Independent Inquisitor 1228

[Kobnut]

I think I have completed this, but am puzzled by the two colours used to shade the unclued entries. Wouldn't they be better the other way round?

[x_word_fan]

Yes though I wonder if they are all unisex - never hearrd of 2 of them - first blue and the last red.

I cannot see a symbol ? Any hints?

[Kobnut]

Thank you. Yes, most could be unisex but at least two don't seem to be so. Look at 5d for a hint to the symbol.

[x_word_fan]

thanks - looked long and hard at that clue before and wondered about it's length

[x_word_fan]

So - I have the symbol but then ???????????

[x_word_fan]

So - it's a picture of the first word and then the rest in an appropriate way??

[haggis58]

I have a completed grid assuming that 'seths' is the correct answer for 14d. Have also identified 'x' and changed his initials to highlight B and C. Have also got A and E. But I can't fathom the cryptic indication for D starting from the symbol &. Any hints?

[x_word_fan]

The work is "THE 4 & 3,4"

You have & - the 3,4 is adjacent and in the shape of the first 4 letter word

[haggis58]

Thanks x_word_fan. Got it at last. Should have spotted it earlier.

[haggis58]

x_word_fan
Is 14d seths as I can't find the word in Chambers?

[x_word_fan]

No it's not but - IQ doen't specify Chambers -it is in OED as A leading Hindu merchant or banker.

[rabet]

Right ~ all done now!