SQP146: CRYPTIC #17

[oldjudge]

This is a block cryptic by Steve Mossberg. He advertises it as being tougher than normal and that is the way it played for me. I probably stared at 2D for twenty minutes and had nothing. I took my dog out for a walk and as soon as he started to do his business the answer came to me. Strange confluence of events. Anyway, my solve had a lot of aha moments and I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable cryptics by Steve that I have done.

[Al Sisti]

Very tough but satisfying puzzle. Took me three different sessions (each one, except the last, ending with "I'm 100% stumped). Some very clever wordplay.

[ChrisKochmanski]

That WAS tough. I got it all, though — with much effort — except for 4a. To which my reaction was: ?????