Double crossword

Published on 14/06/2012 13:56

Choice of cryptic or quick puzzle, and (just in case you’ve been wracking your brains) yesterday’s solutions.

Cryptic puzzle

Across

4. Wizard security device for a national emergency, perhaps (7)

8. Listen out and follow the recruiting officer’s plea (6)

9. Made a pretence a reality? (7)

10. Editorial chief (6)

11. Worker is shy about a humble dwelling (6)

12. Almost a hit with the girl next door (4,4)

18. Dwelling for the people, in principle (8)

20. If one returns a casual hug that will do (6)

21. I’m given a role to communicate (6)

22. They tell how to write endless bad verse, perhaps (7)

23. Take in fun, we hear (6)

24. Still a variety of sausage (7)

Down

1. Refuse to go down? (7)

2. Its days are numbered (7)

3. The respect in which going up meets the point (6)

5. It’s criminal to take a couple of fools in (8)

6. A trail that winds, there may be a catch in it (6)

7. First form (6)

13. Sacked, no doubt! (2,3,3)

14. Put off by act that included a song (7)

15. No unwritten law (7)

16. A poem’s positive points (6)

17. Office desk? (6)

19. I hesitate to claim such valuable fur (6)

Quick puzzle

Across

4. Bulky (7)

8. Yearly (6)

9. Courteous (7)

10. Grumble (6)

11. False (6)

12. Steadfast (8)

18. Recover (8)

20. Zodiac sign (6)

21. Hydrophobia (6)

22. Forbear (7)

23. Vex (6)

24. Communication (7)

Down

1. Gaunt (7)

2. Approve (7)

3. Scamp (6)

5. Well-off (8)

6. Sailors’ song (6)

7. Bravery (6)

13. Rebellion (8)

14. Give joy (7)

15. Pudding (7)

16. Ebb (6)

17. High cloud (6)

19. Motive (6)

Wednesday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Grave-digger; 9 Ten; 10 Love match; 11 Endue; 13 Coroner; 14 Tussle; 16 Relish; 18 Atheist; 19 Panel; 20 Performer; 21 Hue; 22 Settlements.

Down: 2 Run; 3 Valve; 4 Device; 5 Gum-tree; 6 Extension; 7 Street lamps; 8 Shareholder; 12 Discharge; 15 Laid out; 17 Stymie; 19 Purse; 21 Hut.

QUICK

Across: 1 Malediction; 9 Lee; 10 Dismantle; 11 Paper; 13 Dossier; 14 Oboist; 16 Stitch; 18 Air-base; 19 Siren; 20 Immediate; 21 All; 22 Recriminate.

Down: 2 Awe; 3 Elder; 4 Inside; 5 Transit; 6 Outfitter; 7 Kleptomania; 8 Searchingly; 12 Programme; 15 Slander; 17 Becalm; 19 Stern; 21 Act.