Back to Back

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
The word chain is: back-hand-cart-wheel-chair-man-handle-bar-bellpull-over-come-back.

Across

  • 1.
    SLOUGH (double def.)
  • 9.
    PEON (anag.)
  • 10.
    LAMIA (hidden)
  • 11.
    FUN(k)
  • 13.
    COR(on)ER
  • 14.
    O + READ
  • 15.
    DEN (hidden)
  • 17.
    T + ROUBLE
  • 18.
    PAR + IS
  • 20.
    EXUL(T)ED ("deluxe" rev.)
  • 21.
    JOSTLED (anag.)
  • 27.
    DEL(P)HI + C
  • 28.
    HE + AD
  • 29.
    ORC (hidden rev.)
  • 31.
    GRAVE (double def.)
  • 33.
    AID + A
  • 34.
    REAL + M
  • 35.
    TEEM ("meet" rev.)
  • 36.
    SNIT ("tins" rev.)
  • 37.
    SEE + SAW

Down

  • 2.
    LEAR
  • 3.
    UNDAUNTED
  • 4.
    GLAD
  • 5.
    EMCEE
  • 6.
    LION
  • 7.
    CURRIED
  • 8.
    KNITS
  • 9.
    PHOTO
  • 11.
    FEAR
  • 12.
    NEON
  • 16.
    CALIPHATE
  • 19.
    MOHEGAN
  • 22.
    DECALS
  • 23.
    THAI
  • 24.
    SCRAM
  • 25.
    WHIMS
  • 26.
    EARN
  • 27.
    DREAM
  • 30.
    IDEA
  • 32.
    ART