CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
FOR your chance to win, solve the crossword to reveal the word reading down the shaded boxes. HOW TO ENTER: Call 0901 293 6233 and leave today’s answer and your details, or TEXT 65700 with the word CRYPTIC, your answer and your name. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Or enter by post by sending completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 17,066, PO Box 28, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GF. Please include your name and address. One weekly winner chosen from all correct daily entries received between 00.01 Monday and 23.59 Friday. Postal entries must be date-stamped no later than the following day to qualify. Calls/texts must be received by 23.59; answers change at 00.01. UK residents aged 18+, excl NI. Terms apply, see Page 60.
ACROSS
1 Frenchman probing corrupt police produces critical piece (7)
5 Lure convert due to enter southern church (6)
9 Circular road or small part by a lake (7)
10 Distinctive symbols concerning festivity around island (7)
11 Retired writer beginning to understand flightless bird (3)
12 Backward crowd in a current country producing outrage (11)
13 Ostentatious section of Dublin gallery (5)
14 Tolerate comedian in place with leading hotel (3,2,4)
16 Gloomy figure behind South American and Turk mostly (9)
17 Freshwater fish producing smell with head removed (5)
19 Official role associated with a railway (11)
22 Possess mellow nature? Not entirely (3)
23 Gourmet in grand desire to avoid latest in dieting (7)
24 Lab sure to be demolished in European country (7)
26 Charlie without energy follows official survey (6)
27 Taking offence? (7)
DOWN
1 Pair finished book revealing adage (7)
2 After analysis, union reveals bit requiring much work (6,9)
3 Adult half covered card on a table (3)
4 Tightly knit group with old musical instrument (5)
5 Somehow Eve tries to hold first of teacups and napkin (9)
6 A married figure much revered promoted teaching (5)
7 Role councils so played around start of inquiry preliminary to a conflict? (9,6)
8 Old man with stoop in the East End has large belly (6)
12 Herald a fantastic guru (5)
14 Nick accommodates these people? (9)
15 Penny has open sandwich without black paste (5)
16 Experience ruse designed to capture two fellows (6)
18 At work note shy virtuous type shows it (7)
20 Former PM’s framework (5)
21 Brownish-yellow boat initially stuck in a sea around Martinique? (5)
25 Lazy person missing first shot in a tennis game (3)