the crosswords
CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS
1 A choice of courses or delicacies (10) 8 Fish in a quiet enchanting spot (5) 9 Paul is confused about a border flower (7) 10 Possibly train as a mechanic (7)
11 A chance to make an escape? (5) 12 Error committed by poor sailor (6) 14 Humble cleric taking me to heart (6) 17 A perk for the lesser-known actor (5) 19 A roue not waiting for his cut? (4-3) 21 Supporting features of newspapers (7) 22 It becomes yours (5)
23 It’s used on watch (6-4)
DOWN
2 Wartime leader gains weight (7) 3 Character of those who are different (5) 4 Unhappy with minor work in Chinese pottery (6)
5 Can I provide a friendly solution? (7) 6 Relish a piece of impudence (5) 7 Standing charge for car drivers (7,3) 8 Entrance is broken; it doesn’t last long (10) 13 Looking pale coming out of a cinema (7) 15 A feeling of easterly movement (7) 16 Place for one who pinches or nips, perhaps (6)
18 Stories that may be stale (5) 20 Pointless drawing of a boat (5)
QUICK CLUES ACROSS
1 Praiseworthy (10) 8 Furthest extent (5) 9 Wariness (7) 10 Malicious gossip (7) 11 Effective means of enforcement (5) 12 Beginning (6) 14 Near-sighted (6) 17 Natural aptitude (5) 19 Keep in mind (7) 21 Liken (7) 22 Consecrate (5) 23 To rebuke (4,2,4)
DOWN
2 Growing unchecked (7) 3 No longer in fashion (5) 4 Deal with (6) 5 Outspokenly (7) 6 Select, superior group (5) 7 Likely to happen (2,3,5) 8 Diminished prestige (4,2,4)
13 Set aside for a purpose (7) 15 Valour (7)
16 Source of danger (6) 18 Concede (5) 20 Disprove (5)