CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

16/5

ACROSS

2. Boom’s turned into bust (5)

5. Belt that has removed top of atmospheric layer (4)

7. Is old. How old? (4)

8. Being carried aloft by robin, are to change (8)

9. Her pig is carved up by an Italian composer (8)

11. The cook remained when one left the boss (4)

12. Do I call my pass wrong if it’s in fits and starts? (13)

15. Drama is what children do at break time (4)

17. Was not quite deported when about ten, but sent overseas (8)

19. Pass the ringer if there are no ropes attached to it (8)

21. Beat back the game on course (4)

22. Is such a language spoken in grave accents? (4)

23. Either get coached, or have a series of coaches (5)

DOWN

1. One may fork out a lot to do such spadework in research (3,4)

2. In which a friend from America is still to come out (3)

3. First lover one trilled about in the vernacular (5)

4. 23 I’m mixing as an aperitif (7)

5. In short it is a collection of fauna (3)

6. For the which it was formerly for the time being (5) 10. Looking as pale and dull as a meat pie? (5)

11. It is the fauteuil that gives the professor his appointment (5)

13. Take in too much, and make it too ‘ot (7) 14. Falsehood not quick to appear, so keeps out of sight (4,3)

16. Don’t stay to bequeath it (5)

18. Dotty as an old dance may have appeared (5) 20. Didn’t go off like a dishonoured cheque (3) 21. Once it’s started, be on this weapon (3)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Liquid assets 8. Estrange 9. Brie 11. Easel

12. Shallop 13. Rush 15. Ogle 19. College 20. Botch 22. Oont

23. Couscous 24. Spellbinding

Down: 2. Ictus 3. Usable 4. Digest 5. Earplug 6. Steeplechase

7. Meretricious 10. Wax 14. Silence 16. Vex 17. Neroli

18. Abused 21. Thorn