THE CROSSWORDS
CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS
1 Runs at twice the speed? (7) 5 Precise demand (5) 8 I must mix mid-atlantic alcoholic drink (9) 9 She comes from Nevada (3) 10 Wine from a cask (4) 12 Found to have arrived (6,2) 14 Actors show they have star potential (6) 15 Cut by a quarter? That’s serious (6) 17 Girl thought to be like Queen Victoria? (8) 18 Finish the roadwork (4) 21 Sign the French love (3) 22 The prime minister is pleased to gain weight (9) 24 An air of simplicity (5) 25 Show place (7)
DOWN
1 Measures intended to do good (5) 2 Touring centre in Switzerland (3) 3 A number of us scowl (4) 4 Unusually astute piece of work by an artist (6) 5 Once was inclined to be lengthy (8) 6 It makes a change (9) 7 Take steps to keep down (7) 11 Look round for a way to throw a fight (4,5) 13 Have a fast time (2,6) 14 Joined up with the company at the front (7) 16 Possibly tread about quietly and leave (6) 19 Firearm part (5) 20 Marine detachment (4) 23 Gout doesn’t start abroad (3)
QUICK CLUES ACROSS
1 Lachrymose (7) 5 Long-legged wading bird (5) 8 Glare of publicity (9) 9 Joke (3) 10 Ground-breaking tool (4) 12 Computer programs (8) 14 South American grassy plains (6) 15 Exertion (6) 17 Offspring (8) 18 Steering apparatus (4) 21 In good health (3) 22 Opponent (9) 24 Verify (5) 25 Compunction (7)
DOWN
1 Bulbous flowering plant (5) 2 Intention (3) 3 People (4) 4 Roman army unit (6) 5 Get along well (3,2,3) 6 Complicated procedure (9) 7 Uncared-for state (7) 11 Club’s governing body (9) 13 Ship’s biscuit (4,4) 14 An ocean (7) 16 Colorado state capital (6) 19 Possibly (5) 20 Forbidding (4) 23 Express publicly (3)