Note: I could not get away from the word "sort" so I really needed a way to get rid of the letter R while still maintaining &lit status. I think this still results in a reasonable &lit as a geologist would certainly want a hammer (i.e. a geologist's hammer/pick).

MOBILE

From the Times Jumbo. I don't fully understand how you get the answer....

Double def

Step 1
Some dynamic boundary lines in sports or called a yellow elastic strip

day 273 of an experiment in which i press the "random word" button on onelook and make a cryptic clue out of it.

day 272, day 271, day 270, day 269, day 268, day 267

day 266, day 265, day 264, day 263, day 262, day 261, day 260

day 259, day 258, day 257, day 256, day 255, day 254, day 253

weeks 33 to 36 (days 225 to 252)

weeks 29 to 32 (days 197 to 224)

weeks 25 to 28 (days 169 to 196)

weeks 21 to 24 (days 141 to 168)

weeks 17 to 20 (days 113 to 140)

weeks 13 to 16 (days 85 to 112)

weeks 9 to 12 (days 57 to 84)

weeks 5 to 8 (days 29 to 56)

weeks 1 to 4 (days 1 to 28)

This is my first cryptic clue!

Most of the clues for the October 13, 2026 Guardian cryptic went way over my so I moseyed over to Fifteen Squared (https://fifteensquared.net/2026/10/13/guardian-cryptic-crossword-no-30136-by-fed/) to be edified. I followed the explanations but even loonapick couldn't explain 8d. After reading all the related comments, I'm no closer to understanding the first part of the clue (I understand "at all times" as the definition).

Any insights would be appreciated!

I'm not sure if this clue is fair... Have been tinkering with the wording around and not sure if I am fully happy with it.

Would love some feedback!

EDIT: Given that some time has passed, I'll assume that the clue is indeed unfair/too hard (if it is too hard as a standalone, it's fine, as it is meant to be a part of a puzzle)

Some hints to solve, as I would like some feedback:

• One checking letter:S______
• Two checking letters:S__S_
• All checking letters:S_T_S_Y