CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

17/11

Across 1. Its unfolding is what carries the plot a stage further (11) 7. Blue rot could be a nuisance to one (7) 9. The Peel family puts its son first (4) 11. Twilled cotton is a feature, nothing more (5) 12. Use a bike, one is told, to sell trifles (6) 14. Where one may see tassels is borderline (2,3,6) 18. Once non-u, augury’s considered sweet (6) 20. It should have made things smooth, being cut (5) 22. As trim as an ox can be (4) 23. Let it stand out a long way off (7) 24. It might pertain to business area, the quality of hanging on (11)

Down 2. Loss of soil where no ore is taken from it (7) 3. Follow instruction and get honour at start of year (4) 4. The eye without glasses is not suited to it (5) 5. The staff won’t leave (5) 6. Bury it between the prefix (5) 8. The monks may be union men (8) 10. Super oil-change that may prove dangerous (8) 13. Starts as frigate turns behind the ship (3) 15. It will annoy the worker to be so dashing (7) 16. Is in the habit of taking American gin cocktail (5) 17. Set I’d written out one prepares for publication (5) 19. It’s as serious as a French accent (5) 21. ‘This other __, demi-paradise’ (Richard II) (4)