the crosswords

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Defile and glen in the country (7)

4 Silver down at melting-point? (5)

7 I turn to a trifle (4)

8 Deceives a girl about to go in front (8)

10 Come to a mean conclusion (7,3)

12 They are forced to live off their land (6)

13 It’s used for colouring new plates (6)

15 Though concerned, possibly resented it (10) 18 Agitated prude and the kind of statue that agitates him (8)

19 People in competition (4)

20 Hesitantly stated a colour and was wrong (5)

21 Breed of dog that will change some day (7)

DOWN

1 I care about a growing girl (5)

2 Outcome of the grain harvest (6,2) 3 Motoring club? (6)

4 Nearly everyone, it seems, makes a lawful bet (3,3,1,3)

5 These years start with spring (4)

6 Walter’s still a good-for-nothing though reformed (7)

9 Assume responsibility for, but deceive the employee (4,2,4)

11 Solid achievements by artists (8)

12 He won’t eat anything (7)

14 Puts one off in a humble way (6)

16 Be afraid of disturbing an adder (5)

17 Czech river or German (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Insult (7)

4 Middle East country (5)

7 Prank (4)

8 Whimsical (8)

10 Large pulpy fruit (10)

12 French (6)

13 Front of a building (6)

15 Excellent (5-5)

18 Small fashion wear shop (8)

19 Small parasitic insect (4)

20 Drive out (5)

21 Thug (7)

DOWN

1 Render possible (5)

2 Prophesied (8)

3 To journey (6) 4 Inviolable (10)

5 Prevalent (4)

6 Free (2,5) 9 Man-made (10)

11 Corresponding (8)

12 Complain (7)

14 In itself (2,4)

16 Climb with hands and feet (5)

17 Jolt (4)