CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. One was inquisitive, so had nothing to send out (5)

4. Reacts badly with talc initially, so disperse it (7)

8. Station drops what is a big comedown in Africa (8,5)

10. Clean it out using acid with carbon in it (5)

11. Nasty looking guy turns when about fifty (4)

12. An extra one may be seen in distribution of dew (4)

16. It is big enough for one to try without a top (5)

17. Dismissed when on one's feet, lay heartlessly but prominently (13)

19. Lumbered with the last of the eggs that went bad (7)

20. One under age may yet produce this sort of key (5)

▶ Down

1. They may be involved in maritime operations (5,8)

2. Read it as printed for one in South Carolina (3)

3. Fluid accumulation in body will fall, say, without a heart (6)

4. ‘Barnacle Bill’ as rendered by RA with oils (6)

5. Provide off-turn in a road (6) 6. Might take vital adjustment if so loquacious (9)

7. Man on the bench may book instrumentalist (7,6)

9. Got together and received payment (9)

13. Sort of colour to stick on top of the line (6)

14. Hurried around at home but found it thorny (6)

15. He is not a pronoun? It's a gas! (6)

18. From this shoot tops of greens, unless nipped (3)

▶ Yesterday's solution

Across 1. Wharf 4. Scribes 8. Nominated 9. War 10. Crucial 12. Hi-fi 14. Therapy 17. Ally 18. Diocese 20. Dog 21. Portfolio 23. Retired 24. Limit Down 1. Wing-Commander 2. Armour 3. Fanlight 4. Set 5. Ride 6. Bewail 7. Straighten out 11. Lured 13. Spoonful 15. Flight 16. Vellum 19. Spar 22. Rod