Everyman 4097

[cairnsfred]

Why is 16d tortoise,assuming it is?

[jeffreywoodham]

If you want help on this site, please give the clue.

[poorsolver]

It's an in joke from last week and this week. If you look at column 1 from last week and this, you'll see a message 

[Captain2]

Looking back over your previous posts, why can't you grasp the fact that you HAVE to give us the full clue, with a letter count and preferably any letters you have placed.

We don't all have every crossword in front of us to second guess you.

[Lie-in King]

16d One shooting around outstripped hare, backing over - primarily, this one's charged to protect (8)

[Lie-in King]

Tortoise - 'tore' (charged, to protect; go round) 'o(ver) t(his; primarily)' (back) + i's (one's)

1st 5 words are the definition; Aesop's Fable...

cairnsfred - the posters above are quite right, have a quick read of this - https://tinyurl.com/ytjpb3rz