Spectator 2602

[Tilly2]

Is 14d argent?

[klazomaniac]

I thought the transposition of words was very unique in a way I hadn't seen before. That deserves credit I think.
I'm glad I could be of assistance and happy you've finished it.
Good speaking to you again also Freyabee.
And now the long wait till nexts weeks offer. Have a good week :-)

[novalis]

I think Lavatch has used a similar thematic anagram device before.

[klazomaniac]

I didn't know that novalis. But I'm quite new to the Speccie seen.
Personally I thought it was unique. An absolute godsend after last weeks (which took 40 mins to complete).

[JayLogan]

All done except 8: 'Delaying intro, ace ruler' (4). I have the second and fourth letters as ?S?R and at least three possible solutions but can't fit them to the clue. Any hints, please?

[novalis]

Ace = lead performer - Transpose the first and second letters for the title of a ruler.

[JayLogan]

Got it, thanks novalis

[hunting]

I think 8a is tsar, but why?

[hunting]

Got it !

[jazzgirl]

@hunting
I have the alternative spelling beginning with C

[jazzgirl]

Sorry a bit slow in typing

[klazomaniac]

jazzy, it has to be T to make Star (with first two letters transposed)
Czar won't work

[klazomaniac]

lol Me too

[jazzgirl]

Klazo. I had CSAR another spelling . ?

[jazzgirl]

Parsing understood now. Off to lie down in a darkened room :)

[novalis]

Jazzgirl, I need a lie-down in a darkened room after any crossword. I keep telling myself I shouldn't put myself through the agonies of attempting them but I am addicted.

[klazomaniac]

LOL Jazzy, Glad the penny has dropped :-)

[klazomaniac]

Make sure there is Wine in that room ;-)

[wrd456]

I've really struggled with the ones I have left (which I hope doesn't mean I've got others wrong!)

26A Tour of e.g. Ely finished (3,4)
S _ _ / _ _ E R

2D Ex-PM's call for flower (5,4)
HEAT_ / B_L_
As stated previously, it must be the yachting MP, but call = bell? I can find no reference to this as a flower anywhere.

That should just leave the unclued light / anagram of a stone at 23D, which I have as M_NOTO_IS - I'm guessing the original was something that actually ended in '-stone' but I'm finding nothing that would work (may just be fed up of looking at it now!)

[wrd456]

Now, I think - would 26A be SEE OVER ?

[wrd456]

And talking to myself again, it's MONOTONES from MOONSTONE. Like a chump I had written 45A as VIRTU instead of VERTU.

I just want someone to give me the confidence to use 'bell' for 2D and I will feel like a free man again!