Cross with words

Ginga Cool Cat from StrangeWingedCreature is struggling with her crossword puzzle:

I don't think he was really offended - at least I hope not. Did you know that Valleta is in Malta? I didn't. Really, I think a lot of these clues are a little oblique. I mean, it's true that I can't spell worth a darn, but I think I have a fairly good vocabulary.

You have to get into a certain mindset to do crossword puzzles. It isn't in every day language that "split to join" in any way means "elope". When was the last time you heard somebody use the word "lea" when they meant "meadow"? What "tusla's st." has to do with "okra" is beyond me - but I'm keeping it because a) okra is a word and b) it fits in with everything else.

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