TWO-SPEED CROSSWORD Cryptic

This two-speed crossword has two sets of clues, but just one grid. If you can’t solve the Cryptic clues, try the Quick.

ACROSS 1

Well, it is a little presumptuous (4)

3 Collect some horse brass

emblems (8)

9 Acquit a sailor and find the

right answer (7)

10 Letter to a relative in

reproach (5)

11 Never out, but not

invariably (12)

13 Make a mistake in making a

cake (6)

15 Aim to climb a steeple (6) 17 Long lane that has a turning

for headwear (3-6,3)

20 Fashion a number, for

example (5)

21 Cocktail for a fellow

traveller? (7)

22 Not altogether how steam is

converted (8)

23 Discover an Eastern secret

agent (4)

DOWN 1

Good grounds for holding sports events (8)

2 The art of making notes (5) 4 Rest in the easiest

armchair (6) 5 You won’t want to, if your remarks are in bad taste! (3,4,5)

6 Mix up an I.O.U. and a bill

for stewed meat (7)

7 Dines in style at smart

restaurants (4)

8 It won’t strike one

directly (8,4) 12 This beam could be fatal if it

fell on you! (5,3)

14 A precious possession one

is not bound to have (7)

16 It’s in our blood (6)

18 Kicks the hired horses (5)

19 They’re possibly found in the

Melbourne museum (4)

Quick ACROSS

1 Cesspool (4)

3 Put together (8)

9 Acquit (7)

10 Tease (5)

11 Variably (12)

13 Cake (6)

15 Hope (6)

17 Headwear item (3-6,3) 20 Mannequin (5)

21 Motorbike

attachment (7)

22 Partly (8)

23 Detect (4)

DOWN

1 Arenas (8)

2 Harmonious sounds (5) 4 Afternoon rest (6)

5 Retract a statement

(3,4,5)

6 Stewed meat (7)

7 Dines (4)

8 Oblique hit (8,4)

12 Science fiction

weapon (5,3)

14 Liberty (7)

16 Part of the blood (6)

18 Chops roughly (5)

19 Flightless birds (4)