CRYPTIC CROSSWORD no 1,173
For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307
Across 1 Have skill with nearly everyone on waterway (5). 4 Females in general know of elm fashioning (9). 9 Evil in purest form, ready for game (9). 10 Good-natured around English relative (5). 11 Automatically approved games of bridge pressed down (6-7). 14 Sit upright for incidental benefit (4). 15 Slanderous defamation of master taking political position (10). 18 Excellent thing to remove hat in greeting, disgruntled (7,3). 19 Misled taking edges off small territory (4). 21 In full control of South, SDLP sees foes routed (4-9). 24 Cant for time on fabled ship (5). 25 Destruction of sport by one country (9). 27 Contracting a book covering with roof tiles (9). 28 Manner or way English see backwards (5). Down 1 Spy Rebecca working in Internet area (10). 2 Put on backwards and make a careless mistake (3). 3 Hang around to see it, with expression of indecision (6). 4 Hold out for the way one must hire the Aviva? (9). 5 Island not available for Biblical food drop (5). 6 Game played in pennies — not European (8). 7 Is too formal, perhaps, where fashionistas get excited (11). 8 Wail with enthusiasm (4). 12 A surgery lab converted? Sweet! (6,5). 13 Those present given timely order to shake a leg? (10). 16 Disturbing fashionable dining — there’s no answer! (9). 17 Lonely ladies at doctor (8). 20 They’re strict, say, in transport vehicles (6). 22 Is Rap overturned by Indian immigrant? (5). 23 Early days in big city for monk (4). 26 Evergreen classical historian loses head (3). Solution to Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword no 1,172 Across: 1 Pictorial; 6 Steal; 9 Dead end; 10 Knowall; 11 Manic; 12 Genealogy; 13 Thiamine; 15 Cast; 19 Rare; 20 Holocene; 23 Moderator; 24 Franc; 26 Chapati; 27 Titmice; 28 Amend; 29 Machinery. Down: 1 Pedometer; 2 Chain; 3 Overcome; 4 Indigent; 5 Liking; 6 Slogan; 7 Evaporate; 8 Lolly; 14 Irradiate; 16 Treachery; 17 Socratic; 18 Confetti; 21 Errand; 22 Atrium; 23 Mecca; 25 Agile. The Sunday Independent Cryptic Crossword Book, containing 60 crosswords, is available for €8.50, including postage. Call (01)8335305 or email glenbower@iol.ie