Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. Unsavoury scoundrel (3,3)

4. This singer, given a chance, could win a fortune (6)

9. A job done for nothing? (9,4)

10. Listens out for recruits (7)

11. Superstitious symbol of many following a gambling system (5)

12. Am given little scope (5)

14. Bird doctor goes round to object (5)

18. Shape altered a great deal (5)

19. A bone from Munster (7)

21. Having the wisdom not to get excited (13)

22. What water-pipes should be kept behind? (6)

23. Credit is twice provided in an emergency (6)

Down

1. Strike for which the catering staff is responsible (6)

2. Ambiguous combination of nobleman and guide (6,7)

3. Entrances groups of spectators (5)

5. It may be worn as a favour (7)

6. What a metal-worker may say when they go wrong? (5,8)

7. I smoke a strange mixture, being a northerner (6)

8. A case in point? Finish with just the opposite (5)

13. Waiting to be stocked (2,5)

15. The Spanish man comes first in church (6)

16. Legally prevent poets being translated (5)

17. Yet they may form a large part of the weekly wash (6)

20. Three mixed the upper air (5)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Far off (6)

4. Self-possession (6)

9. Unselfish (13)

10. Disease (7)

11. Scorch (5)

12. Pungent (5)

14. Viper (5)

18. Cordage (5)

19. Plant (7)

21. On sale, cheaply (5,3,1,4)

22. Signify (6)

23. Pure (6)

Down

1. Diminish (6)

2. Mistaken idea (13)

3. Taut (5)

5. Delighted (7)

6. In impatient suspense (2,11)

7. Pester (6)

8. Postpone (5)

13. Visible (2,5)

15. Cold (6)

16. Pitch (5)

17. Shoe (6)

20. Confound (5)

Friday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Cabins; 4 Flashy; 9 Public opinion; 10 Rackets; 11 Olive; 12 Prime; 14 Stage; 18 Orion; 19 Adverse; 21 Niggardliness; 22 Rusher; 23 Census.

Down: 1 Capers; 2 Baby-carriages; 3 Noise; 5 Laid out; 6 Sailing orders; 7 Yonder; 8 Toast; 13 Mandate; 15 Joiner; 16 Paddy; 17 Feasts; 20 Voice.

QUICK

Across: 1 Recess; 4 Artist; 9 Disrespectful; 10 Cleanse; 11 Tango; 12 Afire; 14 Plate; 18 Laced; 19 Utensil; 21 Stick-in-the-mud; 22 Duenna; 23 Grille.

Down: 1 Reduce; 2 Cost-effective; 3 Sheen; 5 Recital; 6 Infinitesimal; 7 Tallow; 8 Speed; 13 Redskin; 15 Closed; 16 Funny; 17 Pledge; 20 Ether.