CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 16,396

ACROSS

1 Julie managed to engage bishop (English) for celebration (7) 5 This is missing in adult wage, generating no interest (6) 9 It secures lock for sharp bend (7) 10 Rubbish bin originally kept in car port (7) 11 Occasionally show daughter’s piece of ground (3) 12 Lotte’s bothered with waiter’s aftershave perhaps (6,5) 13 Pet goat (5) 14 Avoid line in publisher’s

catalogue (9) 16 One scans a novel, finding a feature of poetry (9) 17 Where film actors are

ready for a start (5) 19 Explore core to

inner complex (11) 22 Young woman brought back unfinished dress (3) 23 Animals travelled by boat here, according to reports (3,4) 24 How the opposition votes to win in a way (7) 26 Possibly my clue for

‘London theatre’ (6) 27 From the Orient Express originally, near the back (7)

DOWN

1 WC’s working for PM (7) 2 Lender’s overall political objective? (8,7) 3 Upended chum’s place for pet? (3) 4 Listlessness somehow continues without cost (5) 5 Combined ingredient of concrete (9) 6 Republican in a quarrel creates a different one (5) 7 Take this out to cure anorexic? Sure can when ordered (6,9) 8 Mustelid’s paws seize rabbit’s head, twice (6) 12 Clothes buyers do this initially testing fabric (not article) (3,2) 14 Agent with spirit absorbs shot? Beat that! (5,4) 15 Not much money about in Bergen or Kristiansand (5) 16 Dawn French at posh Royal Academy entertains soldiers (6) 18 Strengthen old god, by the sound of it (7) 20 Relative ease at first in

Med resort (5) 21 Guy’s incomplete

cups and saucers? (5) 25 Like second equine (3)

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FOR your chance to win, solve the crossword to reveal the word reading down the shaded boxes. HOW TO ENTER: Call 0901 293 6233 and leave today’s answer and your details, or TEXT 65700 with the word CRYPTIC, your answer and your name. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Or enter by post by sending completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 16,396, PO Box 28, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GF. Please include your name and address. One weekly winner chosen from all correct daily entries received between 00.01 Monday and 23.59 Friday. Postal entries must be datestamped no later than the following day to qualify. Calls/texts must be received by 23.59; answers change at 00.01. UK residents aged 18+, exc NI. Terms apply, see Page 68.