CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Umpire poses awkwardly to put one thing on top of another (11) 8. This glen could show what sky does at dawn (8) 9. Something more to have recovered from (4) 10. In any situation King George could have been in a temper (5) 13. Large-scale letter for mathematical ratio in City district (4) 16. Forthwith it’s not at home (4) 17. Become enamoured of third season in America (4) 18. Creates a stink if one sings without the words (4) 20. Rocky ridge with lignite top on the brink (5) 24. Comment on what musician has to play (4) 25. Tin’s rare in manufacture of a sieve (8) 26. Writer treating it wrong is nevertheless getting through (11)

DOWN

2. Put forward argument our age tops off (4) 3. Vanquished, leaderless, like the victims of cannibalism (5) 4. This man is satisfied with meal being on target (5) 5. Short weight unit for a layer of the atmosphere (5) 6. Dispenser taking one’s money in a mechanical sort of way (4,7) 7. The courses they prepare go to the wall, being inedible (11)

11. A girl who was upset about the holy platter (5)

12. Give in idly and confusedly to egghead at the centre (5)

14. Quietly dine off vegetable matter used in the garden (4)

15. Is enthusiastic about getting so close (4)

19. To a mariner, what is behind him is unrelenting (5)

21. Go on stage from the wings and write it up (5)

22. Piece of cosmetic surgery may be hard work to some (5)

23. Immediately a negative is received from France (4) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION: Across 1. Catacomb 4. Hoop 8. Nib 9. Boxer

10. Bun 11. Planted 12. Actor 13. Wishing well 17. Wafer 18. Lettuce

20. Tea 21. Nicer 22. Cut 23. Heel 24. Declared

Down 1. Canape 2. Tibia 3. Mixed 5. Orbital 6. Penury 7. Tread water

9. Butchering 14. Inflame 15. Switch 16. Seated 18. Lucre 19. Ulcer