Mephisto 2549

[kayakamina]

There is a clever connection to these clues from today's crossword.
1a Song that goes with drinking port (8)

9d What's right for Latin in binge and is associated with entry for Iago? (8)

15d Case of Berlusconi maintaining zest is the toast of some Italians (8)

33a Is din out of order in Bari with rendition of one ? (8)

Can you solve it? Don't spoil it for others after you.

Cheers K

[JMR27]

Hi K I've got the answers - is there another connection I'm missing? Is it related to the number of the crossword? judy

[kayakamina]

Hi Judy

No I'm sure you've got it. I am probably making too much of the clues but you don't often get this situation.

Incidentally I e-mailed the setter yesterday about a query I had on one of his other crosswords.I got a prompt & charming mail back saying he had erred and had given himself and his checker a good telling off.

Regards K

[JMR27]

Hi K I've not come across this before. When I was completing the crossword I had to do a 'double-take'. Tim Moorey's my favourite Mephisto setter - I like his sense of humour. I thought he came over really well on that TV programme about cryptic crosswords. Regards, judy

P.S. is AB on a 'go-slow'? could be it's my computer.

[Ardboe]

Any slower and this AB will have stopped!

[x_word_fan]

Yes it is unusual and with grateful thanks to your comment I suddenly raced through the rest after a really slow start.

I had noticed the word when trying to sort out 15d and thought "ah that fits the definition of 1a.

Can you explain the word play to 27d.

Thanks
Don

[kayakamina]

John is a term the Americans use for lavatory and the 'head' is a sailor's toilet.
We go to these 'offices' to do our business.

[JMR27]

Hope you're still around K! Could you please explain the word play for 11a? I cannot understand what is meant by the 'little needle'. Thanks, judy

[kayakamina]

Hi Judy

Only just seen your query as I didn't check my e-mail box sooner.

A 'Between' needle is one of intermediate size 'Not the smallest'.

Wordplay is BET (guess) N (name) encapsulating WEE (little) BET WEE N

Best wishes Les (K)

[JMR27]

Hi Les and thanks kindly for your answer! I had to switch the computer off early yesterday - too much thunder and lightning. Hope all is well with you. Best wishes Judy