The Brain Teaser

No. 8,647

ACROSS

1. Writing “engine,” for a reason that would interest psychiatrists (10)

6. Took off, he first having piled it on (4) 10. Biscuit that comes to pieces in your hands? (7)

11. Getting close in, when anger breaks out (7) 12. Rescue when the molten lava is not pouring out (9)

13. Cut right through the grotto (5)

14. Fight to the end, having got ready (3-2) 15. Strange fad, compiling charts about stern realities (4,5)

17. If care is not taken, the inventions flop (9) 20. Point the eggs out, in the bushes (5)

21. Muse, time and time again, on love (5) 23. Supporting, for a time, one no-good (9) 25. Bring back the red suit in it, crumpled and less clean (7)

26. Catching a heel in the robe, tearing the material (7)

27. At the same time, I'm falling out of love (4) 28. Casting bait on the loch with a light touch (10)

DOWN

1. Doesn't have to be slack, you say (5)

2. The hot claret has got her drunk (9)

3. Ensure the door can't be opened while you flee (4,1,4,3,2)

4. The film shows the train crash, mum (7) 5. The port authority, perhaps (7)

7. He's before in order, being superior (5) 8. Vaguely sees the outer grids are bent, as one wanders off (9)

9. “Somebody want a light?” is hard to beat! (5,3,6)

14. Was next and got on (9)

16. Punish the players; I get a let-off (9)

18. Keep tabs on, say (7)

19. Bag only one instrument (7)

22. Plus being equally determined (5)

24. Bark audibly; “The regiment” (5)

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE No. 8646:

ACROSS: 1 Reporter; 5 Abated; 10 Main claim to fame; 11 Sheathe; 12 Hamlets; 13 Replaces; 15 Ripen; 18 Rasps; 20 Misfires; 23 Spurned; 25 Mediate; 26 Material success; 27 Scrape; 28 Predates.

DOWN: 1 Remiss; 2 Priceless; 3 Recital; 4 Erase; 6 Bloomer; 7 Trace; 8 Dressing; 9 Emphasis; 14 Comedian; 16 Prevalent; 17 Presumes; 19 Sun-trap; 21 Induced; 22 Teases; 24 Utter; 25 Miser.