Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

1. Dull retrograde poet (4) 3. About to die, put bone in

pile of earth (8) 8. Boast clothing given

back (4) 9. Throw round a tree like

lightning? (8) 11. So Hun militia suffered

indignities (12) 13. Deem it nothing to include returning punctually (2,4) 14. Does he record the runs

in twenties? (6) 17. Make a big noise to make the building taller? (5,3,4) 20. An aristocrat of high

principles? (8) 21. Eat to celebrate Enid’s

comeback (4) 22. Urgent work to make

clothes look better? (8) 23. Taking a long time to begin to make a gesture (4)

DOWN

1. You can tell a graduate by what he wears in infancy (8) 2. Again let in mad rite (7) 4. Its contents make for smoother running (6) 5. Helpless with laughter after surgery? (2,8) 6. Joining association (5) 7. Animals initially deprived of good sustenance (4) 10. Retired art teachers? (3,7) 12. Do they waste time over the sweet course? (8) 15. Disturbance - when odd trio take mixed gin (7) 16. This tune takes much effort (6) 18. Go at an easy pace - not enough for a wager (5) 19. Break cooking vessels up (4)

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTIONS

Across: 1 Proposition; 9 Lobster; 10 After; 11 Elite; 12 Tension; 13 Fronts; 15 Parent; 18 Operate; 20 Tip-up; 22 Eland; 23 Inmates; 24 Presumption. Down: 2 Rabbi; 3 Patient; 4 Sprite; 5 Twain; 6 Outside; 7 Elderflower; 8 Bring to pass; 14 Open air; 16 Attempt; 17 Medium; 19 Andes; 21 Patio.