Guardian Genius 199

[LeenaH]

Is the paired answer for 24d Comb?
Also please give some hints for
28 ac 21ac 25 dn 19dn

[Nical]

24. No

It's always good to give the clues, then those without a copy can help.

[Mamyalynne]

Clues for those who want them

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2020/01/07/Genius_crossword_199.pdf

[Nical]

Thanks, Mamya.
Lena, those are all thematic clues, needing paired.

[ProfessorMaisie]

I think I see what's required but I haven't done the puzzle (so your checking letters might prove me wrong). The pairs could be -
24a British comedy duo [2nd word 4 letters & 'lives' = IS].
28a sweet+sour drink [1st word 4 letters].
25d an old fashioned means of road transport [2nd word 4 letters & 'tights' = a general word for stockings etc].
11d mythical lovers (one died swimming to meet the other)[1st word 4 letters & the King is biblical, minus last letter].
19d a phrase meaning 'before everything else.'[1st word 5 letters & 'duke' = FIST].

[ProfessorMaisie]

...sorry, it's 24d you want, not 24ac (I'll have another look at the clues).

[ProfessorMaisie]

The ready is Japanese currency reversed after H(ead)O(ffice) -
'the land of ???? and ?????' is luxurious.

[JJ109]

28a Alcoholic drink ordered in pints together with a dash of the cordial that prof has described.