CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307 Across 1 Lose one’s temper, depressed in backward boozer (4,2). 5 Competition with directors for cabinet (8). 9 Slow and careful from foodstore to pan (10). 10 Observe by paranormal means? (4). 11 Where to pause on ladder, prepared to play again? (8). 12 Devout American person of influence (6). 13 Ladies’ fingers ring lifeboat to return (4). 15 Woodland plants for fanciful nice lass (8). 18 For compromise, enemy quickly move in retreat, loudly (5-3). 19 One’s for turning endlessly thin strip of wood (4). 21 Junior scouts’ philosophy in art school (6). 23 To it I add soy, stirred with indolence (8). 25 A moment to head off suspect (4). 26 In this direction, hard-won rest dropping English ensemble (10). 27 Greetings, keeping husband in the French oppressive place (8). 28 Make another voyage broadcast as part of commerce (6). Down 2 Untruth, say, in European city (5). 3 Baton restrains unruly Brits with cuff (9). 4 Legal arrangement to stew prune, quietly (6). 5 Alterations, certainly, and deviations (7,2,6). 6 Implores worker to be agreeable (8). 7 Nothing spectacular with this conclusion (5). 8 Create a picture salesperson may feel bad about (9). 14 Unfinished beer barrel gets shake, maintaining head of froth (9). 16 Weather occasions minor illnesses with some sleep (4,5). 17 With break in writing, name party warrior (8). 20 Snap up that female — a nonentity (6). 22 Happy occasion comes up amid fearfully discordant scene (5). 24 Note youngster rising with ebb and flow (5). Solution to Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword no. 1,124 Across: 1 Nepotism; 5 Breach; 8 Microfauna; 9 Prim; 10 Slaughterhouse; 11 Swarthy; 13 Headway; 15 Make hay; 18 Drastic; 21 Doubting Thomas; 22 Orca; 23 Centimetre; 24 Inhere; 25 Gridiron. Down: 1 Nemesis; 2 Pickaback; 3 Thought; 4 Smartly; 5 Beachwear; 6 Expound; 7 Chimera; 12 Heartache; 14 Wattmeter; 16 Andiron; 17 Emulate; 18 Dogstar; 19 Ashamed; 20 Cistern. The Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword Book, containing 60 crosswords, is available for €8.00, including postage. Call (01)8335305 or email glenbower@iol.ie.