CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
NO 1,234 For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307
Across
1 Bursts in to do simple repair (8).
9 Self-obsession, say, with Middle Easterner getting answer (8). 10 At another time, with identity concealed (4).
11 Grandad’s told doctor is paragon of excellence (4,8).
13 Full stop for beautiful fairy taking too much medicine (6). 14 Appreciated having sauce applied? (8).
15 Went around with old leftist, boring piece included (7).
16 No matter which keeps a record, there’s a sort of comparison (7). 20 Two-timers find gold among distinguishing characteristics (8). 22 Monster concealed bloomer (6).
23 I’m on clear-cut ground for such a suit (12).
25 Online illustration of a great story (4).
26 Eccentric urge delayed order (8).
27 Cover comeback by a UK politician is wasting time (8).
Down
2 Workers speak rudely of gender-based apparel (8). 3 Mathematical operation I do in solving freely (4,8).
4 Is liberal in to shirk, or get out of office? (8).
5 They detect changes for those expurgating on radio (7). 6 Poor delivery on field gives high-ranker everything (2-4). 7 Old American cuts odds on picnic ham (4). 8 Straightforwardly unemployed, endlessly breaking sweet (8). 12 Putting out of place, changing climates pend (12). 15 Exposes innermost part, to perform better at play (8). 17 Tan alone for fashion around birthday time (8).
18 It’s more graceful to profit by deception, right? (8). 19 Frightened some tipsy cheddar lovers (7).
21 Old and new together? Yes, but not reciprocated (3-3). 24 Advocate rises rapidly, eliminating boundaries (4).