CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Pie. 21 Madam; 19 Strain; 17 Theorem; 15 Contender; 12 Penetrating; 8 medium; Happy 7 Shambling; 6 Larking; 5 Dewlap; 4 Ogles; 3 End; 2 Down: number. Prime 22 Pen; 21 Underhand; 20 Might; 19 Deepest; 18 Uglier; 16 Minute; 14 Amiable; 13 Picks; 11 case;Lower- 10 Aid; 9 class;Second- 1 Across:

ACROSS

1. Not the first form to be not very good (6-5) 9. Help first-rate dunderhead (3) 10. Small letters not acceptable in a higher court? (5-4) 11. Chooses implements for excavating (5) 13. Before noon, one clever enough to be worth loving (7) 14. Obviously a small amount of time (6) 16. Worse than the duckling who turned out well (6) 18. Steeped as far down as one can go (7) 19. It may sound very small, but there’s power there! (5) 20. Subordinate to worker, being sly (9) 21. Confinement for the writer (3) 22. 2 or 3 for example offering a first-class anaesthetic? (5,6)

DOWN

2. The purpose of having broken-down vehicles (3) 3. Gives amorous looks as learner goes about (5) 4. Rise, friend, and marry and get a loose double chin! (6) 5. Bird having a frolic? (7) 6. Limbs hang loosely when walking awkwardly (9) 7. Successful trance presumably produces one – it does avoid extremes (5,6) 8. The sort of effect a sharp tone of voice has, perhaps (11) 12. Competitor will study offer (9) 15. Take me up on other changes: it is to be proved (7) 17. Filter needs considerable effort (6) 19. Mother is twice a lady (5) 21. Mixed type of dish (3)