LATERAL THINKING: CRYPTIC

Use the cryptic clues to solve this crossword with a twist.

ACROSS

1. Balloonists get carried away by empty promises (3,3) 5. Where you will be attended to if you’re patient (8)

8. Is he responsible for finances or levees? (4,7)

10. Odd pearls for friend (3) 12. Dare me to become referee (8) 14. See beam on wax pencil? (6) 15. Col’s fear, out in the open (8) 17. Greatly enjoy pickles (6) 18. Computer’s pointer said to cause one to swear? (6)

20. Hop into stalk for chat about business (8)

22. Stay a miner, in disguise (6) 23. Having a go, like proverb (8) 25. The Queen and I look back in anger (3)

26. Terror Tory! Al sounds very protective of his patch! (11) 28. China was smashed with massacre tool (8)

29. Mixed spices are part of the zodiac (6)

DOWN

2. Where to spread butter when luck is going your way (2,1,4) 3. Dank levels show joint (5) 4. Demolished car for old record company (1,1,1)

5. Sailor’s shout, “Chuck weeding implement!” (5-2)

6. Each performs when classes are dismissed (3) 7. Bewildered to be without a profit (2,1,4)

9. Snails get across roundabout (9) 11. Bad actor allowed to be Shakespeare hero (6)

13. Curse NASA for changing pledge (9)

16. Carla’s wild rogue (6) 19. Discover a hunter gone astray (7) 20. Use oars below yacht. Pole finding common bird (7)

21. Queue over a long period to find out your ancestry (7) 24. Lengths of enclosures (5)

26. Number to hang on board (3)

27. Leave a little extra at the very end (3)