Cryptic crossword No 3,178

Hi Fossil, I found this rather more challenging than your last puzzle. I ended up revealing 15a and 4d (lacked the GK), 17a, 20a and 16d (too clever for my tired brain). Nothing seemed unfair though (apart perhaps from an archaicism in 18d) and you definitely know what you’re doing! I thought 23a was a jewel of its kind, 7a brilliant for definition and wordplay, with 1d and 14d also standing out for ingenuity. Look forward to tackling your next one (in the AM maybe!)

Thanks Fossil, another tough challenge! Faves 9a, 25a, 1d, 3d & 14d. Spoilers ...

Goodness me, this was tricky. I'm afraid I had to resort to some reveals at the end, lacing the GK for both 15a and 17a and not being able to clock your parsing of a handful of Down clues. Added to a tricky grid with 14 under checked words, it made for quite a tussle. I share some of Fez's observations but enjoyed the vast majority of what I managed to solve. Faves inc 20a, 25a, 28a, 1d, 16d and 23d. Thanks. PM

Thank you for your comments and helpful critique - fair points. (BTW, as someone new to this, is the expectation that I make changes to address them, or just take them on board for future setting?) Spoilers...