30-MINUTE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 It may be well-worn and

well-used (4)

3 Casual observer turned out

to be a Serb spy (8) 9 Leading player is one

taking exercise (7) 10 Dependable form of

alloy (5)

11 It is no screen perhaps, but it

may help in defence (12) 13 She and men get involved

and become engaged (6) 15 Show resentment? Not a

bit! (6)

17 He works at intervals (5-7) 20 Fire-arm part (5)

21 Rich fabric with an

outstanding design (7) 22 They may well be

employed in checking (8) 23 Purchases made at a local

jumble sale (4)

DOWN

1 Recreations of father’s

days (8)

2 Possibly omits when

wet (5) 4 After inflation it offers comfort to the holidaymaker (3-3)

5 Describing the fish that got

away? (4,8)

6 He’s right to take Monday

off (7)

7 Shout in the back alleys (4) 8 They follow their notes

while acting (5,7)

1 2 Neighbouring state (8) 14 Teach me to twist the

knife (7)

16 American expert is

employable (6)

18 Be losing track? (5) 19 Great work from the

picador (4)

PREVIOUS SOLUTION

Across: 6 Simpers; 7 Legal; 9 Shrub; 10 Usurper; 12 Restoration; 14 Natural bent; 18 Talents; 19 Athos; 21 Valet; 22 Coconut.

Down: 1 Might; 2 Spruce; 3 Urn; 4 Regret; 5 Matelot; 8 Ascribe; 11 Straits; 13 Bananas; 15 Uneven; 16 Notion;

17 Bonus; 20 Jot.