CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Gordon initially taking a stroll while playing dice (8)

7. A lab’s made it at the lowest level (5)

8. Harbouring a grudge, maybe, while working on ward (7)

9. It is seriousness that keeps one down-to-earth (7)

10. In two ways we discovered she-animals (4)

12. It isn’t good to have a file such as this (7)

14. Wounded, was out in front and went at a great pace (7)

17. A blade that is a bit evanescent (4)

18. Sort of bridge might be called vingt-et-un (7)

21. Mind about having a receptacle for a gun (7)

22. Nobles may go to Court in London (5)

23. Stated propositions are licensed for the pub (8)

DOWN

1. Have a look at a male bird (6)

2. Rum way one such as Cain erred (8)

3. Face up to it being set, like the table (4)

4. Kept on at one, and egg was scrambled (6)

5. Like to give it up, Italian wine (4)

6. How the French pray for an instrumentalist (6)

7. Cooked by bride, as it might be (7)

11. Is unwell in front of ship: it’s the waves (7)

13. Ivan slid around with the crocks (8)

14. One jumping on one leg may be carrying grain (6)

15. A ballerina in red can do a twirl (6)

16. Step back in the wall if not in session (6)

19. Police informer taking Noah first to his craft (4)

20. Forbidding sound a fairy story brother made (4)