THE GIANT CROSSWORD

CHOOSE cryptic clues or quick, the answers are exactly the same. The Solution will appear in MONDAY’S PAPER.

ACROSS 13 Am I peculiar? Will nobody else be there? (2,2,4,2) 14 One backed into tree, hassled by followers (7) 15 Hole, large, in floppy robe. Something Spaniard’s wearing (6) 16 Speak indistinctly, having knocked back double rum (6) 17 Give little drink to. It’s on me, for a change (7) 18 Agree, with time, will be a friend (5) 19 What you were given when called very early (4) 20 Sounding the alarm — a siren? (5) 21 Hot, one’s swallowed and it hurts (5) 22 And prepared to change his nationality (6) 23 Turn back to the bigwig (5) 28 Getting into right school, do well (7) 30 Carole, released, is carrier of hospital infection (7) 33 Though proving profitable, getting rid of (6,3) 36 More lacking in polish. That’s what’s wrong (6) 38 Forces head of police to enter into swindles (5) 39 Photograph not from mobile (5) 40 For theft, I run in fast (6) 42 Group also gathering outside hotel (5) 43 Three points behind, with near frenzy, catch (7) 44 Pants — large bags required to accommodate (6) 46 Go off for a short walk (4) 49 How fat will splutter on rotisserie? (4) 51 From where? From the west, consequently (6) 53 A temporary gate, for instance? (7) 55 The pound is dragged into money conflict (5) 59 Introduction to a course in French (6) 60 Tone of voice used for a sales talk? (5) 61 Do talk about energy (5) 62 Clergyman, as usual, protecting drunken sot (6) 63 Fried potato — a lot ordered to go with a sausage (9) 65 Overcome by emotion again, is forced to leave (7) 66 Pushed — for time? (7) 70 Sequence in which to choose from a menu (5) 71 High-pitched ‘Mum! Rex has got sick’ (6) 73 A bit of snow and cold rain on first and second of April (5) 75 New — or overfamiliar (5) 80 She keeps the pupil within bounds (4) 82 Got up and is back, therefore, in time (5) 83 Mug is brown, dark, new (7) 84 Thanks for the encouragement (6) 85 A quick look at and a ‘Good boy’ (6) 86 Brave — the impudence of the little creature (7) 87 Gracious! Is that why Santa always gives me presents? (2,8) DOWN 1 Suppose, when America backs me (6) 2 In farcical tussle, doctor takes a fall (8) 3 Entice many inside with bread (5) 4 Bear a most peculiar child (7) 5 Is always up and about to prepare for an exam (6) 6 Right what’s wrong about, that creates annoyance (5) 7 Drunk, doesn’t stagger (6) 8 A tin’s poured out. Won’t half be quick to prepare! (7) 9 Is abashed that one’s grown too fat for? (5,5) 10 Toes the line when English boys play around (5) 11 At one’s side is the champion quiche maker (8) 12 Cut by three thousand (4) 24 Submit, when I get caught, to being taken in by policeman (7) 25 Be taught to rely on, right through (5) 26 End at half four, near about (7) 27 Does wrong. Is quietly incarcerated to get rid of (7) 29 Get as far as ‘Were aching to embrace’ (5) 31 Tough guy she managed to restrain (2-3) 32 Dash! That shows the land is marshy (4) 34 Can travel almost free round the country (6) 35 Hand down of your own volition (4) 37 Nonsense! Horse-drawn vehicle gave rise to mechanical one (7) 41 The animal lets out a succession of sharp sounds (7) 45 Plans to have child star performing (6) 47 The wife, steely, set about in a charming way (7) 48 Mad about, as the adherents are (5,2) 50 Cat nap disturbed by the rain (7) 52 Firm with tots, taking off to beds (4) 54 Top of recipe is missing, confusing a bit (5) 56 Keep the last half or quarter (5) 57 Oxford, perhaps, is home I’m leaving (4) 58 Games of a quiet kind, accepts (5) 60 Forced to endure, to get passed by Parliament (3,7) 64 Nice excuses to have a half pint (8) 67 Frenchman, a hard worker: military man (8) 68 Insect the others gather round in cold weather? (7) 69 Dress is black and silver; Eastern (7) 72 All frantic about the awful killing (6) 74 Writing on a daily, is fascinating (6) 76 Emphasise there’s a second lock (6) 77 Relationship started to unravel afterwards (5) 78 Join you night after, say (5) 79 Rush after the snow bird (5) 81 Lie atrociously to the bitter end and annoy (4)