Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

6. Sack workers who fight the blaze (7)

7. Presumably he knows when to draw the line (5)

9 And 2 Down. Drivers at the opera? (6)

10. Rum film to be of many kinds (9)

12. Little Diana’s answer to the break-up (11)

15. Cool even under a hat? (5-6)

17. Scour men’s organisation for users of articles (9)

19. See 20 Down

21. A pose for a teller of fables (5)

22. Was ambitious, but could change to despair (7)

Down

1. Clergyman puts half-a-dozen on vehicle (5)

2. See 9 Across

3. List of dishes of some nutritional value (4)

4. Clothier discharged in better health (9)

5. The driver uses it for a change (4-3)

8. All set to break her (6)

11. Detour provides amusement (9)

13. In using this disc, he means to keep to the plan (6)

14. Ousted from post offices, indeed (7)

16. Glean it could be a higher being (5)

18. A flower climbed higher (4)

20 And 19 Across. Shed light on no particular set of prayers (6)

Quick puzzle

Across

6. Independent (7)

7. Stream (5)

9. Wager (3)

10. Voting-power (9)

12. At variance (11)

15. Misconduct (11)

17. Angry (9)

19. Everything (3)

21. Boast (5)

22. Irreverent (7)

Down

1. Below (5)

2. Cover (3)

3. Carry (4)

4. Designer (9)

5. Agree (7)

8. Join up (6)

11. Submissive (9)

13. Parade (6)

14. Contradict (7)

16. Influence (5)

18. Call (4)

20. Piece (3)

Thursday’s solutions

CRYPTIC - Across: 7 Prepares a meal; 8 The issue; 9 Open; 10 Events; 12 Tether; 14 Ascent; 16 Defect; 18 Eric; 20 Linotype; 22 Puts on one side.

Down: 1 Archives; 2 Option; 3 Urns; 4 Asserted; 5 Impost; 6 Made; 11 Settling; 13 Escapade; 15 Encase; 17 Fetish; 19 Rout; 21 Nine.

QUICK - Across: 7 Fragmentation; 8 Belittle; 9 Item; 10 Divers; 12 Galore; 14 Clever; 16 Hector; 18 Spur; 20 Gloomily; 22 Faithlessness.

Down: 1 Free will; 2 Ignite; 3 Bent; 4 Strength; 5 At will; 6 Bore; 11 Struggle; 13 Roofless; 15 Verity; 17 Coming; 19 Peak; 21 Oust.