Sat Times 26,130

[mikey4444]

11a....Empty contract stops A4e having effect

?C?I?E...ACTIVE ? But I can't see why !

[roslyn251254]

ct = empty C ontrac T
iv = four
inside A e(effect)

[1ozzy]

Empty contract = ct + A + 4 = IV + E

[mac44]

empty contract is CT, inside A IV (four) E.

[gangesboy]

outside letters of contract (ct) + a + IV (4) + e

[mikey4444]

Flipping heck ! I sometimes wonder why I attempt the Saturday Times....it has to be the hardest crossword of the week !

But I always understood that in a cryptic clue, the answer must be defined somewhere, and I can't see where ACTIVE is defined.

Thanks to everybody

[mac44]

If it is having effect it is active.

[1ozzy]

Having effect = active

[mikey4444]

OK...but it still sounds a tad tenouus to me !