mephisto 2435

[Eril]

17 In Scotland, fit leaders running come out on top (5)
The given answer is REEST

- definition seems to be "In Scotland, fit "
but I cannot understand the wordplay at all - thoughts?

[JMR27]

I agree with your definition. I took leaders to mean the leading branches of trees with the t in trees being dropped so that r (running) comes out on top. (Then again, I'm not sure that r is an abbreviation for running). Best I could come up with but I'm probably wrong.

[Eril]

Yes JMR - I wondered about something like that. It is an across clue, which makes 'on top' unusual for that function, and leaders aren't actually trees, and r isn't in Chambers as 'running' - nor is 'rees' a synonym for anything I can see in the clue. Hope you are not offended if I am unconvinced! Is there a synonym for 'running' that could be removed from a synonym for 'leaders'?

[doorbell]

Could it be "are best" with the leaders removed

[Eril]

Hmm - very sneaky. I don't really like it, but it seems plausible!

[JMR27]

Hi Eril could you please tell me who compiled this crossword? I'd like to e-mail him for the correct solution once the closing date has passed. doorbell's answer certainly makes better sense than the drivel I came up with. Thanks, regards, judy

[scotman]

I don't see which bit of this clue reest can be derived from.

[Eril]

Hi Judy - have emailed the setter, will post his answer(justification? abject apology?!) here as soon as I get it.

[Eril]

Tim Moorey has confirmed that doorbell was right:
>>Yes, that was a tough one I now see.
>>REEST is a FIT marked Scottish in Chambers
>>COME OUT ON TOP = ARE BEST without the first letters gives REEST
>>Phew! Not the BEST I have done for sure.

[scotman]

My copy of Chambers (10th) gives

Reest (noun) a sudden fit of stubbornness.

I don't see that you can leave out the 'stubbornness' and just say 'fit'. Not a very good clue in my opinion.

[JMR27]

Hi Eril and thanks for posting TM's reply. Well done doorbell...I would never have come up with that answer.