everyman 3199

[amalgam]

23a A matter under discussion, 2,5 A? I?S?E

I confidently filled in "at issue*, then realised it could be "an issue". Which is it?

[novalis]

Looks like it should be AN issue given how the clue is phrased. Under discussion on its own would yield AT issue. However it's one of those where you pay your money and take your choice.

[amalgam]

Thanks novalis, I'm going for an issue too, but it's a badly worded clue i think.

[novalis]

Hope you're right. Were I doing this crossword I'd go for AN as well but it is, as you say, very badly worded unless the compiler is being ultra-cute and trying to draw people to the wrong solution.

[Ont-ice]

I would read it as the ,matter is what is 'at issue' in the discussion.
Worded differently the matter could become 'an issue' of the discussion.
I went with 'At issue.'

[pldcav]

I reckon AT ISSUE - matter = tissue

[amalgam]

Now I'm wavering, because "a tissue" is a very plausible idea!

[bathtub]

'At issue' is also the only possible answer, in my opinion! It's a cryptic crossword - the other answer is a straightforward definition with no cryptic element.