CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. It is sure, not like an article (8)

7. A spin one may hit forcibly down the pitch (5)

8. One who swears it will ship the army overseas (7) 9. Belonging to a dealer in stolen property, it’s a crime (7) 10. A digest of laws which may be transmitted in secret (4) 12. Rule fat out, as one’s liable to cry about it (7)

14. High office is what one stands on, expecting respect (7) 17. A cipher may be found at the end of countdown (4) 18. Make liar cut it out or cut it short (7)

21. Is coming down on the level between flights (7)

22. Hang local leader, with backing of New York, going to church (5) 23. Was beaten as one changed channels (8)

DOWN

1. Cadet turning to Heathrow initially for take-off (6)

2. Fold in and go like this if there’s too much liquid (8) 3. When a person shows the back of his neck (4)

4. Hot tar may be used to treat the gullet (6)

5. One among fellows having such an air (4)

6. Breakfast food sounds as if it should be served in instalments (6)

7. Fed up with being behind the clock, let the air out of one’s tyres (7)

11. Heap it quietly around the inscription on the gravestone (7) 13. It is always, among swimmers, hectic (8)

14. Being compliant with the old, ice gets broken (6) 15. Cowardly way to cry out: now that’s not new! (6)

16. It is persistent, the way one followed somebody (6) 19. Race to Gateshead, which is one step up the ladder (4) 20. A benign attempt to hold an insect that bites (4)