DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. This act cannot be taken straight (4)

3. Make mad clown become quieter (4,4)

9. The old boy has five debts to clear (7)

10. Imply finer make-up

needed (5)

11. Mental ability needed to take in the news? (12)

13. A place to meet in the street (6)

15. Of the stars among fast rally drivers (6)

17. Improving so the gambler

benefits? (3,3,6)

20. Dislike of the mood I

umpire in (5)

21. It didn't happen in novel

form, perhaps (7)

22. Source of directions for the

driver? (8)

23. Tendency to be crooked? (4)

Down

1. Of current interest about

right for very hot areas (8) 2. Fastener I have right

outside (5)

4. Attack makes the idiot feel

unwell (6)

5. A girl's first utterance? (6,6) 6. Functionary just after

skating? (7)

7. Man or mouse? The standard

is included (4)

8. No hothead on the shop

floor! (4,8)

12. Wine to hold in musical

instrument (8)

14. Reason for action by egghead

is causing feeling (7)

16. Remove the sound effects as

it were? (6)

18. Hothead leaves three times in

a very short time (5)

19. Does it make the bull a

winner? (4)

QUICK CLUES:

Across

1. Jealousy (4) 3. Ban (8)

9. Shout (4,3) 10. Coach (5) 11. Gamble (4,3,5) 13. Quick (6) 15. Indifference (6) 17. Gratitude (12) 20. Boredom (5) 21. Voter (7)

22. Bar (8) 23. A surplus (4)

Down

1. Avoiding reality (8) 2. House (5)

4. Rejoinder (6) 5. Revivalist (3-9)

6. Most courageous (7) 7. Melody (4)

8. Private (12) 12. Hideosities (8) 14. Intensify (7)

16. Away from home (6) 18. Praise highly (5) 19. Ooze (4)