CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Not have great stature, so be disparaging (8)

4. Was in the habit of the second-hand (4)

8. In this tooth, shortly be under an assumed name (3)

9. A dramatist it would be sin to disturb (5)

10. One got the point of the gallows (3)

11. Fur used by collier when about four (7)

12. Still one has rent to put out (5)

13. People on holiday may be taken in by them (5-6)

17. Book for the DIY enthusiast, perhaps (5)

18. Ceramic work, and where it comes from (7)

20. Eggs are not enough for cricket team to play on (3)

21. Is not suited to be seen by this eye without glasses (5)

22. Region of India will disappear, having a finish (3)

23. Look for a way to understand a king (4)

24. Made an offer of support, and does get confused (8) DOWN

1. It suited one, the way one developed into it (6)

2. Sort of berry rocking-stone may provide (5)

3. Unsuccessful person gets nearer being beheaded (5)

5. One scene-change that’s about right if it’s heartfelt (7)

6. Discussion with young woman who came out at teabreak (6)

7. Quaint date is perhaps very old-fashioned (10)

9. Blockade, if a good one, will show a return for one’s money (10)

14. The offended take it, and will bare gum about it (7)

15. Local dialect one may be so apt to get wrong (6)

16. Personal delivery, not using machinery (2,4)

18. Game of cards that may be red-hot in bed (5)

19. One moves slowly sideways to the borders (5)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Whiskered 5. But 7. Sops 8. Spinning 10. Oil-wells

11. Stet 13. Turner 15. Covers 18. Pipe 19. Unburden

22. Gorgeous 23. Doom 24. Yes 25. Safety pin

Down: 1. Wash-out 2. Impel 3. Ripple 4. Deny 5. Bristle

6. Tight 9. Lever 12. Bogus 14. Reports 16. Sandman

17. Engulf 18. Piggy 20. Droop 21. Sets