Genius Crossword N0 242

[Matakari]

Good evening, NACW guessed correctly, Doc’s “Enzed scorers” was very Matakari-friendly as he continued his stroll to the end of the alphabet. This gives me more zeal to return to the more formidable and challenging Genius while I wait for this week’s Eye Crossword. Meanwhile I’m seeking some hints to the following Genius clues. The numbering of the clues is mine. Many thanks in advance!
(Each letter of the alphabet appears at least once at the end of the solutions
to these clues, which are to be fitted in the grid jigsaw-wise wherever they will go. )

3 Approaching cycle close, crossing over old unoccupied tramway (4,4)
6 Bullet first found by an old weapon (8)
7 Calculate that this shortly might be represented by V&A? (7,2)
20 Mr O. Eliot won something to start with, having returned a toy or ornament (9)
17 Half-heartedly glad to admit retired volunteers with dog to make hot food (4,5)

[ProfessorMaisie]

3 what happens after end of December is the 'approaching cycle' def.
6 the 'bullet' is from a musket (4 letters) and a 3 letter way of writing 'first' + A (it's an old sling for launching rocks).
7 reverse V+A and the abbrev you'll get goes UP.
20 change 'eliot' to his initials TS and read the clue backwards. to end at the first letter of the clue.
17 ME(r)RY = 'half-heartedly glad' [TA = 'volunteers' + 3 letters for 'dog' inside MERY].

[Matakari]

Many thanks, ProfessorMaisie, my brain has got such tender treatment from today’s Spectator that it seems to be crippled, even given the hints, in the face of the very challenging Genius. For example, for 6, I see BALLISTA; 7 I do not understand; 20, I’ve got as far as STORM… AND 17 MERY+TA+PUP?

[ProfessorMaisie]

For 20 you haven't gone back far enough, Matakari - it's a toy that's shaken to produce the effect of the first word.
For 17 you must reverse the 'volunteers' ('retired') and the dog isn't a pup (it isn't as cute as a pup, but it has the same middle letter).

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, don't forget the earlier excellent hints (from JJ, I think) on the placing of entries. I know you had your 4-letter words confirmed, so maybe you could start slotting in a few now?

[Matakari]

Good morning, another plea for hints to help me grapple with
the jigsaw entries! Many thanks in advance!

4 Band’s retreat (5)
5 Beginning to go, brush animal's behind (6)
15 Exterior not in good condition to paint over (7)
22 Owns hotel, given title and key (7)
23 Prisoner not well, cutting rest (6)
29 Unimportant painful practice everyone follows (5)

[Neveracrossword]

4 A very famous British band (very small), the name is also a Retreat, haven etc.

29 Unimportant is the definition. The first two letters of the answer are an abbreviation for a 'painful practice' (sexually!), then the usual 'everyone'.

[Neveracrossword]

27 A common three letter 'owns', the usual Hotel, and a three letter 'label'. You will end up with a 'key' - check your PC.

[JJ109]

5, Think Basil's Brush and remove the first letter and this gives the rear part of another animal - (also a kind of soup)

[JJ109]

23 A prisoner in wartime, with a 3 letter word for not well in the middle

[Matakari]

Thanks, NACW and JJ109, I thoroughly enjoyed these very clear hints. 15 was the only one that slipped your attention.

And here I go with the last two:

10 Content of rancid old Emmenthal one daughter cut, served up as sweet (7)
13 Exchange lively Q&As (6)

And confirmation for the following would be appreciated, thanks!

1 American sextet entertaining university (5) VIRUS
2 A mostly idle pet runs inside an old prison (8) BASTILLE
7 Calculate that this shortly might be represented by V&A? (7,2) TALLIED UP
30 We soon cut cocktail liquor measure in New York (3,6 ) THE BOWERY

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Matakari. Your The Bowery is wrong, simply an anagram.

[roslyn251254]

2. A L CAT R AZ
a
laz(y)
cat
r(run)

[Neveracrossword]

Your 1,2 and 7 are wrong too....

[roslyn251254]

1. American is the defn....not the roman numeral for the sextet and 2 letters for the university

[roslyn251254]

10 ...is reversed in the clue with one d(daughter) removed...defn sweet(as in music)

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, live dangerously - with all these answers, have a go at slotting some into the grid! That should help with some of the remaining clues.

[professorplum13]

My last one ...
It might contain instructions to listen to clergyman's inside
looks like HARD DISK ??
i can see DD for the clergyman...

[Neveracrossword]

PP - Hark, listen?,,,

[professorplum13]

Thank you NACW

[Neveracrossword]

ProfP, thanks - my last post was very rushed, but I thought it'd be enough for you.