Daily crossword

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

1 RC was very religious in times gone by (6)

4 It may well offer light relief (6)

9 Allow flying holiday to remain uncertain? (5,2,3,3)

10 Earthen capital (7)

11 Boat in which to intrude, perhaps (5)

12 She won't be missed now! (5)

14 The staff hold firm (5) 18 Former protectorate where somebody was born (5)

19 Intention of being clear about postal orders (7) 21 Indispensable team to starboard (5-4,4)

22 Dilute yet raw (6)

23 The length of the alliance (6)

Down

1 He washed his hands and threw one in South American river (6) 2 Be elusive because drama is almost unobtainable? (4,4,2,3) 3 How to drive an animal? (5)

5 Wearing certain clothes to live (7)

6 Finding where the ship is and adding up the fatalities? (4,9)

7 15 upset the man in charge (6)

8 Stupid letter content (5) 13 Muscular expander almost given to delay (7)

15 Warned about disciple (6)

16 Talk of mountain top to the south (5)

17 Cancel deleterious letters (6)

20 The partridge's spine (5)