Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

7. News of a clap of thunder, for example? (7,6)

8. Times when even the leading lights are weak? (4,4)

9. Step taken when telephoned? (4)

10. Festival organiser can make it safe (6)

12. A whiff from the bar (6)

14. Doesn't touch foliage (6)

16. Again kind in holiday place (6)

18. Excitement in jail? (4)

20. The inspector can become very sour (8)

22. Local anaesthetic for the few? (7,6)

Down

1. Disregard but save up (3,5)

2. Posts in which money is at risk? (6)

3. A girl to rave about (4)

4. Angry lawyers perhaps hit by shot at goal? (8)

5. Press a rare reform (6)

6. One fled to the country (4)

11. What an idiot Edward is to have helped! (8)

13. Go to the next page for the value of business done (8)

15. Never mind inclusion of destructive creatures (6)

17. May set out when it's hot and misty (6)

19. It is cut short when cur has it (4)

21. Currency is right also (4)

Quick puzzle

Across

7. Decay (13)

8. Distribute (8)

9. Nemesis (4)

10. Raise (4,2)

12. Blurred (6)

14. Appliance (6)

16. Hostility (6)

18. Level (4)

20. Shyness (8)

22. Sin (13)

Down

1. Fragile (8)

2. Pair (6)

3. Twirl (4)

4. Collect (8)

5. Choke (6)

6. Expense (4)

11. Glamour (8)

13. Turning (8)

15. Mean (6)

17. Unassuming (6)

19. Entice (4)

21. Encounter (4)

Thursday's solutions

CRYPTIC – Across: 1 Pisa; 8 Violin solo; 9 Producer; 10 Loom; 12 Across; 14 Shifty; 15 Missed; 17 Cutter; 18 Seal; 19 Squashed; 21 Distressed; 22 Sale. Down: 2 In practice; 3 Avid; 4 Forces; 5 Citrus; 6 Psalmist; 7 Room; 11 On the level; 13 Obsolete; 16 Dispel; 17 Course; 18 Side; 20 Suds.

QUICK – Across: 1 Hint; 8 Honourable; 9 Quagmire; 10 Hope; 12 Circle; 14 Sorrow; 15 Garnet; 17 Styled; 18 Pest; 19 Almighty; 21 Pugnacious; 22 Heed. Down: 2 Illuminate; 3 Thug; 4 Invite; 5 Duress; 6 Fatherly; 7 Sere; 11 Projectile; 13 Constant; 16 Trance; 17 Summon; 18 Pipe; 20 Gash.