CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7718

ACROSS

1. The way you say “Cut!” (4). 7. It’s a bribe, honey! (9).

8. When there’s a cold spell with snow, sleep (4). 9. She’s the last one in (4). 10. As the cockney said before now (4).

11. A beach, though it’s small, as well (4). 14. Be doubly helpful? (3,3,4). 16. Are they inhabited by denizens of the deep? (4,6). 19. Ring the gentleman at the jeweller’s (4).

22. The catch is, about a quarter are droopy (4). 24. The final fifty have got away (4). 25. Said scornfully “A snowman!” (4). 26. Sets about the waste disposal, anyhow (9).

27. Lead the son by the hand (4).

DOWN

1. Thinks of the many things one could do with it (5). 2. Attracted by, had taken out (5). 3. Wound the double: a man (6). 4. And eel stew is very heavy (6). 5. Note the strange name (4). 6. She’s the bird with the weird attire (9). 12. Given the job, pop back to get trained (9). 13. A girl-friend for every day of the year? (4). 15. Outside the second man-hole, too (4). 17. Admits to everything and cries (6). 18. Tries to pronounce “SAAA” (6). 20. Give seed to it: the bird, that is (5). 21. Tear off the number on top afterwards (5). 23. Heavens, try and keep quiet! (4).

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7717 - SOLUTIONS Across

- 7, As busy as a bee. 8, B-ist-ro. 9, O-liver. 10, Dais-ies. 12, D-avid. 15, He’d-(a)g(re)e. 16, Threats (anag.) 18, Ca-me to. 20, Pa-ten-t. 22, Between-times.

Down - 1, Aspirate. 2, Bu-s-t. 3, B-y-gones. 4, A-scot. 5, Abdicate. 6, Peke (peek). 11, Segm-ents. 13, Intended. 14, Sh-a-ping. 17, H(ill)-over. 19, Albs (anag.) 21, To-i-l.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 7717 - SOLUTIONS Across

- 7, Impoverished. 8, Arrest. 9, Toupee. 10, Bloated. 12, Edict. 15, Gamut. 16, Cheroot. 18, Bridge. 20, Tsetse. 22, Manslaughter.

Down - 1, Umbrella. 2, Tome. 3, Feather. 4, Filth. 5, Shoulder. 6, Idle. 11, Abundant. 13, Chop-suey. 14, Shotgun. 17, Hello. 19, Rome. 21, Echo.