the crosswords

PUZZLE 14608

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Way in for transport (8) 5 Clothing to boast about (4) 9 Take a wee drink before a critical situation (5) 10 It’s used for making lessons (7) 11 Rate increase (12) 13 Doubtless one wouldn’t be (6) 14 Dreads writhing snakes (6) 17 Man with some degree of skills? (6,2,4) 20 Speak in broken English? (7) 21 Keep out of sight after a number make complaints (5) 22 In a position to give a sound view (4) 23 Catches the sound of about ten cheers (8)

DOWN

1 A man naturally opposed to the current trend (4 ) 2 Hypnotic states from which rest can come (7) 3 Their play cannot be a paying proposition (7,5) 4 Firms ready to supply comfort (6) 6 An out-of-the-way plea (5) 7 A company responsibility (8) 8 Common drinking companions (3,3,6) 12 Suspects it makes us remiss (8) 15 Ten fuddled with drink weave around (7) 16 Spring changes course (6) 18 Set out pictures on the street (5) 19 Allows for hindrances (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Administrative division of country (8) 5 A swindle (4) 9 Period of economic depression (5) 10 An acute infectious viral disease (7) 11 Unsurpassed (6,2,4) 13 Be too clever for (6) 14 Small carnivorous mammal (6) 17 Waive (8,4) 20 Far-reaching (7) 21 Line of travel (5) 22 Cast off (4) 23 Diplomatic envoy (8)

DOWN

1 An affected attitude (4) 2 Ostentatiously rich (7) 3 Lack of foresight (12) 4 Amusing play or film (6) 6 Large stringed instrument (5) 7 Eminently skilled (8) 8 Take back what was said (3,4,5) 12 Central American country (8) 15 Japanese variety of tangerine (7) 16 Sanctuary (6) 18 Walk in furtive manner (5) 19 An impost (4)