CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

30/11

Across

2. It may increase one’s strength through weakening the gin (5)

5. Account for spirituous drink from Tokyo (4)

7. Lies about there being a dry spot for Man (4)

8. Messed about in a way that’s mechanically trivial (8)

9. Go in for amorous play when old canoe gets broken up (8)

11. Sweep right away for the uncultivated country (4)

12. Went from one side of saloon to the other but left the port (7,3,3)

15. Agreement shows one will take part after quiet start (4)

17. Emphasised how last courses must be put back (8)

19. Twist the spine, so go no farther (4,4)

21. Try to find and understand how knowledge begins (4)

22. Shed tears a little at spy-centre (4)

23. Inclined to lose head, so didn’t go on (5)

Down

1. Don’t hope to get the tune after having sped around (7)

2. Shared position? Get knotted! (3)

3. No latter-day Edwardian can be so worthy of remark (5)

4. Together devise an evening’s entertainment (7)

5. Recognise the authority of a cathedral city (3)

6. Maintains parts of ancient fortifications (5)

10. At the start there’s no returning to the acting area (5)

11. Makes liquor bars we go back into after a loss (5)

13. Trap some veteran sneaking up inside (7)

14. Time of one’s life is not so much if perpetually young (7)

16. Violate rating with advantageous purpose (5)

18. Inclined, like theatre floor, to be passed over violently (5)

20. Small quantity of spirits in the air when it’s cold (3)

21. Said one was gone, which is deplorable (3)