Spectator 1791

[pjwillcox]

Any Spectator regulars got round to this yet? If so, what do you make of the unclued 2d - S_A_I_LE
I can get spadille to fit but don't see the connection with the "Fruity" theme.

[crofter]

There is a very similar word SPADICES that is linked to fruit (see below). It may help you move forward?
Spadix
Spa"dix (?), n.; pl. L. Spadices (#), E. Spadixes (#). [L., a palm branch broken off, with its fruit, Gr. .]

[kev100]

it's difficult to answer pj without more info, "spadille" is the highest trump in card games, but you dont say what the fruity part is?

[kev100]

sorry for treading on your toes there crofter old bean

[pjwillcox]

Tks yr suggestions. Fruity is the title of the crossword and I don't want to give away any more for anybody still working on it, as I know at least a couple of Abers do it..

[ulysses100]

10 down is the key phrase which refers to the fruity theme, which further subdivides into several segments which are the four couplets required.
2dn is one of the two word answers required --- look in Brewer

[pjwillcox]

Tks yr response Ulysses - I've got 10d, which is the frustrating thing, and looked in Brewers (but obviously not in the right place so far). Have got the other links, will push on.

[pjwillcox]

Tks yr pointer Ulysses100, have now tumbled - it took some finding in Brewers but got there.