THE CROSSWORDS

PUZZLE 16487

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Not stormy but quite changeable (5)

4 Pans set out to demonstrate suitability (7)

8 Tree sap forced out (3)

9 Desultorily cleans out a foreign agency (9)

10 It may be worn as a favour (7)

11 Sound of harmony in musical composition (5)

13 Shrub that’s evergreen - but not hardy (6)

15 Footholds in the financial world (6)

18 A revolutionary invention (5)

19 I’d turn awkward on a point and butt in (7)

21 One likely to succeed if he hasn’t already (9)

23 The lid to the piano (3)

24 Gems that may appear strange in a new setting (7)

25 Sensational piece of luck getting free (5)

DOWN

1 Bolt from an argument (7)

2 I’m taking the attitude it’s a fraud (9)

3 It supports a climbing animal without comment (5)

4 British sailors occupy a border town in Holland (6)

5 It’s instrumental in revealing boastfulness (7)

6 Sign of hesitation over a long period (3)

7 City investment (5)

12 Points to oppose in the meeting (9)

14 General form of increase (7)

16 Soaked in the deepest concoction (7)

17 I shut a new opening (6)

18 Call we hear to help with the laundry (5)

20 Novice gets left in the Austrian mountains (5)

22 His opposite number (3)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Mixture (5)

4 Express approval of (7)

8 Unplayable tennis service (3)

9 Gained illicitly (3-6)

10 Sudden strong urge (7)

11 Heavy dark wood (5)

13 Exceptional creative ability (6)

15 Motionless (2,4)

18 Small shoot (5)

19 To make believe (7)

21 To a thorough degree (6,3)

23 A double act (3)

24 Drunk (3-4)

25 To deposit for security (5)

DOWN

1 Relevance (7)

2 Enlightening experience (3-6)

3 Cotton twilled fabric (5)

4 Joined in common cause (6)

5 Specific plan (7)

6 Perform a part (3)

7 Dirty-looking (5)

12 Not closely defined (4-5)

14 Outrageous (7)

16 Larva of frog (7)

17 Maintain (6)

18 Supply meagrely (5)

20 Laud (5)

22 Understand (3)