Double Crossword

Choice of cryptic or quick puzzle, and (just in case you’ve been wracking your brains) yesterday’s solutions.

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. He refused to accept tyranny or play the informer (4)

3. It may form a strong attachment to a craft (8)

8. Size of field for a medley-race? (4)

9. Flinch because of a handicap (8)

11. You may like a nip from this dog (5,7)

13. Minister of a sport, perhaps (6)

14. He attacks the copper with acid (6)

17. Possibly Reg thinks of a red card (4,2,6)

20. A mammoth beast disposed to stand and moo (8)

21. False witness who turns to abuse (4)

22. New version of a decent love story (8)

23. Immensely bad character (4)

Down

1. A wing consisting of ten parts (8)

2. They carry heavy burdens in many ways (7)

4. Didn’t deny it’s a selfish characteristic (6)

5. Occasionally in the past and present (3,3,4)

6. Seat of learning? (5)

7. Creatures obtained from a whelk-stall (4)

10. Keep a firm grip (10)

12. Soft substitute for jam (8)

15. Fish bone? (7)

16. Keeping up an empty compartment (6)

18. Publication for children (5)

19. Nelson held her in high esteem, maybe (4)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Adorn (4)

3. Shame (8)

8. Talon (4)

9. False (8)

11. Shown (12)

13. Nakedness (6)

14. Daze (6)

17. Drawing (12)

20. Ruminate (8)

21. Track (4)

22. Amplified (8)

23. Curve (4)

Down

1. Degenerate (8)

2. Stuffed (7)

4. Imply (6)

5. Gigantic (10)

6. Solitary (5)

7. Simple (4)

10. Teacher (10)

12. Soaked (8)

15. Secret (7)

16. Figure (6)

18. Lawful (5)

19. Pain (4)

Wednesday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 In the saddle; 9 Inverse; 10 Unite; 11 Lille; 12 Lie down; 13 Toasts; 15 Flutes; 18 Coal-pit; 20 Gamma; 22 Error; 23 Titanic; 24 Impersonate.

Down: 2 Novel; 3 Hardest; 4 Spells; 5 Deuce; 6 Laid out; 7 Bill-sticker; 8 Tennis match; 14 Anagram; 16 Lighten; 17 States; 19 Puree; 21 Monet.

QUICK

Across: 1 Acknowledge; 9 Treason; 10 Skate; 11 After; 12 Endless; 13 Gloomy; 15 Sadden; 18 Therapy; 20 Trail; 22 Adage; 23 Instant; 24 Protagonist.

Down: 2 Cheat; 3 Nostrum; 4 Winner; 5 Eased; 6 Go-ahead; 7 Straightway; 8 Personality; 14 Open-air; 16 Artisan; 17 Dyeing; 19 Alert; 21 Amass.