CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Drop item put out in

readiness (11)

10 One provides handle worker turns

with hesitation (5)

11 Breakdown out in Iran,

unfortunately (9)

12 Stamp out Ecstasy spread

AROUND CLUBS (9)

13 Cap put on say, turning icy (5) 14 Leave from son in monarchy (6) 16 Poke single lass

getting reckless (8)

18 Hedonist a bit inhibited by

‘hedonist’s complaint’ (8)

20 Pool perhaps by the empty cell (6) 23 Initially tribal object tribe exalts

mystically (5)

24 Calm, catching cold in a bit (9) 26 Rejected sweetheart can start to

get offensive (9)

27 Never rained off and on?

Strange! (5)

28 Forward motion as prisoners go

free (11)

DOWN

2 Dance is almost pathetic after

drink (5)

3 Reported missing

before noon (7)

4 Tense intensity containing end of nuclear menace (6)

5 Labour over English tax for

deodorant? (8)

6 Pulled round finally

in tatters (7)

7 Questioning or tearing apart

Conservative (13) 8 European Union move set up for

exchange (8)

9 Complete and utter lad dancing

with a nude (13)

15 Tranquilliser is vet’s idea getting

doctored (8)

17 Blowing, polish up fiddle (8) 19 Incompetent builder’s front more

common in Essex? (7)

21 Assert casting upset gripping

performer (7)

22 Dell found in wood in glen (6) 25 Slow left on fantastic

ship (5)