{ THE CROSSWORDS }
CRYPTIC CLUES
Across
1 A crime upsets a whole continent (7)
5 Type of brush undergrowth (5)
8 Using such a pencil is (9)
9 The one that is the expert (3)
10 A form of need where there was none (4) 12 Seat breaks with danger to star (8)
14 Bedding for the young (6)
15 Leader of a team that makes the headlines (6) 17 Apprehends about a thousand supporters (8) 18 Plays parts or play’s parts (4)
21 A short spell of physical jerks is appropriate (3) 22 Set fire to one outhouse - polished it off (9) 24 Tree of greater age (5)
25 Main plant producing wonder in children (7)
Down
1 Fruit drink very quietly swallowed (5)
2 Old priest taking part in the litany (3)
3 I come up to a matter of trivial importance (4) 4 Disinclined to serve a stew (6)
5 Stays and uses up the money going round the States (8)
6 Article is made practical (9)
7 He can tame a horse - a white horse? (7)
11 Not exactly valued (9)
13 Don’t forget about a person in society (8) 14 Accidental loss of ale a keg contains (7) 16 Fumes capable of causing a lot of damage (6) 19 Took the part of another (5)
20 Very keen to rise as a singer (4)
23 Garden tool he carries round (3)
QUICK CLUES
Across
1 A whitewash (5-2)
5 Game played on grass (5) 8 Having as profit (2,3,4) 9 Poke fun at (3)
10 Confused mess (4) 12 Congratulations! (4,4) 14 Vile smell (6)
15 Composer of Cosi fan tutte (6)
17 In progress (5,3)
18 A measure taken (4)
21 An age (3)
22 Period of great adversity (4,5)
24 Register as competitor (5) 25 Experienced in life (7)
Down
1 To contract by infection (5)
2 Large tank for liquids (3) 3 Stagger (4)
4 Fake (6)
5 Ill feeling (3,5)
6 A fine painting (4,2,3) 7 Make liable (7) 11 Unwavering (9)
13 A very hot day (8) 14 Sleep (4-3)
16 With little margin (6) 19 Unduly self-assertive (5)
20 Excite (4)
23 Crazy (3)