{ THE CROSSWORDS }
CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS
1 Warning advice to an introvert (4,3)
5 A word for currency’s ups and downs (5)
8 Church and state divided by uncommon hatred (9)
9 Ready for collection (3)
10 A resounding comeback (4)
12 A game involving more of us (8)
14 Cold tart (6)
15 Brings back games and increases keenness (6)
17 What scores of young people are in? (8)
18 Voyage any skipper would try to avoid (4)
21 Take food from the attendant (3)
22 Distressed wine lover naturally a glutton (9)
24 How music may be distinguished? (5)
25 Unusually bold use of lookalikes (7)
DOWN
1 Money is a bait that takes many in (5) 2 Absent in error (3)
3 Warning that a man is about to cry (4)
4 Swing round to attack or start running (4,2)
5 Endure - strange to relate (8)
6 Not to pay a cheque results in disgrace (9)
7 Settler distributes mail (7)
11 African who provides a warming drink about ten (9)
13 Given, and ideally shouldn’t be paid back (8)
14 Bird after a piece for another (7)
16 Leased out or shut up (6)
19 Please cut down the excuses (5)
20 A state of pure chaos (4)
23 I will be briefly unwell (3)
QUICK CLUES ACROSS
1 Limited quantity (7)
5 Authority (5)
8 Painting of rural scenery (9)
9 Strike sharply (3)
10 European mountains (4)
12 Brass musical instrument (8)
14 Government department (6)
15 To split (6)
17 Battle in Greece 490 BC (8)
18 Arrest (4)
21 Some (3)
22 Very small painting (9)
24 Claw (5)
25 Maintain in argument (7)
DOWN
1 Mediterranean island (5)
2 Put on (3)
3 Throw of fishing line (4)
4 Scanty (6)
5 Introductory statement (8)
6 A fine painting (4,2,3)
7 Filled to satiety (7)
11 Representation (9)
13 Frankly and confidentially (3-2-3)
14 Pompous language (7)
16 A French brandy (6)
19 Offer in excuse (5)
20 Inform in advance (4)
23 Purpose served (3)