CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Forehead with new tan (5) 6 Is there cause to sprinkle it? (5)

9 Criticise as dilapidated (3,4) 10 Material with some lasting possibility (5)

11 Nail bent at a right angle, comprehensively (2,3) 12 It’s instrumental in Mozartian magic (5)

13 It’s a disappointment when the colours aren’t fast (7) 15 In college, little girl, there’s more than one (3)

17 Neat sort of room? (4) 18 Guess how many! (6) 19 I repeat, it’s a win (5) 20 Grow abundant in parts of the Thames river (6)

22 She did nothing but found Carthage and partner Aeneas (4)

24 She shows zeal with no boy yet with love in her heart (3) 25 Inspirited to get ahead when attacked (5,2)

26 Turf out! (5) 27 Dashing young man’s sort of bank? (5)

28 It’s played quietly (5) 29 Denied the need to hold a gun (7)

30 Admitted having been bought, perhaps (5) 31 East Ender seen to crack under strain (5)

DOWN

2 Formerly acting president (6)

3 Wither contortedly! (6) 4 Nobody’s said to double for her (3)

5 Nowadays a superior officer is mature (5)

6 So loveless at heart, he was a saint! (7)

7 She has a way with her (4) 8 One dropping in to see your hand? (6)

12 Make a mess of something sweet (5)

13 Musical letter to Disney (5) 14 Keep going southeast round the hill (5)

15 With a bit of luck, free from being sensational? (5) 16 Make progress at a noted college (3,2)

18 Mend (or immobilise?) the thing (3,2)

19 Steered clear of a useless fellow (7)

21 How resoundingly one can beat the opposition (6)

22 Scorn letters with a repetitiveness about them (6) 23 Carrying out small deeds (6) 25 Venture for half days (5) 26 Finished being conned (4) 28 Even a little hope, traditionally, can be dear (3)