CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 We set out to be nice (5) 6 Burst out with bits of interruption (5) 9 Figure to have a bad time some place (7) 10 Like most epics, it has taste (5) 11 Guardian of treasure, but maybe no gem himself (5) 12 How to stand proudly before the court (5) 13 The high part a chap is unable to manage? (7) 15 It’s apt to be bent when you knock (3) 17 Rod gets cross when there’s beer about (4) 18 Disagree with one’s position at work (6) 19 Writes about a number that shocks (5) 20 Wanting experience, visit the town centre (6) 22 Woman in overalls (4) 24 Timely conclusion in the city

(3) 25 This system has its point (7) 26 What Poles will do when the beer has no head? (5) 27 Charge back to bed for it (5) 28 I leave Johnny the figure work (5) 29 Icy in a big way (7) 30 Rocky, it seems, is broke! (5) 31 The French department is severely restricted! (5)

DOWN

2 We saints no longer possess this ancient kingdom (6) 3 Show clearly to be a noted fellow (6) 4 It can make one a bit twitchy (3) 5 Chat up the redhead in the lift, perhaps (5) 6 Encourage to take trophies in small vessels (7) 7 Are such books torn? (4) 8 Areas of outer Pennsylvania in new maps (6) 12 Give a final cry! (5) 13 Hop around when caned? (5) 14 Cunningly, yet in a silly way (5) 15 A child takes them to be something symbolic (5) 16 It’s often underfoot (5) 18 When you duck the right, is this the left? (5) 19 How butchers may be in business together (7) 21 Steptoe, perhaps, being princely (6) 22 A bit of tea in little bottles for the inner man! (6) 23 Sooner? Definitely! (6) 25 Judi’s little room next to the church (5) 26 Sing drunkenly outside the inn (4) 28 Girl in France for a time? (3)