hi everyone i was giving 146 across some serious thought last night, involved in struggle, i checked my word finder this afternoon, the word i think is "embattled"
Once you get the hang of them they are quite easy .
If you look in one of the Lovatts books ..I'm not sure which one now ..it might be " Big "there is a guide to help you with explanations of how the solution to the clue is reached..
I've been doing cryptics for over forty years now ! My dear old Dad used to help me with them and showed me how they work.
This may help give you an insight http://www.gptucker.net/crosswords/solvinghelp .htm