thecrosswords

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Reflective note (5)

8 Pretty useless object? (8)

9 The sources of a science fiction writer (5) 10 It may control the oven, cooking the roast (8) 11 Hard rock (5)

12 You might see one in the Museum of Natural History (3)

16 Among the bravest heroines in the Old Testament (6)

17 Day set out for the firm (6)

18 Copy used in newspapers (3)

23 Music of the Depression? (5)

24 Rash, but not so destructive, we hear (8) 25 Sound of icons breaking (5)

26 It’s Bob’s turn to be obstinate (8) 27 Twelve practise Japanese Buddhism (5)

DOWN

2 The Utopian has his own collection of notions (8)

3 A hot line arranged for the opera (8) 4 He comes from Armagh (6)

5 Stick to external veto (5)

6 They go round about, loud and heavy (5) 7 Express a condition (5)

12 Are in the ascendant for a while (3)

13 Sue changes employment (3)

14 Being rich, we shall have to join the party (4-2-2)

15 He’s in a low-down place, prepared to join (8) 19 Father’s attempt at making dough? (6) 20 Coarse expression of quantity (5) 21 Happen to come to mind (5)

22 All countries appear bent on it (5)

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1 Resistant to frost (5) 8 Slightly (8) 9 Counterfeit (5) 10 Complete change (8) 11 Point in development (5) 12 Very small amount (3) 16 Carry too far (6) 17 Expressing regret (6) 18 Laurel (3) 23 Conveniently near (5) 24 Everlasting (8)

25 A very light wood (5) 26 End of the line (8)

27 For this reason (5)

DOWN

2 Unsuccessful (8) 3 Menial work (8) 4 Regain consciousness (4,2) 5 Intense agitation (5) 6 Abyss (5) 7 Motionless (5)

12 Piece of work (3)

13 Put under strain (3) 14 Individual (8)

15 Blind alley (3-2-3) 19 Counting-frame (6) 20 Laughter (5)

21 Astute (5)

22 Lag behind (5)