The Brain Teaser

No. 8,569

ACROSS

1. Be reluctant to be seen as a rugged sort (6)

4. A rival will pop out before one for half a pint (8)

10. Take too long to sprint off the track (7)

11. It will keep you warm and quiet (7)

12. The number of men in employment (4)

13. Marked and officially proclaimed (10)

16. The method by which my set's put together (6)

17. Bound to be confident (7)

20. It's nothing specific, officer (7)

21. Theatrical investor – a lady (6)

24. He'll attend to you when you're late (10)

25. Be afraid of the fellow (a listener) (4)

27. Extend a period of imprisonment (7)

29. Speak badly of a ceasefire when Bill drops in (7)

30. 'Morally corrupt period of time' (New Testament) (8)

31. At one point, removes the amounts wagered (6)

DOWN

1. A desirable quality in one's dogs, perhaps (8)

2. Think of how to exploit the boss (3,4,4)

3. Boast about what's worn (4)

5. Think about getting mother something nice to put in the wardrobe (8)

6. Leaving to play golf, which is disturbing (3-7)

7. A measure of belligerence (3)

8. Long angry speech made by one in the business (6)

9. Item recorded by a competitor (5)

14. A vessel from the East? Rubbish! (7,4)

15. Held special festivities on becoming famous (10)

18. Roman hat worn for a race (8)

19. Henry is stuffy and completely bald (8)

22. Detestable dog the man brought up (6)

23. Mean sort of officer (5)

26. Separate role (4)

28. Legendary creature partly resembling the crocodile (3)