Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS

3. Give short change – it’s a mistake of sorts (9)

8. This is not really done (4)

9. They try to avoid anything in the line of duty (9)

10. But it doesn’t spin over the ring (3,3)

11. Put on edge (5)

14. It splits up the levy (5)

15. We hear doleful breathing when the extent is known (4)

16. Apparently these teams aren’t the tops (5)

18. So backward about turning up for work (4)

20. Act it so as to be understood (5)

21. Youth with the French spoon (5)

24. Dead man’s chest (6)

25. Very much gain should result from it! (1,4,4)

26. Let out for no rent (4)

27. Followers stand in confusion about here (9)

DOWN

1. Trying time for a beginner (9)

2. Bad enough to cause alarm (9)

4. Play, but don’t bother about the score (4)

5. On the one hand, quite justified (5)

6. Northern blockhouses (6)

7. Give her a letter for the collection (4)

9. They’re found on snowshoes – not skates! (5)

11. Slide about and move sideways (5)

12. It’s useful for musicians and haymakers (9)

13. Only a few words, perhaps, but they carry conviction (9)

17. Steals up with a seat (5)

19. Biblical headhunter (6)

22. Deposit for a house (5)

23. Being old, agreed about being dropped (4)

24. Inclination to talk hypocritically (4)