Guardian 24,463

[Westwoodho]

Can anyone help with 26 across please - Sharpen note during controlled return (6) D?B?U?
Thanks in advance

[netkey]

de(b)lur
b = note
controlled = ruled (backwards)

[amalgam]

netkey, I'm sure you are right, but de-blur is hyphenated in the latest Chambers. I thought araucaria used Chambers.

BTW, why is deity spelt diety in 17a?

[Westwoodho]

I had thought of deblur but ruled it out for the same reason as you amalgam and I hadn't even noticed the spelling in 17a!!
Thanks for the help.