CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

3. Kids drink it (5,4)

8. Responsibility gives us no turning back at the outset (4)

9. Man target for a scolding woman (9)

10. Present oneself with a soft fruit (6)

11. Request we turn awry (5)

14. Her sister is a superior person (5)

15. Look after two numbers (4)

16. They rule in the East, anyway (5)

18. A question of time (4) 20. Father puts out a taper (5)

21. Breaks billiards players may be grateful for? (5) 24. Big cuts she makes in fuel (6)

25. Killer who gives one a close shave (3-6) 26. Headland under which one may shelter (4) 27. Biting ditch insect (9)

DOWN

1. Pub gossip? (5,4)

2. Stay to have something to eat and drink (9) 4. Finished and left (4) 5. To doctors they’re grave situations (5) 6. You’ll find it attractive (6)

7. Advanced fast (4) 9. Weeds are found in the back-street (5)

11. Gather together for a service (5)

12. Proceeded - to take the lead? (4,5)

13. He is named for the post (9)

17. Traps designed for fish (5)

19. He first brought to notice the gravity of the world situation (6)

22. It’s held to dispel gloom (5)

23. A cat may be pleased to do it (4)

24. Acquire profit (4)