30-MINUTE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Taking more chances with the bacon? (6)

4. Stop making odd side street small (6)

9. Short-lived venture as a result of cooking by electricity? (5,2,3,3)

10. A former pressing need to be unhappy with metal (3-4)

11. Customary treatment from the American era (5)

12. Being very annoyed rang about youth (5)

14. Country among the best at educating its citizens (5)

18. Not very pleased with mark showing it’s wrong (5)

19. The object is a minute piece with the top cut off (7)

21. Untiring beating failed (13)

22. Make a throaty noise in vulgar glee (6)

23. Be there when an abstainer comes to a conclusion (6)

DOWN

1. Have nothing to do with such rubbish! (6)

2. Getting on one’s feet to command regular

commitment to buy (8,5)

3. There could be an anaesthetic (5)

5. Part of car will wear out (7)

6. Be a critical MP? Can’t be done! (13)

7. Make an offer requiring gentle handling (6)

8. Stupid place to put contents of letter? (5)

13. Fluster in a tranquil way (7)

15. Doing a temporary job in the theatre? (6)

16. Convivial gathering of political group (5)

17. Rely on oriental writer being taken in by theologian (6)

20. Close-fitting garment for one leg? (5)

PREVIOUS SOLUTION

Across: 1 Matter-of-fact; 7 Magic; 8 Brace; 9 Fit; 10 Appliance; 11 Entice; 12 Factor; 15 Title-page; 17 Act; 18 Rusty; 19 Treat; 21 Developments. Down: 1 Man of letters; 2 Egg; 3 Occupy; 4 Fabricate; 5 Chain; 6 Celebrations; 7 Motet; 10 Archetype; 13 Tract; 14 Castro; 16 Taste; 20 Elm.