10 by 8

Puzzle explanation

Corrections to definitions (see below) spelt out “No repeated numbers”. To ensure identical shapes are formed, diametrically opposite cells must lie in different pieces, as must cells with identical numbers because of the above instruction. Several cut lines could be placed between adjacent identical numbers and duplicated symmetrically. A useful start was to label the cells numbered 1 as (Piece) A and (Piece) B. The 5 and 3 opposite each would then lie in A and B respectively, allowing the other 5 and 3 elsewhere to be fixed as B and A. Similar logic, especially noting the need not to cut the pieces in two, allowed unambiguous separation of the grid. Turning and superimposing one piece on the other, and considering the matching letters in the same positions, identified the title as Digonal (which describes the grid symmetry) and the setter as Pieman; these were to be written beneath the grid.

Clue explanations

Conventions: * = anagram, < = reversal

No Correct Answer Explanation
Across
1 si(N) ENVIABLE (m)EN + VIABLE
7   DAIS DAIS(y)
8 bo(O)st GLOM GLOOM – O’; boost = steal (US)
9   GENITURE GE + NIT + URE
10 (R)eion AREA ARENA – N
13   COPTS CO-OPT – O + S(ervice)
14   CAPAS SCAPAS – S & lit
18 Tal(E) SAGA S(ally) + AGA
19   OBTAINER DO + R after (T’ + AÎNÉ)
20 (P)layed MOOG MO + OG <; inventor of synthesiser, but can mean the instrument (see Collins)
21 ag(E) EILD WILD, W changed to (y)E(ars)
22 tr(A)pped POLARONS ORAL < in PONS; see pons asinorum
Down
1   EDGAR D in RAGE <; meaning of the name is “spearman”
2 mus(T) VINEW VIEW about ’N’
3 divin(E) ISIACAL I + SI + A + CAL
4 (D)im BLUR BLUE – E + R; Australian and New Zealand word
5 ba(N)dy LORATE AT in LORE
6 B(U)sh EMEUS EME + US
11   LOSSIER RISSOLE *
12 ste(M) BAMBOO BAM + BOO(b)
14 (B)ite CHOMP HOM(o) in CP
15 n(E)tted DANIO ANI in DO
16 (R)ummy CARDS CHARD’S – H
17 (S)oaring STOL (S + O) about T’ + L
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