CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 17,320

ACROSS

1 Signs of embarrassment from learner among undergrowth (7)

5 Charlie before spring partly gutted, describing rough seas? (6)

9 Scottish runner Eric was first to return inside supermarket (7)

10 Informer also linked

to new shoot (7)

11 First signs of idea supporting

major theory (3)

12 Force into submission

rogue bolting here? (5,2,4)

13 Source of light, say, recalled

for type of plant (5)

14 Firm with money getting to lack

vehicle first off for delegate (9) 16 Tom, perhaps, before a search beginning to survey burial areas (9)

17 Information and in French

for writer Jean (5)

19 Second step following delicate

venture for astronauts? (5,6)

22 Annoyance shown by Greek

character parking (3)

23 Foolish way of speaking almost

getting a lot of credit (7)

24 Liberal in a state after upheaval,

if nothing else (2,5)

26 A sort showing enthusiasm after exercise for a snack food? (6)

27 Southern figure showing mild disapproval has to speak hesitantly (7)

DOWN

1 Excellent material for

securing trousers? (7)

2 In adventure, Tom’s

unusually restrained (15)

3 Maybe, Grant

mentioned colour (3)

4 Break down list containing

old conductor Georg (5)

5 Character undaunted by start of several indoor pursuits? (4,5)

6 Dismissed party

getting to excel (5)

7 Last rep’s coping after trouble round northern industrial site? (10,5)

8 Point of view on river for

one seeking catch? (6)

12 Book on area thus

is straightforward? (5)

14 Politic MC misrepresented as involved in criminal activity? (9)

15 Some wanting other

block of metal (5)

16 Take advantage of a cut of meat after opening of celebrations (4,2)

18 Trustee harbouring spite sadly for one helping betters? (7)

20 Dine at home with one German grabbing a piece of toast (3,2)

21 Composer Philip has

reflective material? (5)

25 Facilities in hearing

for man (3)