February Puzzle Solutions

Puzzles by Dr. Diva

Across 1 S(W)e(A)t minus set (off) + a reversal (returning) of grumpy (SURLy) minus the last letter (almost) = WALRUS (something Lennon claimed to be – “I am the Walrus”) 4 Being (IS) inserted (in) into lounge (REST) = RESIST (avoid), 8 Undertaking (PRoMISE) with (E)ngineer replacing nothing (o) = PREMISE (found) 9 Double definition of PICKUPS, 11 Reversal (back to front) of the word hidden (to unveil) in posES I GET ART Studio = STRATEGISE (plan) 12 1st letter (leader of) (O)pposition + comrade (PAL) = OPAL (stone) 13 Double definition of ABOUT 14 A little money (pENCE) minus 1st letter (doesn’t start) containing (to cover) film (VIDEo) minus the last letter (last cut) = EVIDENCE (proof) 16 Anagram (not exactly) of SO FAR WE’Re minus e (going East) = FORSWEAR (give up) 18 Double definition of LOWER 20 Answer, minus L (wanting trainee) is hidden (in) and reversed (back) in the 1st 2 words = DYKE (bank) 21 Whimsical double definition of OVERGROUND 23 Homophone (reported) of amazement (awe/AU) + hack (eDITOR) minus 1st letter (losing his head) =AUDITOR (inspector) 24 Anagram (about) of SOB + solution (CURE) = OBSCURE (cryptic) 25 Someone who deals in cash and informs = TELLER, 26 (S)mall + door (ENTRY) = (GUARD).

Down 1 Type of fabric (WORSTed) minus ed (journalist) = WORST (best) 2 (L)eft + (U)niversity + doctor (MB) + back (AGO) = LUMBAGO (pain) 3 s(UNSE)t without outer letters (endless) containing moor (HEATH) = UNSHEATHE (draw), 5 Outer letters (evacuated) of (E)ntourag(E) containing (taking) cover (LID) = ELIDE (ignore) 6 Bug (IRK) + a little (SOME) = IRKSOME (irritating) 7 Milk (TAP) + how you might describe a dancer (SHAKER) = TAP DANCER (entertainer) 10 Whimsical definition of SIDE ORDER 13 Anagram (being reformed) of NOT + GUYANA = AGONY AUNT (popular adviser) 15 Ailing (ILL) + (E)gyptian + reversal (lying about) of mature (BIG) + student (L) + note (E) = ILLEGIBLE (indecipherable) 17 Trace (SPECk) minus the last letter (de-tail) + 1st letters (from the outset) of the last 3 words = SPECIAL (important) 19 Homophone  (allegedly) of prepared to (would) + nick (cut) = WOODCUT (print) 21 Love (O) + region (ZONE) = OZONE (could be defined as the successor, in the sense of sequel, to O2 – ie O3, which is OZONE) 22 Reversal (head north) of desire (YEN) containing (without) motorhome (RV).