Daily crossword

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1. Flags other things can be measured by (9)

8. Top performer - one in suit (3)

9. Group 2 in school are not the best (6-5)

11. A fault tired me out (7)

12. Die out after the doctor removed the moisture (5)

13. Do rather more than tan (6)

15. It is given in speech (6)

17. A step made by the baker, perhaps (5) 18. Boring Edward with acknowledgements of debt (7)

20. Yet intact, apparently (4-3-4)

22. See idiot in compassion (3)

23. Passing by vote, alternative solution? (9)

DOWN

2. It’s a bit of a bind when the scores are level (3)

3. He has a consuming interest (5)

4. Quote again - yes, quote from memory (6) 5. Don’t desert - prepare for attack (7)

6. Does chairman’s last word disfranchise him? (7,4)

7. The man, his abode, and what he wears on top (4-5)

10. The usual meaning of sound practical approach (6,5)

11. Said paper will vanish (9)

14. 100 must have been slimming - the result of washing! (7)

16. Standing in protest at usual time (6) 19. Dunderhead is in good health. He’ll live! (5) 21. Some missing the wickedness! (3)

QUICK CLUES

ACROSS

1. Pompous (9)

8. Aged (3)

9. Curse (11)

11. Superintend (7)

12. Main (5)

13. Rumpus (6)

15. Spirit (6)

17. Decree (5)

18. Insult (7)

20. With diligence (11)

22. Small child (3)

23. Artifice (9)

DOWN

2. Edge (3)

3. Frock (5)

4. Wild ass (6)

5. Incident (7)

6. Quarrelsome (11)

7. Decoration (9)

10. Hasty (11)

11. Indecency (9)

14. Hates (7)

16. Pantry (6)

19. Van (5)

21. Falsehood (3)

SOLUTIONS TO PUZZLE 10,774

QUICK Across: 1 Tremendous; 7 Chant; 8 Prosaic; 10 Evermore; 11 Calm; 13 Estate; 15 Reveal; 17 Alas; 18 Despotic; 21 Explode; 22 Night; 23 Persistent.

Down: 1 Trade; 2 Estimate; 3 Expire; 4 Drop; 5 Unaware; 6 Accelerate; 9 Complicate; 12 Response; 14 Trample; 16 Recess; 19 Tight; 20 Boss. CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Look before; 7 Ought; 8 Trimmer; 10 Metaphor; 11 Tape; 13 Naming; 15 Goethe; 17 Alan; 18 Coverlet; 21 You leap; 22 Plato; 23 Belladonna.

Down: 1 Light; 2 Outspent; 3 Bottom; 4 Fair; 5 Rampart; 6 Commentary; 9 Re-election; 12 Homespun; 14 Measure; 16 Cooped; 19 Liana; 20 Meal.