a thoroughly bad lot

[sheeee_ra]

thought I had finished the quiz but have now been given an alternative answer to q 74 which is causing doubts...

A man of high social standing is on the way to becoming a highwayman...

my answer is Rank Rider while the alternative is Road Agent...both are highwayman as defined by dictionaries but surely for the alternative to be right should mean Agent being the first word rather than the second...

your thoughts appreciated

[scotman]

I'd go with road agent. Man of high social standing = a gent, on way = road

[naomi24]

^^ I agree.

[sheeee_ra]

technically though should that not mean Agent Road is the answer...which doesnt make sense,,,

[broxymc]

I see where you are getting your answers from - I have something more Biblical!
I'm not sure now which is right!

[sheeee_ra]

where is goofy when you need him!!!

[scotman]

After having done many thousnads of puzzles over the years I have come to understand that the word 'on' in a clue usually implies 'following' hence Road Agent.

[Magic 1]

Broxymc Out of interest would you be prepared to tell us the biblical answer to this clue?? Thanks I do not think that I will change my answer road agent but would be interested all the same

[broxymc]

I'd actually come up with KING HEROD. King= man of high social standing; HEROD being almost He rode! But having thought about it, and consulted Chambers, I've come to the conclusion Road Agent is more right.

[Magic 1]

broxymc Thanks for your reply. I frequently come up with what I think is a perfect solution only to be frustrated by someone else who comes up with a better solution. IN THIS INSTANCE i AGREE WITH YOUR FINAL SOLUTION !