THEME: four long answers have words starting with K and P
GOOD ONES: Military mess assignment {& theme} KP-DUTY
Bit in a horse's mouth? OAT
BTW: Queen's spouse KING [my candidate for the most pedestrian clue ever]
Four pairs OCTET [just a week or so ago I pointed out that an octet is not comprised of a series of pairs but 8 distinct people or things --- alas I am tossing pearls to … deaf ears (doubt they'd be bothered by a mixed metaphor if they can't define properly the words they choose)]
Conceded the point BACKED-DOWN [a bit tortured clue since merely conceding a point does not mean one has backed down from it]
Song for three TRIO [I liked the use of this less popular definition; doesn't have to be Il Volo]
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun
