THE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Keep on the beach (4,6)

8 Trouble with throat or back of a horse (5) 9 Strongarm cavalryman (7)

10 To carouse is to err badly (7)

11 They meet for a bite (5)

12 Promise to meet (6)

14 Eagerness to make a new road to an old city (6)

17 A temple ornament? (5)

19 Quite out of order (7)

21 Exterior is due to be refurbished (7) 22 Hanging in embarrassment (5) 23 A gathering in service perhaps (10)

DOWN

2 Holding dear party in a circus arena (7) 3 Place for storage of French grass (5) 4 Creatures that increase, but don’t multiply (6)

5 He may be prepared to sell his land (7) 6 Eastbound run to fulfil a secret engagement? (5)

7 Ruined by having ice added? (2,3,5) 8 An improvement in discipline (10) 13 Very cold, in a Gallic way (7) 15 Broadcast on air to part of Canada (7) 16 Agree to take the throne (6)

18 It can become grotesque (5)

20 A huge shipping order? (5)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Hidden (3,2,5) 8 Cunning (5) 9 Convenient opportunity (7) 10 Treat profanely (7) 11 Offer as excuse (5) 12 Opening move (6) 14 Awards for achievement (6) 17 Planet’s curved course (5) 19 Caller (7) 21 Spontaneous (7) 22 Irritate (5)

23 Writer’s pseudonym (3,2,5)

DOWN

2 Unvarying (7)

3 Drama set to music (5)

4 A precious metal (6) 5 Momentary view (7) 6 Suspension of hostilities (5) 7 Tempt to do wrong (4,6) 8 Retreat (4,6)

13 Provisional (7)

15 Word of opposite meaning (7) 16 Develop gradually (6) 18 Staff of office (5)

20 Play for time (5)