Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

4. Current numbering for the bill (7)

8. Host got upset about graduate being a doubter (6)

9. Babyhood is as imagined (7)

10. Firm reprimand for sailor (6)

11. Join up in silent revolution (6)

12. Somebody watching the old boy with the waiter (8)

18. Unnecessary sharp instrument on ship (8)

20. Egghead is into jazz and needlework (6)

21. The collision was the doing of a mischievous child (6)

22. Somehow detains as substitute (7)

23. Six join true organisation for moral goodness (6)

24. Fair old wild state (7)

Down

1. Do smart turns help aspiring performers achieve it? (7)

2. 100 being tried out in competition (7)

3. E.g. warn disturbed composer (6)

5. The opposite of talk (8)

6. Profound adviser has nothing to clear out (6)

7. The most discriminating insect perhaps (6)

13. Sentinel protecting vehicle in the front line (8)

14. Net play resulting in forfeit (7)

15. There’s a new big plant (3-4)

16. Partly backing plan revision in spring (6)

17. Male who can never lose? (6)

19. Kill mother for her estate (6)

Quick puzzle

Across

4. Sideways (7)

8. Fated (6)

9. Surround (7)

10. Scope (6)

11. Powerless (6)

12. Ignominious (8)

18. Overcome (8)

20. Subtract (6)

21. Skill (6)

22. Submissive (7)

23. Downright (6)

24. Set up (7)

Down

1. Opposed (7)

2. Depict (7)

3. Sitting (6)

5. Uncommon (8)

6. At sea (6)

7. Fortress (6)

13. Celebration (8)

14. Figure (7)

15. Law (7)

16. Win back (6)

17. Beginning (6)

19. Scant (6)

Thursday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Proper place; 9 Tip; 10 Insensate; 11 Maple; 13 Against; 14 Desert; 16 Morass; 18 Amiable; 19 Salon; 20 Editorial; 21 Cue; 22 Stand a round.

Down: 2 Rip; 3 Pride; 4 Rascal; 5 Long ago; 6 Chain mail; 7 Stamp dealer; 8 Rent asunder; 12 Pessimist; 15 Rub down; 17 Retina; 19 Salvo; 21 Can.

QUICK

Across: 1 Corporation; 9 Old; 10 Extensive; 11 Feels; 13 Rebuild; 14 Refuse; 16 Detail; 18 Lacquer; 19 Overt; 20 Skinflint; 21 Rue; 22 Deadly enemy.

Down: 2 Odd; 3 Press; 4 Retire; 5 Tenable; 6 Originate; 7 Comfortless; 8 Send a letter; 12 Effective; 15 Stuffed; 17 Brainy; 19 Often; 21 Rim.