IOS Prize Crossword No 875 Sunday 19/11/06

[gordonia]

Stuck on these last two clues,can't think of anything,and it's driving me nuts!

1 down-Polecats? Suitable things to get one's teeth into(8) - I - - - E - S

8 across-Give an account of competition when entertained by one seeking business(5,3) - R - - - OUT.

Also is 21 across measures?
Thank you in advance.

[sarumite]

1d Fitchets

[sarumite]

Sorry above answer should be Fitchews

[gordonia]

Thanks very much sarumite,another addition to my vocabulary.

Regards G.

[sarumite]

I think 8a may be Trade Out, definition as follows:

Trade-out Exchange of station airtime for goods or services.

additionally " tout" forms the outside letters = one seeking business but can't quite see rest of clue. (S)

[johnalex]

8a Trace Out . . . . like 'map out' . . . . (tout + race)

[sarumite]

Well done ja☺...... I didn't think mine was quite there! (S)

[gordonia]

Many thanks to you both, Sarumite and Johnalex,hopefully this is the winning entry.Enjoy today.

[johnalex]

Many thanks S, although 'entertained' is a bit cheeky!

Gordonia, what is the clue for 21a ?

[pjwillcox]

21a is Quixote starts to act silly when drinking certain amounts (8)

[johnalex]

Thanx for the clue PJ - not totally sold on 'measures' so need to know from G which letters are in place, unless entry has been posted. Cheers, ja

[gordonia]

- E A - U R E - are the letters I have,ja.

[pjwillcox]

Think measures may be right as 18d is comet giving the m for the first letter.

[johnalex]

Thanx Gordonia - looks like you were right all along although the 'm,e,a,s' part escapes me, after allowing for 'sure'. The only other choices beginning with 'm' are measured and measurer, both non-runners! Regards, ja