thecrosswords

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Read according to custom (6) 4 Items for broadcast recitals (8) 9 Firm incorporates an evil gaming house (6) 10 Cast one’s eyes over neckwear and undies (8) 12 What the traveller has to pay for food (4) 13 Large quantities out of shape (5) 14 Not a single articulate nun (4) 17 In need of a rest-cure? (4,3,5) 20 It’s useful for making a comeback (6,6) 23 Shoemaking tools (4) 24 Failure to supply material (5) 25 Turned soft in the sun (4) 28 It’s criminal to make lover die in a nasty way (8) 29 Lady rider barely remembered (6) 30 Entertainer, possibly Sudanese (8) 31 Asked for breakfast in bed? (6)

DOWN

1 A fighting opponent (8) 2 Concerning exact limit (8) 3 Celebrated the antelopes turning up (4) 5 Hotel employee has a party - and it’s free (12) 6 Stops for refreshment in Nova Scotia (4) 7 Provided face up with no return (4,2) 8 Not the only child in order (6) 11 The rear squad gets ordered (12) 15 A trunk has to be put in the vehicle (5) 16 He leads a number to sin (5) 18 Missing some exercise for boxers (8) 19 Darts and quivers of the usual kind (8) 21 Scold a number for being sharp (6) 22 Possibly ignore part of the country (6) 26 Vain and averse to work (4) 27 Take steps to work in the French way (4)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Formally support (6) 4 Sufficient (8) 9 Madness (6) 10 Many and various (8) 12 Aggrieved (4) 13 Widespread destruction (5) 14 Sustain (4) 17 Deeply affected with sorrow (5,2,5) 20 Take advantage by a trick (4,1,4,3) 23 To storm (4) 24 Control course of (5) 25 Splendid display (4) 28 Yield control of (4,4) 29 To count (6) 30 Proximity (8) 31 Apprehensive (6)

DOWN

1 Identical (8) 2 Devise (8) 3 Scrupulous (4) 5 Be deliberately slow to act (4,4,4) 6 Witty response (4) 7 Admitted (6) 8 Remain in existence (6) 11 Distinguished author (3,2,7) 15 General reprobation (5) 16 Lively (5) 18 South American country (8) 19 Danger (8) 21 Parentless child (6) 22 List of things to be done (6) 26 Feeling depressed (4) 27 Wrecked state (4)

PUZZLE 14772