CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 2. A funny person bound to appeal to children (5) 5. Creatures that are endemic won’t end in confusion (4) 7. The managing director, taking 51 back in, won’t be severe (4) 8. Clap nude who turned out to be an also-ran (8)

9. Build bone with diet, following orders (8)

11. Hunch Kipling said one got, having too little to do (4) 12. Say the same again and make person feel tea break is necessary (6,7)

15. Gem that counts for nothing with a friend (4)

17. Come together at a point to study the side of the road (8) 19. Yielded to another’s wishes as I’d compel it to (8) 21. Earnestly ask for one’s wages to be about right (4)

22. How to sell some of the provender (4)

23. Bird making a comeback among the faster geese (5)

DOWN

1. Slaver to move the ball a little at a time (7)

2. Fish that’s intended to be taken as a joke (3)

3. Colour me with a UV variety of it (5)

4. Sort of lathe that gets past turning in tin (7) 5. Previously a bird gave one a second first (3)

6. The best sort of cracker should be crisp (5)

10. Stay on the subject of how to thrive and lose nothing (5) 11. He sat around in all the hurry (5)

13. Let one cat out if it’s suggestive of touch (7)

14. Traps to haul along with glove thrown down as a challenge

(7)

16. Be professional to begin with, and dig for information (5)

18. The lowest point at which to get shot of an upturn (5)

20. Trudge along with a cushion (3)

21. How to encourage dog with a portion of butter (3)