Spectator 1930

[crucifernz]

Hi folks
Final SOS as my brain doesn't seem to be able to finish this week..

I previously asked for subtle hints re 5 DOWN

Chopin's little boat crossing lake: CLO_ (4)

The answer and explanation would now be appreciated.

Also confirmation of the unclued light 17 ACROSS Is it FEMALE? (only other words which fit pattern F_M_L_ (6), which don't really make sense, are FAMILY, FUMBLE, FIMBLE)

Urgent help required so I can post!

P. S. New AB display seems to work with IE browser - was having problems with Firefox.

[Lie-in King]

Apologies if this is a waste of time!..

Is there a "theme" to this puzzle that would allow 'Clop' (?)

I can't see a real fit (it's very late, lol!), but Chopin wrote "Barcarolle Op. 60" - C(hopin) + Op (crossing) l(ake)

"Barcarolle" means "boat song" -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcarolle_(Chopin)

I'm sorry, but I don't have the puzzle, so can't help with 17a :-(

[Quizmonster]

A chopin is a clog.

[kayakamina]

As QM1 said 5d is CLOG ...L(lake) in COG (small boat)

I went with FUMBLE ...'misbehave' (the theme)

[Mysterons]

FEMALE would do, as TINA is an anagram of AINT (misbehavin !)

[turnerjmw]

It is CLOG, as great kayakamina says, and though I hesitate to disagree with him I went with FEMALE, as TINA (anagram of AINT) is a girl's name. Of course FUMBLE is possible, but by my reckoning that would give four ways of suggesting the song title, as ANTI (con, agin) TIAN (gratin) and TINA (crystal) are already there. Your choice

[kayakamina]

I bow to my learned friends.

It's one thing being a bit unsure about one's answer, but another to publicise it!

Thanks guys for putting me right.

Cheers K

[crucifernz]

Thanks Quizmonster for confirming CLOG. I couldn't get past Chopin the composer.
Thanks Turnerjmw for confirming FEMALE as a rather tenuous 'synonym' for TINA.
I wouldn't have confirmed GRATIN but for an earlier post, as I also thought it could have been CRETIN (A NIT).
Dumpynose certainly had my little grey cells working overtime this week. What would I do without all the like minds on AB!

[zita-green]

I thought it was FUMBLE as in 'misbehavin'. Just about to send it off, too. Thanks, all

[turnerjmw]

Please don't take my answer as gospel. I simply said what I put, and my reasoning. I would hate anyone to change a correct entry to an incorrect one on my account! I'm afraid I think it's one of those where one will have to make one's own mind up. Good luck, anyway

[zita-green]

I agree with your reasoning; had not made the connection that you had. Thanks

[Lie-in King]

Nor could I see past the composer - a clog! It's a sad day when one doesn't learn something new...

...Thanks to all for not "Lol-ling" my answer! :-)