CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Was inclined to have given a gratuity (6)

4. First thing one does in morning? Commits subject to memory! (4,2)

9. To be conversant with change in WHO takes specialised skill (4-3)

10. Of birds, by way of an outer part (5)

11. First of steps – the same – taken by advancing barrister (4)

12. The very reverse of flavour, bite of which will irritate (4)

13. Conservative has no right to a small breed of dog (3)

15. Not long to wait thus with no comeback! (4)

16. Buttoned sword may frustrate one (4)

19. An orderly person never upsets nervous beginners (3)

21. Medicine in solid form half supported the head (4)

22. Don’t include it after he has left home (4)

24. Use block capital letters for an engraving (5)

25. In wireless telegraphy he would thrust back at flip of coin (7)

26. Slippery note the years have altered (6)

27. One who is his own man doesn’t who is not a member (6)

DOWN

1. Swallows a brandy and soda as one belittles somebody? (5,4,1,3)

2. Work up to about fifty verses for dogs (7)

3. Repeat another’s words from the chorus (4)

5. Oppressive demand for one-time battle (8)

6. Work-time garment (5)

7. It was among the coppers that bowled along the road (5-8)

8. Go up about victory that ought to be paid (5)

14. Turns up holding favourite that takes part (8)

17. Flaccid work, nothing more, flowing in Africa (7)

18. First Scots with their chimneys in wretched housing (5)

20. One standing in part of church showing unaffected simplicity (5)

23. What’s in the boot that’s of wood? (4)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Pastimes 7. Bread 8. Noodles 9. Unusual 10. Heal

12. Deduced 14. Toyshop 17. Apse 18. Fireman 21. Departs

22. Eland 23. Startled

Down: 1. Poncho 2. Stowaway 3. Ills 4. Ensued 5. Beau 6. Addled

7. Blunder 11. Exhumed 13. Corporal 14. Toffee 15. Pundit

16. Teased 19. Reap 20. Spar