Ev 1478

[pomona]

The correct letters of misprints in definitions, in clue order, provide a French version (ignoring
one accent) of a common English idiom and some additional assistance, which together will
explain each EXCUSEZ-MOI required in a number of undefined, but otherwise plain, clue answers.Enumerations refer to entry lengths.

Got some answers filled in but no idea about the long ones....

8d Undo hard nuts (13) I have H?UV?N???????

38a Local chap with old eyes that'll counter swing? (7) ????I??

[Neveracrossword]

Pomona, it's hard to help without giving the whole thing away! The long words aren't single words, they're two (with one inside the other).

[ProfessorMaisie]

8d is a 5 letter answer (anag).
38 is normal - answer is a drug ('that'll counter sTing' is def) COD is the 'local chap' archaic for 'eyes'.

[pomona]

I think i've got the idea now ... i seem to have some dog days if i'm on the right track!

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Pomona - you're on the right track(!)....