GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

9 While gaining ground previously (2,7)

10 Before Eve came along Adam was liable to err (4,5)

12 Will a great many houses be built on them? (4)

13 To satisfy, get a permanent home (6)

14 It's black with a silver background (7)

15 Lecture about how birds preen themselves (5,4)

17 How one goes to surpass by outnumbering a little? (3,6) 18 The first few are horrid (7)

19 Sell again at the end (6)

20 The story is good, set in the city (4)

23 No longer blue, having made a lot of money (7,2)

25 By autumn, most of their leaves have gone (9)

26 Settles in a foreign country (4) 27 Was changing the bandage (6) 29 Add "Inside there's a bird bone" (7)

32 Suitable expression for the sergeant major giving an order? (5,4)

34 Very well, better it, chum! (9) 35 Beside a bar out East (7) 36 Continue slowly and boringly --it's monstrous! (6)

37 A big name in astronomy? (4) 38 Teas for three at the tea dance? (3-3-3)

39 They keep servants (9)

DOWN

1 Gave all the information to while one dealt with the forms (6,2) 2 By which the bowler's baby arrived with no complications? (4,8)

3 Mount up and trot after the animal (8)

4 Be taking on a number only to get vanquished (6)

5 Is revealed when one makes one's exit (5,3)

6 A refutation issued from home? (4,6)

7 The cleaner the better half will hire (7)

8 Shipwrecked and icy cold (2,3,5) 11 I came in very damp (5)

16 Pries up with metal objects (6) 19 Knock up as usual (3)

21 Not much to look at, the fool, and he's not in uniform (5,7) 22 Where oxygen is taken, or absorbed (6)

23 Suitable accompaniment for a spring meal? (5,5)

24 Early morning rush (4,6) 25 Those waiting to hear a signal (3) 28 It's best to hide, anyhow, when coming in terribly late (3,5) 29 Stays to have a meal and drinks after (8)

30 Spring roses in a bunch for the dignitary's wife (8)

31 Affix a note to the case (7)

33 Put the dog-end out, dear girl (5) 34 Helps one in and seats are provided (6)