Enigmatic Variations N0. 1655 By Skylark

[Matakari]

Good day, I’m attempting this one to see how much I can learn from Skylark’s technique. Thanks in advance for help for the following:

(PREAMBLE: In each clue, there is an extra letter which must be removed before solving. In order, these give two instructions: the second refers to an ASSERTION by the subject. CHAMBERS DICTIONARY ( 2016 ) is recommended.

2d Escorted, I start east to get worm-killing substance ( 10 ) : T??N?????E

3d Spoilt example covers shrub ( 4 ):  I???

4d Among stupid race, upset ( 4 ) A???

5d Abandoned in copse on vacation, cracks ( 6 ) C??C??

6d Sheltering in Scotland Government gasp, finally murmuring softly outside ( 8 ) S??K????

18d Displaying hat in tartan pattern with relish ( 10, 2 words ) : S?????????

 

 

 

[JJ109]

3d T superfluous hidden in the clue - ILEX

[Neveracrossword]

Morning, Matakari - you've been 'learning' for a while!

4 D. A common three-letter word for 'stupid', reversed(upset) after the usual single letter abbreviation for 'race' after it loses a letter. The definition is 'among'.

2 D. Your N is wrong

3 D In the clue...

[JJ109]

4d Amid = dim (stupid) +a(ce) therefore R of race is the extra letter

[Neveracrossword]

5 Your second C is wrong.  

[JJ109]

5d E is surplus,leaving cops

Left (abandoned) in C(op)s (on vacation)

= Clefts (cracks)

[JJ109]

6d Scooging an alternative spelling of scogging

P in gasp is surplus leaving gas finally = S

S cooing (murmuring softly) around G(overnment) = scooging Scottish for sheltering

[JJ109]

I have answers for2d and 18d but am struggling to parse so will leave that to someone else. Like you, I have only just started this crossword!

[JJ109]

2d - just worked it out

Taeniacide (worm killing substance) = ta'en (taken/escorted) + I = acid (tart), therefore surplus letter = S, + E(ast)

[JJ109]

18d I have SE?TI?GOUT, so it has to be setting out, but I can't parse it yet!

[Neveracrossword]

JJ, I think it is Sett,tartan pattern, In, from (h)at, and Gout, relish.

[Matakari]

Many thanks, jj109 and NACW, I got 4d but as not sure about it. I'm studying the parsing and will continue a bit later.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari. It's worth persevering - Skylark's puzzles are usually very rewarding. Don't panic about needing 40+  extra letters - as you go along, jotting them down, you should see some familiar words starting to emerge...

[Matakari]

Got a few more but am still far away. Help with the following should get me closer, thanks!

40a Vestibule in front of temple tenor’s left promptly, being replaced by alto soon ( 7 ) : ???VAO?

43a External entertainment troubled them, set retreat ( 13, 2 words ) : ST??E?T??AT?N

7d   Plods beginning to subdue commotions ( 6 ) : SHE?L?
27d Bundle of banknotes: send cowboy ( 6 )  : ?ADT??
28d Was informed whin’s  in Lithuania ( 6 ):  ?EA???    ( LEARNT )

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, glad you're soldiering on. I'm afraid you have more mistakes...

40 The V is wrong

43 The N is wrong

27 The T is wrong

28 Yes, Learnt - Earn, win, inside the abbreviation for Lithuania. (So you now have another extra letter)

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry, I missed one...

7 D. Your letters are correct. The answer is defined by the first word, when it loses a letter (and a fairly easy one to spot). Your first S is 'beginning to subdue', then there's a five letter plural of 'commotions', big fuss etc.

[Neveracrossword]

A hint for 43... It's just an anagram (troubled). The first two words form the definition,  drop an obvious letter from the first of the last three words.

[JJ109]

40a Pronaos (temple vestibule) = pronto (promptly) - t(enor) + a(lto) +s(on)

one of the Os in "soon"is the extra letter

[JJ109]

27d waddie (cowboy) = wad (bundle of banknotes) + die (end)

ie the S in send is the extra letter

[JJ109]

NAC has given you good clues for the other two!

[Matakari]

Thanks, jj109 and NACW, I will not abandon this one yet. 
Help with this last batch would be welcome. 

17a   Fruit puddings and soaps ( 5 ) : F?O?S
19a   German small island’s peace ( 4 ) : ?N?T
42a   At last Faye entering kicks out rejected wigs for EastEnders ( 6 ) : ?ERU??
( Thought of PERUKE, but for 30d I have  TISSUE )
20d  Nationalist in hoard’s raised medicine case (4 ) : ?NR?
36d  Chief cut short hard riot ( 4 ) : ?O?H