I have very variable results in my attempts to do this puzzle - sometimes complete it, sometimes feel that it might as well be set in a foreign language. On Tuesday I managed about half and when I checked the answers today there were some that I completely failed to understand. I'd appreciate any
help with seeing how they were arrived at eg
12a Amphibian in box by shelter (10) Answer - hellbender
15d French actor in book - varied career includes Gigi, primarily (8) Answer - bergerac
In the latter I see that the letters "career" appear in the answer but where do the "b" and "g" come from. Also the only Bergeracs I am aware of are Cyrano and Jim and neither can be described as a French actor.
15d B is a common abbreviation for book, Gigi primarily i.e. the prime (first) letter = G, and there is also a French actor called Jacques Bergerac (according to Wikipedia) - seems like a toss-up between him and Cyrano
"This salamander is a charade of HELL (a box where cast metal “sorts” are thrown after printing ) and BENDER (a temporary shelter consisting of a shell of woven branches covered with tarpaulins or plastic sheeting) – a couple of lesser known synonyms used here!" . . . courtesy BigDave