CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 There’s a “how” to them in TV entertainment (5)

A silly prig going round the bend has to improvise! (3.2) He’ll cheat the Ministry. I see! (7)

A comic. but does he figure to be the proprietor? (5) At a loose end. in port. there’s always somewhere to bathe (5) Participate in a session? Yes. a lot! (3.2)

Taken over (7)

Play the wildcat? (3) Spent various dues (4) What a batsman takes when the ball hits him? (6) Speak for the people (5) Are they still back-street occasions? (6)

22 Half way by motor road (4) 24 A sunny note. but not from Ray (3)

Can be hot. cold or warm – dash it! (7)

Little black boy in the optical class? (5)

Back up a flier and say what you mean (3.2) Annoyance at not being able to finish the game? (5) Fired about fifty for having been lazy (7)

It may be a waste of time (5)

A waterfowl on the Nile (5) 6 9 10 11 12

13 15 17 18

19 20 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DOWN

2

3 4

5

A successful conclusion rests with the coalition (6) Teddy or Winnie (6) With a swollen head. he gets along (3)

Figures in black and blue (5) 6

7 8

12 13 14 15 16

18 19

21 22 23 A penetratively pointed reply (7)

The image I see ahead (4) Perform the opening act with no luck? (6) They’re put under pressure from the rear (5) Safety devices a leader of fashion employs (5) Stagger round the piano being repulsive? (5) Communicated the wrong idea outright! (5)

Out of step. I dare say. and apathetic (5)

Even now. not bubbly (5) In a wily way. can a ticket seller be thus defended? (7) A sound book? (6) They’re undrinkable (6) Did snakes go to her head? (6) 25 26 28 It’s considerably painful if you break a rib going to church (5)

As a tourist venue. is taken in by dad (4)

If sweet. not for eating (3)