9 across - Youngsters in special gear (6) I have S?R?G? which would suggest SPROGS and I can see 'SP' for special, but can't follow the rest - can anyone enlighten me, please?
23 across - Whose artistic work is barely presented? (6) I have ???E??, with a possible second letter U and possible sixth S, but I am confident of neither, and can't think of someone who painted...
8 down - Arousing snogs and then heartless developments (3-5,6) The answer seems to be ONE-NIGHT STANDS, but, apart from recognising that it incorporates all the letters of 'snogs and then', I can't...
28 across - Underground security (6) I have A?G?L? - but this is not a straightforward clue. The six letters A?G?L? have to be added to the name of a newspaper to satisfy the clue requirements. I'm...
Stuck on two. 8 across - Pound, say, in pocket? Not entirely (4) I have ?O?? 2 down - Beer cans split - remove bits (5,3). I have ???I? O?T. 2 down looks like STRIP OUT - I can see the 'stout'...
22 down - Did contract, good for number in work (5) I have W?G?D, and can see how 'waged' equates 'in work', but if 'did contract' is 'wed' and 'g' is good', how do I reconcile the spare 'a' with 'for...
I've got the answers for these (I think!) but can't follow the wordplay. 13 across - Small group not one involved in a large-scale fiddle (5) - C?L?O - assume it must be cello - large-scale fiddle -...
18 across - Old language in unconventional daily newspaper's leader (6) I have I?D?A? so presume answer is 'INDIAN' but can't understand why - can anyone explain, please?
3 down - As deputy, resign (6-2-7) - I know I'm going to feel a complete fool when it's explained, but how does "second-in-command'" tie in with 'resign'?
4 ac - Yank gets appropriate neighbours to welcome Queen - I 'get' er fpr Queen; jk for neighbours and jerk for yank, but what does 'appropriate' contribute to the clue? 10 ac - Provide entertainment...
What health risks, if any, are there in drinking water that's been through a softener, and how serious are they? Is there any difference if the water has been boiled?
