Hi! The clue does actually say "yearn for", intended to be parsed [yearn for] [little market-goer] [from a Christmas Carol]. The definition part does require knowledge of versions of that story, but that's the game of crosswords - sometimes wordplay, sometimes knowledge. Sorry you found it unfair, but I always see unknowns as a fun learning opportunity rather than a failing on the maker's part. Happy holidays!
Oliver Hardy 18:51 · 2023-12-26T08:31:25.127Z
Thanks for your explanation - apologies for misreading your clue.
Thanks for the puzzle! The lack of checking felt bad on 11A, especially since I thought I needed knowledge I didn't have, but in the end I loved the aha moment hidden in "little market-goer". 4A made me chuckle out loud.