Double Crossword
Cryptic puzzle
Across
1. At a pinch it may be used as a sedative (5)
4. Exercise supervision in place of a bishop (7)
8. Attached to a refined redhead (7)
9. Silly girl that is going out (5)
10. Real sort of nobleman (4)
11. Tie up an order for speedy production (4,4)
13. Plans to give mother an additional item (4)
14. Performs after John (4)
16. Place set aside for development (4,4)
17. Mineral used in ancient alchemy (4)
20. Moving a little way in the air (5)
21. After the wine I join the company in the porch (7)
22. Henry and I only fish (7)
23. Separate interval (5)
Down
1. Made fearfully late? (6,2,5)
2. He introduces us to the girl (5)
3. Document studied by racing enthusiasts (4)
4. Ancient words of wisdom from Oswald (3-3)
5. It’s presented at court (8)
6. Barsac’s upset by insects (7)
7. It gives current time (8,5)
12. Joint description of Eve’s origin (5,3)
13. Master takes female, over fifty, in marriage (7)
15. Father has a favourite term of endearment (6)
18. Quick to catch five in a falsehood (5)
19. Hold fast (4)
Quick puzzle
Across
1. Tine (5)
4. Struggle (7)
8. Get back (7)
9. Devout (5)
10. Peer (4)
11. Public tumult (8)
13. Cook (4)
14. Tribe (4)
16. Magician (8)
17. Speed (4)
20. Depart (5)
21. Attending (7)
22. Suite (7)
23. Sedate (5)
Down
1. Vertical (13)
2. Happen (5)
3. Donate (4)4. Bend (6)
5. Wedding (8)
6. Feeling (7)
7. Impartial (13)
12. Sky-blue (8)
13. Touch (7)
15. Join (6)
18. Ring (5)
19. Sediment (4)
Thursday’s solutions
CRYPTIC
Across: 3 Sentiment; 8 Eton; 9 Master key; 10 Anthem; 11 Level; 14 Train; 15 Dine; 16 Tight; 18 Note; 20 Orbit; 21 Exact; 24 Dealer; 25 Take cover; 26 Stir; 27 Better off. Down: 1 Departing; 2 Post-haste; 4 Edam; 5 Title; 6 Marked; 7 Need; 9 Meant; 11 Light; 12 Liability; 13 Lecturers; 17 Tower; 19 Expert; 22 Choir; 23 Lake; 24 Deaf.
QUICK
Across: 3 Spineless; 8 Elan; 9 Bamboozle; 10 Return; 11 Sever; 14 Split; 15 Neat; 16 Heath; 18 Mass; 20 Alarm; 21 Stuff; 24 Detail; 25 Expiation; 26 Slit; 27 Defendant. Down: 1 Wearisome; 2 Tasteless; 4 Plan; 5 Noble; 6 Loosen; 7 Sell; 9 Broth; 11 Staff; 12 Reparable; 13 Stimulate; 17 Haven; 19 Strife; 22 Fated; 23 Axle; 24 Down.