Spectator 2215

[Matakari]

I am seeking some hints for the following, please!

10d 100 thebe given to company tie(6): ?E?U??
14d Singing melodiously after drop of ale, port and some soda(6):?M?O??
29d Dull work that is embracing alternative technology(6): ??I?T?
31d Where the solution isn't making one angry(6): ?C?O?S (ACROSS?)

Thanks in advance!

[Neveracrossword]

Do you want more hints or more answers?

[toalisi]

10d the currency for Botswana is the Pula
14d Initial letter of Ale + Brazil port+ first letters of soda
29d Work in crosswords is almost always OP --+ I.e + AT
31d not a down clue!

[roslyn251254]

10d your E is wrong - 1st 2 letters are co(company)
14d musical term for singing melodiously
29d usual 2 letter synonym for work , usual 2 letter fro "that is" with at (alternative tech)
31d yes

[toalisi]

Re 10d - In crossword speak company is CO

[toalisi]

Out of interest Matakari, do you use the help you are given
to submit a completed grid entry to the Spectator?

[Matakari]

Thanks very much, Roslyn 251254, for your gracious help!
I am also greatly indebted to toalisi and wish to let him/her know that I do not submit the Spectator crossword since I am still at the stage where I am endeavouring to penetrate the subtleties of the various setters! Hence the reason why I am so persistent in requesting help or hints as the case may be! I can handle the more straightforward or traditional crossword quite well, but the Spectator is the one whose logic and technique I wish to conquer, and that's why I seek assistance from those who have mastered the art!

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, this is a great site for getting assistance - but you sometimes ask for an awful lot of help for an awful lot of clues! I think most people ask for help with two or three clues - and the answers from these help them fill in gaps in other answers. If they get stuck, they can - and do - ask for further help. I think this method is probably a better way of getting to understand a crossword - and it must be more satisfying.

[toalisi]

Matakari, Neveracrossword puts it very well.

As we have all, at some stage, tried to move from the standard
crosswords to the more advanced cryptic puzzles we understand
your wish to learn the setting 'tricks'.
As NAC says though, it is so satisfying to break down a clue & reach
the solution on ones own. I, too, think you ask too many question & too soon. Why not, after exhausting your own expertise, ask for help with
a few clues which, almost always, will give letters to your unsolved
ones?
We want to help & I hope you accept these comments in the spirit
the are meant.

[Matakari]

Thanks, anyhow, for the advice!