the crosswords

PUZZLE 14751

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Detain suspect (9)

8 Frequently cuts off half the score (5)

9 Company get-togethers (7)

10 Possibly go over a rut (6)

11 It’s wrong to change sides (6)

12 Withdraw Jack’s pamphlet (8)

15 No one’s in doubt that the raid is over (3,5)

18 Mathematician gets Dulcie confused (6)

20 It’s shown as mien changes extremely threateningly (6)

21 Charges different items up (7)

22 It can smash a canoe to pieces (5)

23 They keep shops smartened somehow (9)

DOWN

2 You can’t do better than master this (5)

3 Sort of dagger with a rough edge (6)

4 A woman’s secret accepts it as a birthright (8)

5 Torrid disposition of little Dickensian heroine (6)

6 An old Empire sofa (7)

7 Not fine but outstanding (9)

11 A classic dream once in circulation (9)

13 Gave a shriek and scared me badly (8)

14 One on a diet may turn out so (7)

16 Hidden talent perhaps (6)

17 Watches for helpful lads (6)

19 She helps to make wire netting (5)

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1 Complete defeat (9)

8 Simulate (5)

9 Vague notion (7)

10 Form of unarmed combat (6)

11 Renowned (6)

12 Bring about (8)

15 Indefatigable (8)

18 Greet (6)

20 An attributed character (6)

21 Involve in difficulties (7)

22 Principal (5)

23 Devise falsely (9)

DOWN

2 Reddish hair dye (5)

3 Immature (6)

4 Visual imagination (5,3)

5 Rub out (6)

6 Composer of The Four Seasons (7)

7 Have too low an opinion of (9)

11 Speed up processing of (4-5)

13 Filmy substance of cobwebs (8)

14 Obscure in meaning (7)

16 Not punish (3,3)

17 An ordained Christian minister (6)

19 Unexpected turn of events (5)