CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

28/3 ACROSS

1. It may be a second when the audience slips out for a drink (8)

4. Too pleased with oneself as one sticks it back (4)

8. It has a turn in the past (3)

9. How to fake a sweetmeat (5)

10. It is, for example, an opportunity of speaking (3)

11. Take legal possession of one to undo MP perhaps (7)

12. Follow step by step what is barely detectable (5)

13. Fated to die, pretends it’s otherwise (11)

17. A bit of it is not together (5)

18. Showing foresight, might put end right (7)

20. Understand how it may obtain (3)

21. Wild beast of the cat tribe that turns on cue (5)

22. It’s a rummy sort of spirit (3)

23. Variety act will not go straight (4)

24. The floor is covered when one’s had up for reprimand (8)

DOWN

1. Having the right slant with the printed word (6)

2. Some soldiers will parade the colour (5)

3. Went on to say it would value the tax (5)

5. It might seem gas could be passed on the internet (7)

6. Hot water spout eyes turn to in Greece (6)

7. It spins it out in the process of separation (10)

9. Underlying base of nut in a food preparation (10)

14. Nuclear plant that tore car to pieces (7)

15. Grub acquired for a halfpenny at first (6)

16. Removed the hard seeds when drunk (6)

18. A pagan sort of cutting-weapon (5)

19. Dined, one is told, with the crew (5)