plainglazed

Exactly right, well done. And this one, too. (the one I thought would be the hardest, by the way, once again supporting the BrainDen riddle paradox) Do think you're onto something! Cheers. That is if dD if correct. Both of dD's above are correct if that is the proof you were looking for.

@ t_l: Quick question, another meaning for "chess" that's not the game?

Three to make two... or EDIT: had to fix spoiler

24_ not quite, and I got the same. is it possible we're narrowing it down?

Nope, but as always, good thinking.

See where you're coming from dD, but not that. Think we'll have to establish the theme first for this one. Sorry, but really don't think they're all as out there as this one. I felt I had to make it a little tougher because the (3,3) is such a big clue especially after the theme is known.

not that, sorry Used the old MrsP bolded trick in your answer above to indicate correct. The others, though definitely how I might use them, represent other letters this time. Thanks for your perseverance. Not it on either of the theme guesses and am not sure if 10) will be easily recognizable even after solved. Like I added in an edit above, I think it's the trickiest. For 8) your "(play) host (to)" is correct. not that EDM, please keep at it.

Duuuuude...all's exactly right except the "reflects" bit. EDIT: Not unusual but thought (and still do) that this one might be the hardest to get and the least recognizable component of the theme. Will be curious to see how this proceeds.

Good thought but not what I had in mind for 7). This one uses kinda reverse logic to the rest of them but couldn't resist throwing it in. i don't think it's correct, but worth a shot, right? Not it EDM but thanks for the guess. Not that either, sorry. Thanks, you two, for kicking this one off. Some here have a distinct advantage of seeing these types before. Here is a link to the to the last "Quickie PoWs" I did. This may give some more insight as to the structure of these if you care to take a peek.

Okay, it's been almost four months since I've done one of these and have been out of WAI inspiration for over a week now so am reverting back to my old ways. Have to spend a fair amount of the day away from my machine so can check in only on occasion. Part of the beauty of these is there hopefully is only one real single answer per line so y'all play amongst yourselves. Feel free to share your work while I'm out of the Den. 1) Your mother and Mr Shaw lodge between onlookers. (7) 2) Lost and confused but half fare well with me. (3,3) 3) Small business; small, small circle. (5) 4) Is naught that is having a wing, and is Mom and the hospital depot hosting alright? (11) 5) In the mirror regarding six short ways you and I exist to look doubly brief. (11) 6) A side split over reversed options. (3,3) 7) B. (7) 8) A pair play host to returning "All of Me" in a late night broadcast, see? (3,7) 9) Certain Auntie before someones having half a laugh kid. (9) 10) A written exam reflects, simply speaking, the dorms leader on average. (7) For those new to these Play on Word "Quickies" - Each word or two (generally speaking) of the puzzle corresponds to a letter or two (generally speaking) "spelling" out the answer. Other descriptors can be thrown in refering to the relation of individual letters. The letters will "read" left to right as presented unless there is a descriptor that directs otherwise. For the most part, punctuation is not part of the answer but rather to make the clue read better. Other than that, the clues are hopefully very precise. There should be no unnecessary words in the clues or extra letters in the answers. It's best to read these very literally and/or phonetically. The numbers in parenthesis indicate the number of letters in the answer. All answers share a common theme which, when apparant, is the best singular clue, often enabling a guess at an answer and working backwards to "prove" the guess correct.

I second that EDM, only wish we had more of the pleasure of Lotus riddles. All you now regulars missed the day. Hopefully we see more of you, Lotus. Thanks as always for the fun.