Colossus stinker 184

I'm guessing that you have one of those other words wrong but without the clues it's a bit difficult to know which one.

If you could post them it might make it a little easier to help you.

Sorry the clue for 179d is “quality of passion and inspiration” 5 letters. It must start with n as the across the top is Athena as the daughter of Zeus
The second letter is “i” as the start of inchoate as the answer for rudimentary.
I have “n” as the third letter as part of grins being cheeky smiles.
The final “s” being testudo as the Roman army’s shield screen.
All the words around seem good but this one has me stumped as I have ended up with “nis.s”

You've confused things a bit now by giving a different clue to the one you were after.
We've been asked about 'quality of passion and inspiration' several times and the answer is duende, 6 letters so obviously not what you're looking for.
Also if 'n' is the third letter as you stated then you end up with nin?s.

Sorry cherrie! Yes, I really mucked that up and the clue 179d is definitely
“Effort to attain an end” and yes, I do end up with “nis?s” which is why I am in such a tangle!

Sorry, without being able to see the grid I'm a bit stumped. I'll be getting the mag on the weekend when I go shopping and I'll have a look then and see if I can figure it out.
In the meantime if you tag it 'Lovatts' it will appear in the Lovatts forum and you might get an answer there.

HI,
Answer to 179 d) is nisus.

Thank you stinger! That one was a very nasty one!