Paper.. The BIG Saturday Crossword

Cryptic clues

Across

1. Hairdresser’s staff (7,4) 9. See 17 Down 10. Desert holiday (5) 11. A bit of serenity, we hear (5) 12. Tethered to a building at the back of the meadow (7) 13. To stop some of the escapades is tempting (6) 15. She’s in charge of her sisters (6) 18. Broken romance - it’s a fiddle (7) 20. One who gets a living by regularly giving a service (5) 22. College window (5) 23. Scorn said to be used in a row (7) 24. Prepared to lie (5,3,3)

Down

2. Father turns up the

top card quickly (5) 3. Outer parts of the castle lie in ruins surrounded by laurels (7) 4. Lavishly entertain one

with kingly bearing (6) 5. Mother following friend to Balearic resort (5) 6. Hide the real

mixture (7) 7. One engaged in naval

operations (5,6) 8. It’s kept on hand after

the match (7,4) 14. Not reproducing various rites written by the French (7) 16. One to consult when

a diver’s in trouble (7) 17, & 9Ac. Somewhat defective in sound sense (4,2,7) 19. Tipsy, but enabled to

move easily (5) 21. I will leave the carriage

to go hunting (5)

Down

2. Wanderer (5) 3. Dig up (7) 4. Lure (6) 5. Fabulist (5) 6. Relieve (7) 7. Villainous (11) 8. Futility (11) 14. Increase (7) 16. Tenure (7) 17. Tie up (6) 19. Watchful (5) 21. Concerning (5)