CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. Dire meal laid out is meant to be a cure (8)

7. Have the right to talk nonsense in the North (5)

8. Incisive man trod the wrong way (7) 9. A number under revision in empty hod (7)

10. Understand it may have leaves on it (4) 12. Tranquil, lest fur be disturbed (7) 14. Point lever moves on is almost full crumples in half (7)

17. DNA unit reversed in the negative (4) 18. Answer or spend it like this (7)

21. LSE once arranged to put it in with the letter (7)

22. In good time to be almost beheaded (5) 23. Was there when a race finished (8)

▶ Down

1. Sort of control one has or might meet with (6)

2. Sort of notes a seat that could go either way (8)

3. To be a draughtsman is an attraction (4) 4. How we set our hat at a writer (6) 5. Finished on top (4)

6. Of a girl marrying lad with broken rib (6)

7. Integrity shown by son they produce (7) 11. Concord horn may have provided (7) 13. Fuel found if we chop door up (8) 14. Fail to recall how to go and fret about it (6)

15. Unobtrusive fashion seen on the street (6) 16. Resist onslaught if fed up with the conclusion (6)

19. Shem, first on Noah's craft to provide Scot with shirt (4)

20. Some ground for altercation turning up in part (4)