a cold drink (4,3) I????T?A I have iced tea but again can't see wordplay

[Zhukov]

Albania

[glasman]

Saint Alban + A1 back

[glasman]

31a Hired gun

[bibblebub]

16a St. ALBAN + A1 backwqards

39a RUMP(o)LE

56a time = T, i = I, grant = CEDE, a = A => I CEDtE A

[bulliver]

56a iced tea (cold drink) = 'I cede' (I grant) around t(ime) + 'a'

[Zhukov]

St Alban
A1 back

[factor-fiction]

I
cede= grant
t= time
a

[glasman]

56a Igrant - I cede about time (T) + a

[marpycoo]

I CEDE (grant) and A and T - anagram of these

[sandranufc]

thanks a lot zhukov glasman bibblebub and bulliver

[sandranufc]

thanks too to marpycoo and factor30 - all finished now and merry christmas to you all

[LennyBunter]

Excellent site - just found it and subscribed. Just missing 54A from Times Cryptic 957. I have I_A_E_T - is it INADEPT?

[Mamyalynne]

What is the clue, Lenny??

Welcome by the way.

[LennyBunter]

Where to find the bird? That's very silly! (7) I_A_E_T Many thanks for the prompt response!

[slaney]

In a nest

[LennyBunter]

I'm so embarrassed - many thanks for that. If it had said 'silliest' I might have got it! All the best to everyone.