Spectator # 2489

[Matakari]

Good morning! Thanks to the invaluable help/hints to Roslyn
and others, I’m on the final hurdle with “Fade away”. My quest
for the four Unclueds of two words each has faded into nothingness!
I have three: 11, 20 and 35.

I am stuck on 12: SE?M?
26: MA?

Probably I do not have the right letters. Any hints would be appreciated>
Thanks again!

[bobbinwales]

Is 26 a reference to a cricketer from many years ago?

[roslyn251254]

12 is split 3,2 letters correct
26 maN

Do you have the 5 letter theme word?

[bobbinwales]

Ok thanks .Wrongly assumed 26 was the surname o f someone with first name of what a thought was the 5 letter theme word.

[Matakari]

Many thanks, Roslyn, I got the 5-letter theme word a long time
ago, but was just stumped by the last two, 12 and 26. 12 seems
to be quite intoxicating while 26 looks fishy enough! That's it
for Doc! Enjoy the weekend!

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, how did you get the theme word long before you managed any of the unclued entries? As you'd got the name yesterday morning, I thought you'd rattle off the rest!

[Matakari]

Good morning, NACW, I stumbled on 42A quite early without realising
that the first name was the key to it all. Then with the hints/nudges from all helpers, everything started falling into place! Thanks for observing!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari. I wasn't just 'observing' - it was more that I didn't add hints to your request yesterday as I'd assumed it'd all suddenly click for you!

[Missel]

For anyone without Brewer who may then be struggling with the unclued, I found that a Brewer listing of terms which include the unclued name (but not their definitions) can be seen in open view online as follows:
i) Google "Brewers Dictionary of Phrase and Fable"
ii) Pick the choice "Brewers Dictionary of Phrase and Fable - Oxford Reference"
iii) Enter the unclued name in the Search Box (you may need to search its first letter first, and once there then search the full name)
iv) Access to the Brewer entry for the unclued name and phrases including the name is then blocked (unless you have a subscription) BUT a full listing of phrases including the name is shown in open view in the left margin.
Their definitions can then be separately confirmed on Google.

[Cocobunny]

Thank you so much Missel. I have an old Brewers which lacks many of the answers

[ladyalex]

Is 12a a song?