CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7. Pile may be pushed over for it to make a clean-up (6,7)

8. Settled the fact that it had its foundation (11)

12. A good pace for a good man to go on a horse (6)

14. Last things clutched at when growth returns in craft (6)

16. Had a punt, and put the boot in (6)

18. Set progressively differing from Erse is apparent (6)

19. Firm theatre work when working together (11)

23. Where one may see railway tracks or flying wheels (13)

DOWN

1. Willing to have a go at venison, say (4)

2. Being immaculate, can not thus get a glimpse of it (4)

3. Firm sink-top on another piece of furniture (6)

4. One is among the cobs, who are lovers (6)

5. Men endlessly call for quiet to get gear together (4)

6. Get better people at the end of the road (4)

9. Fabulous bird is backed first: company gets wind of it (7)

10. Good feeling, having given up story getting one on (7)

11. When kiss is out, invites one to it (4)

12. Abandon one for this drink in Japan (4)

13. Colour red, yellow, blue – one from each (3)

15. First thing to put in boot in some other form turns up (3)

17. Thoroughly wet children the Italian left twisting (6)

18. They go up – or down – in case (6)

19. Icecream perhaps gives warning of a lot of wind (4)

20. Begin softly in one version (4)

21. Bird – at least, half of it – is surrounded (4)

22. Stops one uttering comic’s funny lines (4)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Across: 1. Occupations 7. Bemused 9. Trot 11. Taste 12. Uneasy

14. Condescends 18. Supine 20. Lucre 22. Inns 23. Abysmal

24. Schoolgirls

Down: 2. Comes to 3. Aids 4. Norma 5. Abate 6. Stays

8. Spending 10. Underlay 13. Ash 15. Decimal 16. Astir 17. Deals

19. Panic 21. Call