Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. Showing terrible balance? (8)

5. American senior journalist employed (4)

9. Dismal sportsman (4)

10. Giving no answer? (8)

11. I get gloomy losing my home (5)

12. When to retire? (7)

13. For those who don’t wish to raise their glasses? (7,6)

18. Possibly puts on airs after a flight (8)

19. Timely indications for junior officers (4)

20. The hag I turned into a meal (4,3)

21. Boy on Brighton seafront? (5)

22. An eye infection from the middle of last year (4)

23. Boss’s tea is knocked over, but it won’t catch fire (8)

Down

2. Term that is musical or legal, perhaps (7)

3. A sign that visitors aren’t welcome (4,3)

4. Priests nearby converted to non-conformists (13)

6. Drinks of medium strength, possibly (7)

7. Steps students may take (7)

8. Put down an advance that’s owing (6)

13. Puts in terms of a furniture shop’s stock (7)

14. Posy that’s perhaps gone, say (7)

15. Turns work into play, perhaps (6)

16. The family sleeps outside in serviettes (7)

17. Some grass to spare, perhaps (7)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Ignore (4,4)

5. Woe! (4)

9. Remain (4)

10. Treason (8)

11. Moving (5)

12. Vilify (7)

13. Seen mentally (2,3,5,3)

18. Frail (8)

19. Adjoin (4)

20. Gab (7)

21. Scorch (5)

22. Sing together (4)

23. Gallantry (8)

Down

2. Craftsman (7)

3. Chic (7)

4. Flashlight (8,5)

6. Relaxation (7)

7. Heartfelt (7)

8. Sorcerer (6)

13. Prompted (7)

14. Cultivation (7)

15. Stimulate (6)

16. Endurance (7)

17. Junior (7)

Tuesday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Archer; 4 Raffle; 9 Canary Islands; 10 Needled; 11 Waste; 12 Actor; 14 Admit; 18 Lance; 19 Trigger; 21 Driving school; 22 Engage; 23 Pretty.

Down: 1 Ascent; 2 Condescending; 3 Enrol; 5 Allowed; 6 Finishing post; 7 Easter; 8 Windy; 13 Opening; 15 Sledge; 16 Stage; 17 Frilly; 20 Incur.

QUICK

Across: 1 Stifle; 4 Favour; 9 Imperiousness; 10 Harness; 11 Ensue; 12 Hurry; 14 Essay; 18 Ambit; 19 Raiment; 21 Embarrassment; 22 Speedy; 23 Mettle.

Down: 1 Slight; 2 Imperturbable; 3 Large; 5 Answers; 6 Overstatement; 7 Rasher; 8 House; 13 Retired; 15 Caress; 16 Break; 17 Statue; 20 Issue.