CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Can Edward be not on the level? (6)

It’s rider gives a balanced performance (8) Double back with a lad going out of turn (4)

In a moderately honest way? (6)

Stop work to play ball? (6) Historic American Johnny (3)

Does it get narrower as it burns? (5)

The ship had cast off (4) A refreshing thing to do (5) Confused reign in Africa (5) Shelf with an angled margin (5)

Nothing more than a desperate message, to be fair (2-2) 26 Weapon that points the way (5)

It may get a laugh – or silence! (3)

Jumps the gun, perhaps? (6)

Charged for being ill in bed (6)

Before spreading a net? (4) Finishes OK, going first-class to the terminus (4,4) Possibly intend to place an order (6) 7 8 10

11 14

16

17 19 21 22

23 28 29 30

31 32

33

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5

Skilfully fashions many floating structures (6) Went all over the place when routed? (6)

As expected, not exactly dull! (4) Broadcast jazzy singing by one’s better half (7) A business issue of some 6 8 9 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 description (5)

Bar a beginner at all times (5)

Terrible anger, being at a dead end (4)

Local bishop’s vestment? (3)

Can such recruits go to war? (3)

Maintains there’s something to play for (5)

In extremes of poverty, she always has breakfast! (5) In the middle, you need courage (5)

Disburden oneself of a bit of a harridan (3)

Born in northeast Middlesex (3)

A change of place, as at Milton Keynes (3,4) 22

23 24

25 26 27

28 30 Not a standard exclamation, but could be called common (3)

A seasoned pair (6) Look for a duck with a broken leg (4)

Like the outmoded trilby? (3,3)

It blooms in a monastery garden (5)

By air, perhaps, on part of Maidstone? (5) Fagin’s tipple? (3) Indonesian name for a second-class road (4)