Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 04/06/2012

Published on 04/06/2012 00:00

Monday’s puzzle...

ACROSS

1 Built up the French to accept new dispatch (8)

5 Weed out a final conscript in action (6)

9 Stayed in place, having checked over graduate (8)

10 Make connect by going a little way through march land (6)

12 A farmer got a handle on a sapling (6)

13 Work out how to fish with a line (5)

16 Right to object to turn over a long ceremonial (6)

17 Get in a spin, or I’m forced to shut up (8)

20 In a state, at one time, took spades to make hides (8)

21 Breaks into small groups of hawks, on line ... (6)

23 ... and has 30 days, in short, to start selecting small groups (5)

25 Was spin-doctor able to make hay? (6)

28 One has to live with many in the same place (6)

29 Comprehensive left out, replaced by last man being arrested (8)

30 In no time, provided you begin to communicate (6)

31 Stuff needed to cheat the dim-witted (8)

DOWN

1 Black-out, initially, about to become a nuisance (4)

2 Left a politician rather ineffective (4)

3 Cheer up, getting one man in, to leave no trace (9)

4 Ladies are made up to be models (6)

6 Work, in addition, to round off gemstones (5)

7 Fights over joint in a man-of-war (10)

8 The weak point of immaturity may be compassion (10)

11 Force gunners to lead me to get into shape (5)

14 Instead of yielding up, march past in parade (10)

15 After show of resistance, head for observation post (10)

18 Compose primer to go with lecture (9)

19 Have an inclination to make a second run downhill (5)

22 Lead the way, when in favour of self-confidence (6)

24 Frail boat left out by force on board (5)

26 Soon get working on empty accommodation (4)

27 Gain advantage from an allied general (4)