the week 714

[ltaddy]

12a. groups against housing attack mostly (9) I think it's constrain, but can't quite justify it. Help please

[Mamyalynne]

Con = Against

Strain(s) = groups (ie varieties)

[ltaddy]

yes but where does'housing attack mostly' come into it?

[Mamyalynne]

Good point that was a lazy answer I gave will give more thought to it

[bibblebub]

Is that the whole clue ? What letters do you actually have?

'against' could be CON or 'groups against' might be CONS
'attack mostly' could be RAI(d)

but can't figure out the other letters nor why 'constrain' would be an answer

[ltaddy]

Yes, it is the whole clue and I have ?O?S?R?I?, which I will admit has lead the witness. I quite like your RAI (d), if only I can justify th const---n.

[chelle7272]

Could it be consortia instead?

[bibblebub]

consortia (probably - attack = sortie)

[Mamyalynne]

Just pipped me there, well done.

[ltaddy]

Thanks, all. I just need to come to terms withat final 'a' and I'll be happy.

[bibblebub]

There's definitely not an 'a' in the middle of the clue viz. "...against a housing ..."?

[ltaddy]

No I'm afraid not, but a good try :-)