CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. A loving get-together to confuse with a rhyme (6)

4. It’s port that could put us in a daze (6)

9. Being apprehensive, is sure no change is possible about five (7)

10. There’s nothing in the halt to make one bend so low (5)

11. The end piece sounds like a story (4)

12. Small dog that will keep turning to it (4)

13. Starts feasting, unless regretting the hair of the dog (3)

15. Baffled rage makes a change for the motorist (4)

16. Take one’s leave in the silence the East forgot (4)

19. Rock height laid bare by return of decay (3)

21. Say what was just said in the chorus (4)

22. Making soup is work for a composer (4)

24. Nothing will idle like this if it’s lubricated (5)

25. It might occur to the AA that the island made the liqueur (7)

26. Is it safe to get hold of it? (6)

27. Loses liquid as they carry lights (6)

Down

1. Buildings, and the interpretations put on them (13)

2. Mending the holes in grand disorder (7)

3. Doubled line to cut off if there’s nothing in it (4)

5. It shows good choice to set fault to rights (8)

6. Printer’s trial demonstrates the strength of alcohol (5)

7. The consequence of making up with Ross – sincere, maybe (13)

8. Flower goes more quickly if top is removed (5)

14. Fragrant colour of lard, even when cut up (8)

17. As one would expect a clay-pit to turn out (7)

18. Propped-up group of sheaves may startle one (5)

20. What remains is right, left in ice-breaker (5)

23. A bit that’s put up to catch one (4)