In 15 clue answers, one letter is omitted, wherever it occurs, to give the grid entry, which is what is indicated by the wordplay and answer length. The omitted letters, in order, identify the potential SINGLE SHOT. In a further 21 clues, the wordplay refers to an extra letter not required in the answer entered in the grid. These letters, in order, spell out a prominent exponent of this practice. Four relevant examples are given by thematic words inserted in the four remaining clues, which otherwise consist of wordplay only – two of these involve phrases not in Chambers, although the phrases themselves are familiar.
ACROSS
1 Version of Bible, Oriental, accepted in Persian scriptures (6)
6 Alcoholic drink, one that’s upset prude (6)
11 Discussion about expression of pain by psycho youth (9, 2 words)
12 What may be considered limitation of Canadian fruit (4)
13 Potion in cures shunned by a Semitic people (7)
15 French article University put into Latin as evidence of vowel change (5)
16 Person recalled catching suitable update on position (6)
18 Recipient ultimately received outstanding item (5)
19 Dicky is in Tory hierarchy (8)
20 Judge returns chasing gold minerals (4)
22 Still no longer accompanied by ultimate in whisky (4)
23 Sorts out composer beset by demands (8)
26 Relation returned carrying colourful bird, a hen (5)
29 I start to slump in heap, not enjoying the flight (6)
32 Jewish guy, fraternity member, going around hospital (5)
33 Devilish character satisfied about his love (7)
34 Early service recalled in two parts (4)
35 Lifeboat never deployed around resort in west Portugal (9)
36 Discrimination is suppressed by mostly keen member (6)
37 Plugs shops after regarding switches (6)
DOWN
1 Awkward person supporting athletic club charges (6)
2 Casino spellbound with live playing (10, 2 words)
3 Murder’s fine after intervention of fool – that’s irregular (7)
4 Kitchen item almost too inflexible? Not quite (6)
5 Poet’s amazing, speaking hesitantly about chance (8)
6 Goat in the same place after a spell? On the contrary (4)
7 Fellow turned up and I had to sample porridge (5, 2 words)
8 Passion to climb, repeatedly engaging yen for high place (4)
9 River in Germany ruined her money (5)
10 Total suckers, primarily taken in by confusing situations? (6)
14 Scoundrel concealed topaz in toilet – mostly dangerous (10)
17 Good company investing in roads with shops in US? That’s a rare species (8)
21 Share exposure to old twigs on river (7)
22 Indefinite number tucking into potato and meat, served up for old schoolgirl (6)
24 Learner driver in vehicle bumped into band (6)
25 Spare Scotsmen odd bits of life in Shetland sheds (6)
27 Unknown longing to accept Welsh God (5)
28 Snack food is in shreds (5)
30 I become depressed, picking up under certain conditions (4)
31 Force tangled masses of vegetation to rise (4)
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