1. I’m only a little way through the crossword when I come across the clue for 3 down: “Esculent”. Thanks to 1 across, I’m pretty sure it starts with an “e”, but at that point I get stuck. What does “esculent” mean? edible eminent easily every

2. Oh, great – I always get stuck on this one! A three-letter word for “saturate”? rye rib ran ret

3. Another “e” word – 12 across asks for another word to define “striking effect”. Which of these might it be? eclair echo eclectic eclat

4. In a happy coincidence, I’ve managed to form the answer to 30 down purely by filling in all the “across” words it connects with. The solution to 30 down ended up being “ebon”. What is the most likely clue the crossword compiler would have given for such a word? kitchen utensil automobile chemical reaction wood

5. Hmmm . . 16 down . . I know this one . . Persian fairy? park peri prod pier

6. Ah, a classic crossword word, this one! 24 down: “Mine entrance”. aver adit alms aura

7. The clue for 19 across is “short gaiters”. What on earth are they? shoes sects shins spats

8. This is a tricky one. The clue for 20 down is “of the ear”, and all I know is that its third letter is “i”! anil otic pail ibid

9. I’m slowly getting there! Only a few more words to go now, one of which is 7 down – “devotional exercise”. novena nibble nation natter

10. In the same way as happened for 30 down, I’ve managed to fill in the solution for 29 across without even looking at the clue. I’ve got the word “etui” as the solution – what should the clue read? computer program type of leaf needle case a book