Giant Crossword

Across

9 Tests the microphone when one cajoles? (5,4) 10 Wrench from the reckless youngster (8) 12 Little bit of the first half of the alphabet (4) 13 Ready to go walkies when you lure into trouble? (4,2)

14 Drew into conversation, as promised (7) 15 If lacking in potential, it’s improbable (3,6) 17 The carpet is to take across to the church (9) 18 Cool out and it’s the end of August (7) 20 Mother used to work in it with this awful ugly woman (6)

21 Rushes back to give it a whirl (4)

24 From now on a shade retiring and I’m not surprised (2,6)

26 Strange characteristic (8)

28 The thing was presented to one on return (4) 29 A drink that’s lacking in body? (6) 31 Offering to be there (7)

34 Finds, when one cancels the insurance on? (9)

36 As the exhausted musician is? (6,3) 38 Giving bad tips causes resentment (7)

39 Call on and see round, with one’s relations (4,2)

40 Man the worm doesn’t like to see approaching it! (4)

41 Is not sprinkled on the dry parts (8) 42 Do business with, but clearly feel superior to (9)

Down

1 Clasped one tightly, but it was not natural (8) 2 ‘Virtually the last resort,’ the doctor interposed (6)

3 Return at one ten, prepared to take a break (8)

4 How you said ‘Close that window, I’m freezing’? (6)

5 Level with the post (8)

6 What you were singing in the shower? (5,5) 7 Catching and sacking? (7)

8 Tense, you say, when under instruction (6) 11 Loving to make a fuss when you call on (7) 16 Squabbling with somebody while queuing? (2,1,3)

19 Quite a few are scratch (5)

20 The rampant animal does detract from the beauty (3)

22 Even providing transport (5)

23 Sounds like a support claim (6) 25 Does it make a dent in the good weather chart? (10)

26 A knock and an answer to ‘Who’s there?’ (3)

27 The wagtail? (4,3)

30 Clearly anxious, on finding the balance reduced (8)

31 They play in Spain, as arranged, first (8)

32 Packed it all in is what it amounted to (8)

33 Mean to cheat over money (7) 35 When there’s sun, habitually will thaw (6)

36 Quick! Tell me what to say! (6) 37 I ring haphazardly round first, as a beginning (6)