BLANKOUT

A crossword you construct yourself, adding the answers and the blanks as you go. The clues are in sets of one, two, three or four, guiding you to one, two, three or four words in each line (across) or column (down) indicated at the beginning of each set of clues. Each complete word has a blank at its beginning and end (unless it’s at the edge of the grid). Blanks are arranged symmetrically. To help you, we’ve given you a start with the answer to the clue on Line 9 – ‘Iridescent gemstones’ – which yields the word ‘Opals’. This must sit in the centre of the line to preserve the symmetry.

ACROSS

1 Group of astrological signs; Scottish dish

3 On the rocks; Dried up

5 Healer

6 Unattractive; Long-necked white bird

7 Shine

8 Ice dancer; Hereditary

9 Iridescent gemstones

10 Smallest of a litter; In this position 11 Encourage to do wrong;

Entice or bait

12 Almost closed; Carpet-like plant 13 Readily understood

14 Four-sided figure; Of a racial group 15 Drinks for a group

16 Task that must be done; Object of much admiration

17 Frank

19 Said (to be); Fetter

21 Sofa; Larder

DOWN

A Never beaten

B Move from side to side;

Except under circumstances that C Gain knowledge; Grown-up

D Floppy; Harmful tobacco element; Dairy product in a pot

F Vex; Toady, creep; Repeated melody

H Chip-shop condiment; Strong cider J Courtroom plea of being elsewhere; Erroneous in thought or action; Australian tree-climbing animal

L Vegetables; Edge of a dress;

Small child

M Complete, entire; Possessed N Afternoon nap; Initial cost O Meaningless