Guardian Genius Crossword 191

[RayH]

Young bird beginning to rehearse for second start of chorus to become cheerful (5) C_i__

[JJ109]

Input CHIRP

Chick (young bird) swap the second start of chorus ie the second c of cgick for the geginning of rehearse ie r = chirk
Finally swap the king for a pawn = CHIRP

[JJ109]

Forgive my typing -start again!
Input = CHIRP

Young bird = Chick, beginning to "rehearse" = R, start of chorus = C
Therefore swap the "second" C for an R = Chirk (cheerful)

Input though is manipulated and must swap a "chessman". Swap the K(ing) for a P(awn) = CHIRP

I trust that explains it better!

[JJ109]

^^ I forgot to add when you manipulate CHIRK you had two choices,
you could either swap the R(ook) for a knight (N) giving the valid input word CHINK or you could swap the K(ing) for a P(awn) giving the valid input word CHIRP.
However by solving 8d you realise it had to be CHIRP as 8d begins with a "P"

[vetuste_ennemi]

Chambers gives "chirk" as chirp.

[vetuste_ennemi]

...which would resolve the lacuna in the clue.

[RayH]

Thanks for your detailed explanation jj but 8d doesn't necessarily have to start with a P. It could be Kerry couldn't it?

[JJ109]

Yes - you are right it could be Chink and Kerry rather than Chirp and Perky

I wonder how they will mark that!