CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

8 Root about in the tin for the drawing (7) 9 They get the flags flying in seconds (7-2) 13 She’s got a pail out to trap the rain (5) 14 The fellow I caught entering; the burglar (5)

15 Put a table outside - it’s a very hot day (7) 16 Does it lie in wait for water birds? (7) 17 Must a boxer win it to make a name for himself? (5)

18 Turned down, you assume (3,2)

20 A giant ant is crawling round it (5) 22 Didn’t allow to return to the lair to catch (6)

23 Polish, though it doesn’t sound like Polish (6)

25 It’s for the button at your neck? Excellent! (3-4)

27 Anyhow, I can’t hold on or hold back (7) 30 Misaligns the cue (6)

31 Indicates they’re sharp (6)

32 He has a long way to go (5)

35 How the word “mad” looks in Morse code? (5)

36 Wads of bank notes and an expensive car (5)

37 Bill has a t-title (7)

39 Find it’s a warning (4,3)

41 Trapping the male cat, don’t play fair (5) 42 See a purpose to a most unpleasant creature (5)

43 Rub out “shines” changing it to “polishes” (9)

44 Got into a row for having been saucy (7)

DOWN

1 In a cage, it’s upset, or put about a bit (6) 2 The horse that’s first back to its compartment (8)

3 Be the last act - and pay for it (4,3,4) 4 Discharged and in better health, he’s running a shop (9)

5 So that it will be tidy (2,5)

6 Can’t finish writing “a most exciting moment in the match”? (5-5)

7 Bet it will float (4)

10 Has it brought luck on many a racecourse? (6)

11 Time is getting on and it’s terribly far away (7)

12 Bird the child found in the tool shed (6) 19 You get three to a bottle, but that’s of little importance (7)

21 Fancied just the teeniest bit (7)

24 In the first place, the novices’ event is (3,8) 26 Fully laden on the way out, when it’s soft and muddy? (5,5)

28 Calm when one came to get (9)

29 The flavouring also, I understand, permeates it (7)

30 A seat the sun will rot (6)

32 And certainly not greatly reduced (4,4) 33 Seat at the prearranged starting place (6) 34 “The demo is a nuisance? Nonsense!” you put in (7)

38 Not accustomed to being on the shelf (6) 40 Work standing up, therefore, holding it (4)