Weekend crossword

ACROSS

1 Willing to have a go and grouse,

perhaps (4)

3 I’m fit for digging? Not likely! (10) 10 Onset of much merriment by funny son

(9)

11 Freshly acquired ‘L’ puts end to sliding

down banister (5)

12 As things are, this place could be where

one’s horse finished (7)

13 Keeps one posted free from sin (7) 14 Esteemed fit despite being oft drunk

(472)

17 Smashing, impressive, topping (13) 21 Syrup spilt on father’s old manuscript (7) 23 Bob, more supple, shows how to come

down a slippery slope (7)

24 A cross Man one takes for granted (5) 25 Single person’s game to get a stone in

a ring (9)

26 A female’s in potential ddanger — there

may be a rake in there (64)

27 Past the Royal Exchange, where cows

are houses (4)

DOWN

1 You’ll be pleased to hear this freight’s

fresh in (44) 2 What some Celtic exiles do for a beauty

queen? (4,5)

4 Big attraction, a duck that helps to start

the car (7)

5 Sailor brought up on fish forms a rung in

the rigging (7)

6 What dogooders mean to do, they’ll

assure you (7,7)

7 Shady retreat for a bender (5)

8 Join up broken lines with a bit of twine

(6)

9 Let me advise you — my cab driver