The top half of this grid is a tough nut to crack, which makes the “belt” at 32-Across exceptionally wry. That shot in the dark gave me ONO and reminded me of the PRU, which led to TOP THAT. 13A: Everyone knows about that infamous 1783 British play that so grievously offended the tailor community that it rioted, right? That’s how “Devil AMONG the Tailors” got its name, a miniature game of skittles played on the bar. 28A: This entry drove me to distraction more than any of the other quirks in this grid.

Source: International New York Times July 31, 2021 01:52 UTC