SUPER CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 3 Guiding star? (5-5)

8 It is, doctor, pink and blue (6)

9 With a lacy edging, or trim (4) 10 Roundabout way of saying “trapping” (10)

11 Came out with when I went in dejected (3)

13 Colour that will flatter one? (4)

14 What the artist in NE Ireland is living in? (7)

15 Don’t let it stick. Porridge, that is (4) 17 Fasten the pieces the wrong way around (5)

20 The snow-eroded exterior having deteriorated (5)

22 Ask questions, but not with a brogue (4) 24 Catches the girls hiding the bangle (7) 25 Said “Blow the stole!” (4)

27 Very keen on having lots of chilli (3) 28 They show not everything has been cast in the storeroom (5,5)

29 Returned with a little something to eat: fish (4)

30 Observing it’s a dumbbell? (6)

31 In place of the occupant, there’s a soldier (10) DOWN 1 Dejected when given one of the inferior roles? (8)

2 The first man stands to make a proposal (6)

3 For each of the tailless game fish (7)

4 The jagged nail caught the tip of the tongue: yes, tongue (5)

5 Argues with Les, getting a smack (4) 6 Recovers and is allowed to bowl (4,4) 7 The cakewalk? (3,5)

12 Describe the start of the gunfight (4) 14 Pack it in and knock back the brandy (4) 16 Knocks down and there’s a stand-up fight! (4)

17 What the herbalist uses when he, personally, needs medication? (4-4)

18 Fix again and have other people live in it (8)

19 It’s no good being embarrassed (4) 21 Won’t wrap the gun in the cloth (8) 23 Show, for a time, to be anxious about (7) 25 Paddy and I go into the shade (6)

26 Pop around and you’ll see it at the zoo (5)

28 But don’t be profligate (4)