CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 1. Not strict at the beginning of February when it comes to plant (4)

3. Ship is tied to the wharf on a doll’s bra? (8)

8. A lily as a drink (4) 9. Protrude with endurance (5,3) 11. Treat as essential – like paper into a dart (4,1,5,2)

13. Frame throwing material made from sodium and a tree (6) 15. Circus arena – but it doesn’t spin! (3,3)

17. What episode we are up to is found on the electrical appliance (6,6)

20. Yetis, mum, are the most delicious (8)

21. The colour was a mistake (4) 22. Miss Blanchett gets bloodthirsty – in a class of her own (8)

23. On the farm, if you are on it and shouldn’t be then you could be in it (4) Down 1. Break up a piece (8)

2. You will be in a frenzy if you run it (5)

4. Choose particle – it was one of the choices (6)

5. Uncoils tie, perhaps, having no regard for standards (10)

6. Delve deeply for information like picking a carrot (4,3)

7. Takes a seat – it is in the ship (4)

10. Suspenseful – like a chippy’s mouth? (4,6)

12. Trespass, curiously, but it is the most bare (8)

14. Perm pet, being a step ahead (3-4)

16. A number lose the right to be nearer (6)

18. Timber used in tribal sacrifices (5)

19. Persistency with no respite will produce harmony (4)