No 14867, Saturday 08 Aug 2026, Mythical

 ACROSS
7 One with issue // that's kept under wraps (5) MUMMY [DD]

8 Going back, help a rabbi to avoid reportedly toxic emission (9) RADIATION {AID}{A}{R}<{~SHUN}
10 Inane speech by revolutionary outside a joint (6) SHARED {SpeecH}{A}{RED}
11 One new model completed as planned (8) INTENDED {I}{N}{T}{ENDED}
12 Online troublemakers blocked by expert youths — initially, they might get pushed around (8) TROLLEYS {TROLL{Expert}{Youth}S}
13 Pet needs extra care, kindness for starters (4) NECK [Acrostic]
15 Leaves saint South African currency notes finally (7) STRANDS {ST}{RAND}{noteS}
17 Does poor saint occasionally put money in bank? (7) DEPOSIT {DoEs PoOr SaInT}
20 Mark to work with gangster (4) GOAL {GO}{AL}
22 Wind and rain with sleet bothered staff inside (8) ELEMENTS {SLEET}* around MEN
25 Find night club closed, promoters essentially missing (8) DISCOVER {DISCO}{oVER}
26 5 in vehicle held back by boxer cycling (6) RACIAL {CAR<}{(+I)IAL(-i)} 5 is 5 down
27 Hosting a show on the radio, examining similarities and differences (9) COMPARING {~COMPERING}
28 This little tie adjusted, I'm all set! (5) SMALL {SMALL+TIE}*= I'M ALL SET [CA]

DOWN
1 Control Utah riot somehow before end of day (9) AUTHORITY {UTAH RIOT}*{daY}
2 Posh male — British, getting jazz singer Fitzgerald handy device (8) UMBRELLA {U}{M}{BR}{ELLA}

3 Some take a siesta, most comfortable (7) EASIEST [T]
4 Reach princess held up by security team initially near a new church (8) DISTANCE {DI}{Security}{Team}{A}{N}{CE}
5 A girl opts out of teaching troubled folk (6) ETHNIC {TEaCHINg}*
6 The advisory group we gathered, is uninterested (5) BORED {~BOARD}
9 In retrospect, say Germany has the upper hand (4) EDGE {EG+DE}<
14 Doctor Victor, I'll try hiring union agent at first for all practical purposes (9) VIRTUALLY {Victor I'LL TRY}* around {Union}{Agent}
16 Releases revolutionary despised by society (8) DELIVERS {REVILED<}{S}
18 Discover comedian's somewhat lost for words (8) OVERCOME [T]
19 That man leading a group investigation? (7) HEARING {HE}{A}{RING}
21 Engage people (6) OCCUPY [DD]
23 Lacking money ultimately, want to get paid (4)  {yEARN}
24 Firstly, woman's in distress, often weeping — her partner's gone (5) WIDOW [Acrostic]

REFERENCE LIST

Rabbi=R, One=1=I, New=N, Model=T, Saint=St., Gangster=Al (Capone), Posh=U, Male=M, British=BR., Princess=Di(ana), Church=CE (Church of England), Girl=G, Germany=DE, Victor=V, Society=S.

No 14835, Thursday 02 Jul 2026, Mythical

Solution to 7A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

6   Our closest living relative, Victor, takes me as subject for article (5) CHIMP  CH(-a+i)IMP

7   Head off to exit beyond for journey (8) P?O?R?S?  (Addendum - PROGRESS {eGRESS}<=>{PRO} - See comments) 

10 Preview mobile home (7) TRAILER [DD]

11 Son, say, reportedly intended to separate (7) SEGMENT {S}{EG}{(~meant)MENT}

12 Occasionally he opted for extremely gross food (3,4) HOT DOGS {He+OpTeD+fOr}{GrosS}

13 He leaves penthouse angry but determined (3,4) SET UPON PENThOUSe*

14 Convict consumed ecstasy, with judge as accomplice (11) CONFEDERATE {CON}{FED}{E}{RATE} 

19 What a labour union might initiate - take up arms ? (4,3) WAGE WAR [DD]

21 Eastern representative involved in trial creates a violent uproar (7) TEMPEST {T{E}{MP}EST}

23 Nationalist hidden in shed after mother initially notices intensive search by police (7) MANHUNT {HU{N}T}<=>{MA}{No...s}

25 After retirement, mostly withdraw - bored by husband, right? (7) CHARTER {RETRACt<=} over {H}

26 A young bachelor drawn in by schemes for pleasure seekers (8) PLAYBOYS {PL{A}{Y}{B}OYS}

27 Birds seen in castles (5) ROOKS [DD]

DOWN

1   Huge mob circling around one model in Cannes at first (8) GIGANTIC {(+g)G{I}GAN(-g)}{T}{In}{Ca...s}

2   Say, people look frequently for God (6) APOLLO {sAy+PeOpLe+LoOk}

3   Pole left to testify in sweatpants possibly (10) SPORTSWEAR {S}{PORT}{SWEAR}

4   Difficulty going up heights... (4) TOPS <=

5   ...Unconscious? Doctor, please! (6) ASLEEP* 

6   New Yacht club's popular (6) CATCHY {YACHT+C}*

8   Tense volunteers supporting royal after missing the last sailing event (7) REGATTA {T}{TA}<=>{REGAl}

9   Hurt? Essential to trust in God (5) STING [T]

13 Picks items abroad with distrust (10) SKEPTICISM* 

15 Ruby somewhere in Berkshire ? (7) NEWBURY {RUBY}* [RA]

16 Boisterous celebration after missing another bar appointment (8) ELECTION CELEbraTION*

17 Later, quietly moved through water in flood (5) SWAMP {P}<=>{SWAM}

18 Reserves plots after disposing of investments at first (6) STORES STORiES

20 Urgent letter about tender (6) GENTLE [T]

22 Poor Mike - earnest, we hear (6) MEAGRE {M}{(~eager)EAGRE}

24 Primarily, tired runners often try to move at a steady pace (4) TROT Acrostic

Reference List

Son = S, Ecstasy = E, What = W, Eastern = e, Representative = MP, Nationalist = N, Husband = H, Young =  y, Bachelor = B, Model = T, Pole = S, Club = C, Tense = T, Volunteers = TA(Territorial Army), Quietly = P, Mike = M

No 14807, Saturday 30 May 2026, Mythical

 ACROSS
5 Big lizard in car stolen from Nicaragua possibly (6) IGUANA {NIcarAGUA}*

7 Teasing graduate joining a company suppressing noise (8) BADINAGE {BA}{DIN}{A}{GE}
9 Kelvin getting casual winter attire, primarily woollens (8) KNITWEAR {K}{WINTER Attire}*
10 Chief broadcast German songs (6) LIEDER {~LEADER}
11 Quietly envy a model making a comeback, leading show (12) PRESENTATION {P}{RESENT}{A}{T}{NO 1<}
13 Office // furniture (6) BUREAU [DD]
15 Stands and comforts student going inside (6) EASELS {EASE{L}S}

18 Readers dressed in South American headgear in a very hot place (6,6) SAHARA DESERT {READERS}* in{SA}{HAT}
21 Aquatic bird protecting a fledgling ultimately in shallow lake (6) LAGOON {L{A}{fledglinG}OON}

22 Abstract work by sibling reportedly to offend in the beginning (8) SYNOPSIS {OP}{SIS}<=>{SYN}(~SIN)
23 Spooner's at liberty to change plant (4-4) TREE-FERN {Spoonerism of FREE TURN}

24 Idle daughter vacates cabin for one from France (6) LOUNGE {LO{-d+UN}UNGE}

DOWN
1 State showing tackiness (3,5) BAD TASTE {STATE}* [RA]
2 Local model say, introduces nationalist (6) TAVERN {T}{AVER}{N}
3 Working out deal with adviser somewhere Down Under (8) ADELAIDE {DEAL}*{AIDE}
4 Trainee // put in jail! (6) INTERN [DD]
6 Liberal surgeon collapsed after consuming ecstasy (8) GENEROUS {SURGEON}* around {E}
7 One serving drinks and nuts mostly to a partner (6) BARMAN {BARMy}{A}{N}
8 Dull guests really exasperate you initially (4) GREY [Acrostic]
12 Leading on, lift ring casually (8) FLIRTING*
14 This crazy patrol's actively hunting leopards (8) UNHINGED {PATROL'S + UNHINGED}*=HUNTING LEOPARDS [CA]
16 They say weakling upset legendary Greek king (8) SISYPHUS {~SISSY FUSS}

17 Extremely poor lad possesses one cooler (6) PRISON {PooR}{I}{SON}
18 Tool for digging in small shack (6) SHOVEL {S}{HOVEL}

19 Hang leader of dacoits alongside crook (6) DANGLE {Dacoits}{ANGLE}
20 Frequently, software is free or reasonable (4) FAIR {soFtwAre Is fRee}

Reference List

Graduate=BA, Company=GE (General Electric), Kelvin=K, Quietly=P, Model=T, Student=L, South American= SA, Work=Op, Daughter=D, One from France=Un, Nationalist=N, Ecstasy=E, Partner=N ( any of the partners in Bridge N, S, E, W), One=1=I, Small=S.

No 14778, Monday 27 Apr 2026, Mythical

Solution to 18D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered by a non-regular/novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

8   Daughter & son expelled from Budapest oddly cheerful (6) UPBEAT BUdAPEsT*

9   Spooner's female animal sickens, sends away to destination by plane (8) AIRMAILS (~mare ails to airmails) 

10 Access transport (8) ENTRANCE [DD]

11 Roman God's mercurial nature's devoid of malice ultimately (6) SATURN NATUReS*

12 Reprimand student leader of institute at first and release (8) LIBERATE {BERATE}<=>{L}{In...e}

13 A lawyer limits information to items on the list (6) AGENDA {A}{GEN}{DA}

14 This worry duly affected young ladies (7) AGONISE {AGONISE+DULY}* = YOUNG LADIES [CA]

17 Study this site regularly for one working with canines (7) DENTIST {DEN}{ThIs+SiTe}

20 Spice container overturned by little woman (6) NUTMEG {TUN<=}{MEG}

22 Impressive old queen enthralled by drawing (8) TOWERING {TOW{ER}ING}

25 Appallingly, a scar seen around one part of the lung (3,3) AIR SAC {A+SCAR}* over {1}

26 Firm about basically selling off musical instrument (8) RESOLUTE {RE}{Se...g}{Off}{LUTE}

27 Major celebrity playing games with sailor (8) MEGASTAR {GAMES*}{TAR}

28 Summon judge after rabbi's knocked out by a follower (6) BECKON (-r+b)BECKON

DOWN

1   Son awaiting disbursement of money (8) SPENDING {S}{PENDING}

2   Primarily, director establishes clear rules, ensuring equity and order (6) DECREE Acrostic

3   Mostly tolerate unknown amateur's lines (6) STANZA {STANd]{Z}{A}

4   Food supplier made a mess of terrace (7) CATERER*

5   Serbian boy beaten up somewhere in Australia (8) BRISBANE {SERBIAN+B}*

6   Try drinking Italian wine, it's most flavoursome (8) TASTIEST {T{ASTI}EST}

7   Red-faced female aristocrat seen outside inn initially (6) FLORID {F}{LOR{Inn}D}

15 Soldier from the south to demand a royal salutation (8) NAMASKAR {MAN<=}{ASK}{A}{R}

16 Story supported by urban wisdom (8) SAGACITY {SAGA}{CITY}

18 Reportedly failed to elude authority (8) S?N?T?O? (Addendum - SANCTION (~sank shun) - See comments) 

19 No time? First try cooking Chinese style dish (4-3) STIR-FRY {FIRST+tRY}*

21 After being written up,some cadet in Utah co-operated (6) UNITED [T<=]

23 On reflection, one graduate identified Japanese condiment (6) WASABI {1}{BA}{SAW}<=

24 Remains briefly in cast, frequently ignored (6) RELICS {bRiEfLy+In+CaSt}

Reference List

Daughter = D, Son = S, Student = L, Lawyer = DA, Information = GEN, Old queen = ER, About = RE, Sailor = TAR, Rabbi = R, A follower = B, Unknown = Z, Amateur = A, Boy = B, Female = F, Royal = R, Time = T

No 14691, Wednesday 14 Jan 2026, Mythical

HAPPY PONGAL

Artwork by Prasanna

Solution to 26A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered by a non-regular/novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

6   Members of Parliament sent back message online (5) EMAIL<=

7   Ordered tunics, extremely chic and short (8) SUCCINCT {TUNICS+ChiC}*

10 Naughty kid falling off dickey seat somehow finds precious stone (4,3) CATS EYE {diCkEY+SEAT}*

11 Knight abandoning folk and a lady? That's right! (7) ETHICAL {ETHnIC}{A}{L}

12 Greek character charges plagiarists (7) PIRATES {PI}{RATES}

13 Welcome revolutionary writer joined by supporter at church (7) EMBRACE {ME<=}{BRA}{CE}

14 Admired Rose (11) APPRECIATED [DD]

19 Some diplomat! He is truly a rationalist (7) ATHEIST [T]

21 Dismiss a small-time cheater essentially in card game (7) CANASTA {CAN}{A}{S}{T}{cheAter}

23 This could endanger perhaps when pin's finally removed (7) GRENADE {ENDAnGER}* &lit

25 Bank branch faced with strike (7) RAMPART {PART}<=>{RAM}

26 The blue ocean set frequently shown on TV (8) ?E?E?A?T (Addendum - TELECAST ThE+bLuE+oCeAn+SeT - See comments))

27 Secures loose openings, checks kitchen shutters primarily (5) LOCKS Acrostic

DOWN

1   Basmati rice cooked without soaking it methodically at first - that could be the source of digestive problems (8) BACTERIA {BAsmATi+RICE}*

2   Consumer court checks legal claim (6) CLIENT {C{LIEN}T}

3   Fools supported by school, auditor's suggested review (10) ASSESSMENT {ASSES}{S}{(~meant)MENT}

4   An extremely common issue - ultimately a problem for teenagers (4) ACNE {A}{Co..oN}{i..uE}

5   Bill joins American secret service - it has several branches? (6) ACACIA {AC}{A}{CIA}

6   Goes cycling around California to get away (6) ESCAPE {(+es)ESPE(-es)} over {CA}

8   People discourage one going out for a little alcohol (7) INHABIT INH(-i+a)ABIT

9   Fast-moving ships (5) FLEET [DD]

13 Remove vital parts from tea-service needing repair (10) EVISCERATE*

15 Most strait-laced companion for Archbishop (7) PRIMATE {PRIm}{MATE}

16 Kill injured asp seen in trench (8) DISPATCH {DI{ASP*}TCH}

17 Occasionally visited Coal Region for consignment (5) CARGO {CoAl_ReGiOn}

18 Accountant cuts up plant (6) CACTUS {CA{CUTS*}

20 Reportedly mended shoes like stilettos (6) HEELED (~healed)

22 Smart doctor gets into line deviously (6) NIMBLE {NI{MB}LE*}

24 Prepared Arabic cheese (4) EDAM<=

Reference List

Knight = N, Lady = L, Supporter = BRA, Church = CE, Small = S, Time = T, Court = CT, School = S, Bill = AC, American = A, California = CA, Accountant = CA, Doctor = MB

No 14647, Monday 24 Nov 2025, Mythical

Solution to 25A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular/novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Understand measure used by sailors (6) FATHOM [DD]

4   A couple of seconds, and Chatgpt e.g. basically creates artwork (6) MOSAIC {MO}{S}{AI}{Cr...s}

8   Infected model blacked out after striking head (7) TAINTED {T}{fAINTED}

9   Dame possibly wearing princess's ornaments (7) DIADEMS {DAMES}*<=>{DI} (Correction - {DI{DAME*}S} - See comments)

11 Arm Britons! Perhaps, this might solve the problem (10) BRAINSTORM*

12 It nurtures immense lands, Egypt primarily (4) NILE Acrostic &lit

13 Join unit controlled by setter (5) MERGE {M{ERG}E}

14 Reading about a plant with fragrant flowers (8) GARDENIA {READING}*{A}

16 Father a bit nostalgic after stories about fine years of existence (8) LIFESPAN {PA}{No...c}<=>{LI{F}ES}

18 Royal leaves - avoids parodies (5) SKITS SKIrTS

20 Essentially going around that US state (4) UTAH {tHAT+Us}<=

21 Had guests shot?! (6,4) PLAYED HOST {SHOT}* [RA]

23 Aristocrat admits lying about leading developer (7) PIONEER {P{NO1<=}EER}

24 Discussed reports in stages (7) STOREYS (~stories)

25 In auditorium, noticed player in spectacles (6) S?E?E? (Addendum - SCENES {(~seen)SCENE}{S} - See comments)

26 Song about alien traveller initially and princess in legendary ballet (6) ODETTE {OD{ET}{Tr...r}E}

DOWN

1   Extremely frightful appearance and style (5) FLAIR {Fr...uL}{AIR}

2   Port is more acidic (7) TANGIER [DD]

3   Fail to get up and go northward after cycling enthusiasts (9) OVERSLEEP {PEE<=}<=>{(-l)OVERS(+l)L}

5   Dislike quietly replacing daughter's drug (5) OPIUM O(-d+p)PIUM

6   Like well-cooked pasta and beer around study time (2,5) AL DENTE {AL{DEN}{T}E}

7   Criticises change, getting hold of member with note (9) COMPLAINS {CO{MP}{LA}INS}

10 Friendly convict getting cocktail of gin and ale (9) CONGENIAL {CON}{GIN+ALE}*

13 Takes care of leading saint abroad (9) MAINTAINS {MAIN}{SAINT*}

15 Esteemed doctor persecuted after rebuffing unionist (9) RESPECTED PERSECuTED*

17 Improve unit hospital area in front of new church (7) ENHANCE {EN}{H}{A}{N}{CE}

19 Receive from Will, perhaps? (7) INHERIT [CD]

21 Work in silence, they say (5) PIECE (~peace)

22 Ultimately, outfits must satisfy local taste and fashion (5) STYLE Tail acrostic

Reference List

Seconds = MO, S, Model = T, Princess = DI, Unit = ERG, Fine = F, Royal = R, Player = S(South), Alien = ET, Go = PEE< Quietly = P, Daughter = D, Time = T, Note = LA, Unionist = U, Unit = EN, Hospital = H, Area = A, New = N, Church = CE

No 14611, Saturday 11 October 2025, Mythical

 ACROSS
6 Stock pictures left by Indian photographer initially in vehicle (4,3) CLIP ART {C{L}{Indian}{Photographer}ART}

7 Doctor quietly leaves, hurt and exhausted (7) DRAINED {DR}{pAINED}
9 Poor knight unwell, wanting a bit of support (5) NEEDY {N}{sEEDY}
10 Possibly most popular segment is the opening track (5,4) THEME SONG {HOt SEGMENT}*
11 Elizabethan courtier topless in bizarre light opera (7) RALEIGH {LIGHt opERA}*

13 Handsome youth in trouble over misdeed (6) ADONIS {ADO}{SIN<}

15 Perhaps yak about bun, roast beef & a slice of dill (5,2,6) BEAST OF BURDEN {BUN ROAST BEEF Dill}*

19 Earn a spot when model moves to the front (6) ATTAIN {A}{+T}{TAIN(-t)} Taint=spot with the final T moving to the front
20 Inspect Louvre art scene occasionally (7) OVERSEE {lOuVrE aRt ScEnE}
23 Oh, come by noon anyway to see maze (9) HONEYCOMB {OH COME BY Noon}*

24 Right away, abandoned Portia in area outside (5) PATIO {POrTIA}*
26 Combined action of unit involved in crime discussed at Yard (7) SYNERGY {ERG}in {SYN(~SIN)}{Y}
27 Metal's name initially influenced by Doctor Mobius? Not quite (7) NIOBIUM {N}{Influenced}{MOBIUs}*

DOWN
1 Being loved is fabulously exciting initially (4) LIFE Acrostic
2 Ancient scrolls, partly blanked out, found in French capital mainly (6) PAPYRI {PartlY} in {PARIs}

3 Small gallery covering what Goa achieved in 1987 for one (9) STATEHOOD {S}{TATE}{HOOD}
4 Stop gangster earlier in automobile? - that's the programme (8) CALENDAR {END}<=>{AL} in {CAR}
5 Deals with// fights (10) ENCOUNTERS [DD]
6 Say, Jack accepts article is fake news (6) CANARD {C{AN}ARD}
7 Revolutionary went a long way (4) DEEP {PEED<}
8 Study// summary (6) DIGEST [DD]
12 Deputy unusually lenient at University (10) LIEUTENANT*
14 Sailor's crooked - smuggling gold, taking things in (9) ABSORBENT {AB'S}{BENT} over {OR}
16 Here, local dances rhapsodically (8) SHIPYARD {SHIPYARD+LOCAL}*=RHAPSODICALLY [CA] 

17 Wife remains - cleans up (6) WASHES {W}{ASHES}
18 Improve 'Measure for Measure' somewhat ? (6) REFORM [T]
21 Hire writer from the south - provide pens only (6) EMPLOY {ME<}{PL{O}Y}
22 Essentially, stop worrying old monarchist (4) TORY {sTOp}{worRYing}
25 Detective story read aloud (4) TAIL {~TALE}

REFERENCE LIST

Left=L, Doctor=Dr., Quietly=P, Knight=N, Model=T (the T model of Ford Car), Noon=N, Right=R, Yard=Y, Name=N, Small=S, Gangster=Al (Capone), University=U, Sailor=AB, Gold=OR, Wife=W, Writer=Me, Only=O.

No 14580, Thursday 04 Sep 2025, Mythical

Solution to 17D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance. 

Open for anyone to solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

6   Bill hotel company sent back for a specific purpose (2,3) AD HOC {AD}{H}{CO<=}

7   Settle convict at church after firstly ensuring necessary support (8) ENSCONCE {CON}{CE}<=>{{En...g}{Ne...y}{Su...t}

10 Harry tries a new wine from Greece (7) RETSINA {TRIES+A+N}*

11 Enforce old base rent by the end of June (7) EXECUTE {EX}{E}{CUT}{junE}

12 An associate member in NATO perhaps (7) ACRONYM {A}{CRONY}{M} DBE

13 Misplace bottle filled with spurious medication (7) PLACEBO [T]

14 Head of Research involved in scam at Motorola mostly worked in Command Centre (7,4) CONTROL ROOM {Re...h} in {CON}{MOTOROLa}*

19 Armoury is behind short alley going westwards (7) ARSENAL {ARSE}{LANe<=}

21 Spooner's raffle could help one while shopping (7) TROLLEY {lottery to trolley}

23 Trust boy to help after Romeo leaves (7) BELIEVE{B}{rELIEVE}

25 Ignore knight say, at the French court (7) NEGLECT {N}{EG}{LE}{CT}

26 Aristocrat's innumerable tales essentially forgotten (8) COUNTESS {COUNTlESS}

27 Tender noblewoman using resilience, strength, empathy primarily (5) NURSE Acrostic

DOWN

1   Rant from one rector posturing outside church ultimately (8) RHETORIC {1+RECTOR}* over {c...cH}

2   Regularly watch this old player's performance (6) ACTION {wAtCh+ThIs}{O}{N}

3   Vanessa in Real Madrid? Fantastic! (3,7) RED ADMIRAL*

4   Man perhaps discussed passage (4) ISLE (~aisle)

5   Book dance club she visited occasionally (6) ACCUSE {dAnCe+ClUb+ShE}

6   Sailor on course overseas (6) ABROAD {AB}{ROAD}

8   Leaves associate in Oregon, curiously (7) OREGANO {A} in {OREGON}*

9   Taken in by lifelong criminal (5) FELON [T]

13 Pointless debate ultimately about good manners (10) POLITENESS {POINTLESS+d...tE}*

15 Grandma eager to get durable fabric (7) NANKEEN {NAN}{KEEN}

16 Tipsy after eating extremely unusual black fruit (8) MULBERRY {M{Un...aL}{B}ERRY}

17 Arranged Airbnb anonymously for spiritual leader (5) ?A?B? (Addendum - RABBI AIRBnB* - See comments)

18 Going back, attempt hiding in towering tree, an evergreen (6) MYRTLE {EL{TRY}M}<=}

20 For starters, nightfall obscures murky lagoons, attracting smugglers - on reflection, that's fishy (6) SALMON Reverse Acrostic

22 Some priests nag royal about things heard in church (6) ORGANS [T<=]

24 Brief affair in plane (4) EVEN EVENt

Reference List

Bill = AD, Hotel = H, Church = CE, New = N, Old = EX, Base = E, Member = M, Boy = B, Romeo = R, Knight = N, The in French = LE, Court = CT, Old = O, Player = N(orth), Sailor = AB, Grandma = NAN, Black = B

No 14563, Thursday 14 Aug 2025, Mythical

Welcome to our new setter Mythical. Bouquets and Brickbats welcome.

Solution to 6D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance. 

Open for anyone to solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

6   Article about South American saint (7) THERESA {THE}{RE}{SA}

7   Smarten up one getting married (5) GROOM [DD]

9   Party guests appreciate luscious appetisers for starters (4) GALA Acrostic

10 Young woman I love ? Not a preacher! (10) MISSIONARY {MISS}{I}{0}{NARY}

11 Penalise a number involved in awful scene (8) SENTENCE {SEN{TEN}CE*}

13 Train Indians regularly in compound (6) TANNIN {TrAiN+iNdIaNs}

15 Model near street in Paris? That's correct (4) TRUE {T}{RUE}

17 Number three perhaps (5) ETHER*

18 Reportedly durable fabric that's passed on (4) GENE (~jean) 

19 Architects crashed, losing relay race - Darn! (6) STITCH arcHITeCTS* What's the role of 'relay'? See domments

20 Goons hit indiscriminately in gunfire (8) SHOOTING*

23 Cheat and somehow vote in new Assembly (10) CONVENTION {CON}{VOTE+IN+N}*

26 Essentially, archive shows human needs somewhere to live (4) HOME {arcHive}{shOws}{huMan}{neEds}

27 Small plant in bottle (5) SPINE {S}{PINE}

28 Fellow gave up after losing the lead and stopped (7) FIELDED {F}{yIELDED} 

DOWN

1   Director possibly met parent in office (10) DEPARTMENT {D}{MET+PARENT}*

2   Propose amendments protecting sailors (6) SEAMEN [T]

3   Girl leaving Nigerian city for a country in Asia (4) LAOS LAgOS

4   Sparkling silver pieces of paper perhaps (8) AGLITTER {AG}{LITTER}

5   Actor runs frequently, leading to foot trouble (4) CORN {aCtOr+RuNs}

6   Lying about education & skill for job (5) T?A?E ()

8   Outsider little green perhaps? (7) MARTIAN [CD]

12 Indicated people cycling forms character (5) ETHOS (+e)ETHOS(-e)

14 This plant's another thing eaten in Southern Europe (10) NIGHTSHADE {THING*}{HAD}{SE}

16 Break trip occasionally, working with son to get supplies (7) RATIONS {bReAk+TrIp}{SON*} Role of with? (Correction - {bReAk+TrIp}{ON}{S} - See comments)

17 Henna applied around last month has intensified (8) ENHANCED {HENNA*}{DEC<=}

21 Wild cats ? They're part of the pound (6) OUNCES [DD]

22 Traveller listed among cases coming up (5) NOMAD [T=]

24 Arrogant streak, you say ? (4) VAIN (~vein)

25 News or facts needed immediately lifted from sources (4) INFO Reverse Acrosic

Reference List

About = RE, Model = T, Street in Paris = RUE, New = N, Small = S, Fellow = F, Director = D, Girl = G, Son = S