CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Was on one’s feet looking for a seat (5)

4. Is done with being nothing less than assiduous (7)

8. Was lying too long to spot lever being moved (9)

9. Equal value is not given in French capital (3)

10. This is the prospect for one keeping watch (7)

12. A branched stand peer tries to hold back (4)

14. Is taken down a grade to meet odd variation (7) 17. There’s prejudice about a direction to play it twice (4) 18. Odd to be back in the deck where horses are paraded (7) 20. The whole lot is the same either side on court (3)

21. How to add fictitious detail with a crewel needle perhaps (9) 23. Beg one to enter the Terriers like this (7)

24. How to make figure in clay an exemplar (5)

DOWN

1. The scapula ought to be shown by real deb, maybe (8,5) 2. No robe could be found for Titania’s consort (6)

3. Find out what one will turn to play the flip side (8) 4. Where to drive off (leaving the hardbake) (3)

5. The sorrow of a female character in the OT (4)

6. Man in a white coat taking out endless premium (6) 7. Fish a nag might expect to catch with a sprat (5,8) 11. Show the colour gold up in leading position (5) 13. There may be space in the car for one’s hat, too (8) 15. Everything in the rain one can put one’s money in (6) 16. Mean odds, Rhode Island laid out (6)

19. Give way to force, determined to take part (4) 22. Flutter an eyelid at one who’s in (3)