CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Falsely devise the material consumed (9)

5. Flax prepared to take one on behind (3)

7. Words sworn in a hot and bothered way (4)

8. One is refusing to handle shoe polish (8)

10. Threatening one man to turn Conservative (8)

11. It is only just by that of one’s teeth (4)

13. A new convert without any bad habits (6)

15. Is not there, so is minded to be forgetful (6)

18. Put the tie in the shoe and the brandy in the coffee (4)

19. Go on with the unit, once it’s been adapted (8)

22. Norwegian sprat showing anger at being disheartened (8)

23. Such ornamental woodwork may irritate one (4)

24. It is not a professional song (3)

25. Is lucky to find true fan to turn to (9)

DOWN

1. Servant to somebody in the infantry? (7)

2. Some French bread is passed in relay (5)

3. Attraction of everyone sure of going topless (6)

4. Get to losing the right per person (4)

5. Cards taken by the French in a succession of drops (7) 10/10

6. Having no alcohol on this cart (5)

9. A heap of aircraft waiting to land (5)

12. Beat a roundabout and subside (5)

14. Empty-headed state of Virginia city around the university (7)

16. Where plays are put on and operations carried out (7)

17. Boxer comes out of it for a free shot (6)

18. The tag a bell is made from (5)

20. Roman version of an opera by Bellini (5)

21. Cycle frequently uses this character on stave (4) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Modish 4. Stroll 9. Incense 10. Icing 11. Slip

12. Buck 13. Get 15. Naik 16. Less 19. Owl 21. Echo 22. Flea

24. Okapi 25. Perfect 26. Rotten 27. Vestry

Down: 1. Maids of honour 2. Diction 3. Sane 5. Thickset

6. Owing 7. Light infantry 8. Begum 14. Fireside 17. Solvent

18. Shape 20. Least 23. Free