THE BIG CROSSWORD

ACROSS

9 Put it down to some characteristic you possess (9) 10 Delivering a rebuke, but going no

further (7,2) 12 A time back, too (4) 13 In trouble from scratch (6) 14 The ship previously built is

coming in for repairs (7) 15 Eggs, perhaps, that don’t stay

intact long (9) 17 A pink liquid bought at the

pharmacy? (9) 18 Allows one is pained by (7) 19 “Good gracious, dad,” I broke in.

“It’s nearly lunchtime” (6) 20 Break in the game (4) 23 The girl from downstairs with the

bad knee? (9) 25 Having the right to open up, as a

self-employed person (9) 26 The boat train! (4) 27 Think the notice about it seemed

funny (6) 29 Mix with people of the criminal

kind (7) 32 The unlikely event of its being

sour? (3,6) 34 Says the fellow is a politician (9) 35 I had a setback at work, but

they’re calming (7) 36 I’m grateful that Henry’s on time

(6) 37 Paid one back for the article (4) 38 Ascertains, when one removes

the wrapper? (9) 39 Study and try hard when they

force one to (9)

DOWN

1 The illegal substance, catch one putting into tins (8) 2 By which the fortunate swimmer won the competition? (6,2,4) 3 Be better than, at schoolwork? (8) 4 After a day and a quarter, some leave (6) 5 Seemed to have been published (8) 6 After shuts, have a frightening experience (5,5) 7 From the waves in the front of the ship, getting sick (7) 8 It shows a lack of character, in a word (10) 11 Get to embrace again when you

receive and welcome (5) 16 He maintains he’s used to

handling animals (6) 19 Mother brought back crackers (3) 21 Giving nothing away about the

failure to lock up? (12) 22 Having gone without one to open up and take a look (6) 23 Hello! This is a fine state of affairs! (3,2,3,2) 24 Manage now to tend to (10) 25 Freed again, went off and had a

meal (3) 28 We set out at the outset to be

most charming (8) 29 Excellent at deciphering codes (8) 30 It’s my belief there are people in

the building (8) 31 There’s inflammation and it’s a bit

blue (7) 33 How one looks through the

cookery book to find drinks? (5) 34 Pose as a sportsman (6)