CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Distortion of the figures in being minted like this (13)

9. What’s left of the mere: drain it out (9)

10. Something to eat also available after six (5)

11. Fish, cabbage, and a bit of yam (5)

12. Absolutely firm, but it’s stony through and through (4-5)

13. How the CID end it in having one charged (8)

15. Tick chromium, in short (6)

18. Form of House music Morris may have felt at home to (6)

20. Where one may be treated to phials of it (8)

23. Brush-fire might brighten things up (9)

24. Do not make it a circular carving (5)

25. Commonplace name in a false god (5)

26. A thermoplastic doll I clue in such a way (9)

27. Cecil’s awarded clever mind from overseas a place at Oxford (6,7)

DOWN

1. Making a film, one may give gin 15 for it (9)

2. Tried a little of what was abundant in a State (7)

3. Make one sound foolish in a very chilly way (5)

4. In the main it’s below the surface (8)

5. It will enhance a nicer form of hydrogen (6)

6. Saved rope in order to listen in (9)

7. Lagged behind and showed one what was coming (7)

8. No longer being colourful, got out and died away (5)

14. A smoke prepared from oil and garlic (9)

16. A difficult assignment that’s not short of neatness (4,5)

17. They give the driver a bumpy ride if he goes caving (8)

19. One working on the crude in freer form (7)

21. Not, however, a sheet fencer would use (7)

22. Ring for some theatre seats (6)

23. Assumes official garb of sober aspect (5)

24. Time a girl was given the fact of the matter (5)