ALP

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States tour may start here (8)
He made "small step" with crew (8)
Prize money keeping United in chase (6)

Ha, no lie – it's the perfect what3words CV for him!

Perhaps not quite in Mercury territory but not far off. Mind you, I'm sure not what would worry him more – 90pc of Times solvers never having heard of him or Amoeba describing his career as "ripped, skinny, fat"!

This may be the very definition of a sad old man – NN of a new abbreviation list actually made me squeal with delight!

Well, I was wondering about A[merican] and I'm sure I've seen it over there. But why is it not on my Times list then? I can only see "ace, alpha, ampere, answer, area, blood group, key, note"!

I'm with you re Magpie's logic. Tis harsh, but v pure. And let's face it, Chambers is not to be trusted 100pc anyroad. Infer = imply? NO IT BLOODY DOESN'T!!

Good grief! I thought EVERYONE allowed L[arge]. It's a bleedin' minefield. The Tel doesn't allow D = duke, the Times doesn't allow A = American. And Unch doesn't allow "lass" for "girl" (tho that may just be when it's from me!) What's the world coming to?!

Who bans NN = "news"? Killjoys!

A jauntily sporty little number from Dharma in the Tel – racing, athletics and football, etc. Expect Dory Previn ....
Course, focus of Grand National (5)
Bash ace Farah perhaps and Bolt (2,1,6)
At last, Manchester United got better (7)

Don't I just know it – that jaunty emoji ain't fooling me for a second!!

Don't forget you're a MyC bossman now ... you can't be TOO nice!

I suspected such, you great big softie! Still, I'm relieved! Fun clue, I agree – I was just surprised they didn't go for the bombproof "funny".

Ha, you're strictly right, of course. But, as a firm believer in the invisible comma, I personally think this is OK as a verbal def. It's certainly one that wouldn't worry most solvers. What surprised me more was your approval elsewhere of "witty" as a grinder. Have you been hacked?!

Yes, it did sound a wee bit Mrs Robinson!

What!! Younger than @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social – what is he, 17?! BASTARDS!

Ha, with the INFURIATING exception of @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social, I fear we're pretty much all dinosaurs, no?!

What a tag team, eh? Bravo. I just pray a setter puts up "D = diamond (singular)" and that there's a video of the resultant squabble between Fez and Blah. Now that would be a real treat!

Kcit’s back to deliver cryptic mischief. HEROICALLY, I’ve managed to dodge Cher, The Living Years and Peter Gabriel.
Parody? British rules rewritten, quite outlawing it (9)
Me and Charles installing a lot of precise procedures (9)
Remark about Irish city, not new location of cathedral (9)

BOOM!!

Phew, what a relief. I feared that after D for Diamondgate you might be going soft on us. Hold the line, brother!

How Xim are you feeling today? You must have twitched a little, surely!

It’s Wednesday, it’s Silvanus in the Tel – slick as an otter’s pocket. Expect Jimmy Cliff, Hendrix and Peter Kay. Now, THAT'S a dinner party ...
Enthusiasm of extra on EastEnders (7)
Street flashers trying to attract attention! (7,7)
Attractive quality, courage, in one sharing your bed? (3-5,6)

Tragically true!

Owt by Fowles will always get my vote and that was a pretty nifty charade, tbf. Certainly way better than what has to be one of the worst movie posters of all time!

Time for a muddy run and a bucket of wine possibly!

Blah, are you feeling quite well? Sending virtual grapes.

Hahaha. Oh, how delicious!

Filthy!!

Ha, you great big softie! It was a fun clue, tbf. PS – I hope you're playing DIY this week. It's dedicated to you ...

Blah, I'm shocked! Have you joined the D for Diamond team? I need to sit down sharpish.