Choice Words

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
Letters passed over spell "The Road Not taken."

Across

  • 1.
    BAS(I)S
  • 5.
    S(PACE)PORTS
  • 10.
    A + MULE + TS
  • 11.
    CHORALE (HOMOPHONE)
  • 12.
    HU(MORE)D
  • 13.
    RIPSAW (hidden inside tire)
  • 14.
    POR + RINGER
  • 16.
    MORO(CC + A)N
  • 17.
    DE(LET)ED
  • 19.
    TUSCAROR + A (anag. + a)
  • 22.
    S(PILL)S
  • 25.
    FIRE(B)UG (anag. + B)
  • 27.
    BLI(M)P
  • 29.
    SON(NE)T
  • 31.
    A + DO + RATION
  • 32.
    MIN(ORE)D
  • 33.
    SCAT (double def.)
  • 34.
    SURREAL (anag.)
  • 35.
    T(H)RUSTS
  • 36.
    SA(S + S)Y

Down

  • 1.
    BA + H(A + M)AS
  • 2.
    AMOROUS (anag.)
  • 3.
    SUMAC + S (rev.)
  • 4.
    SE(MIN)AL
  • 5.
    STAN(D)'S
  • 6.
    ARIE + L (ira rev.)
  • 7.
    (f)EAST
  • 8.
    P(L)ATE + AU
  • 9.
    SE(W)ED
  • 14.
    PORTABLES (anag.)
  • 15.
    RES(U + L)T
  • 18.
    SPIN + A + CH
  • 20.
    UPBEARS (anag.)
  • 21.
    REPORTEDL + Y (anag. + y)
  • 23.
    IG + NOR + A + MUS (rev.)
  • 24.
    HICK + O + RIES (rise anag.)
  • 25.
    FORE(CA)ST
  • 26.
    BOO(KS)
  • 28.
    S-TAR
  • 30.
    SE(NOR)AS