Guardian Araucaria Sat 4 Dec

[fudgetec]

26 across: Defeated mention of cookery expert (6): Is the answer Beeton or beaten? The way the clue is drafted, I feel it could be either. Any advice before I fill in the grid?

[boxtops]

I'd say Beeton (cookery expert) - sounds like (mention) beaten.

[kayakamina]

I have to disagree

Defeated is the definition so beaten (sounds like Beaton)

The theme of the puzzle was defeats so BEATEN is the answer

[shaneystar2]

Beaten ..the theme is a battle

[Prudie]

ha-ha and I'd say beaten (defeated) with a mention (sounds like ) of beeton but I don't have the crossword so just surmising!

[Prudie]

^ that was meant to be fun with boxy

[boxtops]

Fair enough kayakamina - I don't have the puzzle so was unaware of the theme.
(it would be helpful if all the info were posted with clues, for those of us who still like to help!)

[boxtops]

^ LOL prudie!

[fudgetec]

Thanks everyone. I seem to have completed the entire puzzle ignorant that there was a theme this week! Not sure if that is bad or good.....

[Argee]

I would go for beaten (defeated) as the definitive part of the clue, it sounds like Beeton. Just my opinion.

[Argee]

Sorry. posted my answer without reading the previous answers.