No 14333, Monday 18 Nov 2024, Crescent

Solution to 14A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

8   Calm female, one about to break fast (6) PACIFY {F}{1}<= in {PACY}

9   Rank protects Government leader in office turning insolent (8) ARROGANT {ARRANT} over {G}{Of...e}<= 

10 Lead runs freely in washes (8) LAUNDERS*

11 International organisation working to save lives in accord (6) UNISON {UN}{ON} over {IS}

12 Fetid air circulating chokes passage in mine (4) ADIT <= 

13 Pick up poor creature, tailless pet (10) RECUPERATE {CREATURE+PEt}*

14 Prejudiced when one's last in attempt (6) ?I?S?D (Addendum - BIASED {BI{AS}{onE}D} - See comments)

16 Carelessly making yard a bit dirty? Very much so! (3,3) AND HOW AN{-y+d)DHOW

19 Trouble from dacoits firing a shot (10) DISCOMFORT {FROM+DaCOITS}*

21 English essayist's hit book (4) LAMB {LAM}{B}

23 Only front half wide, narrow inside (6) WITHIN {WIde}{THIN}

24 Alcoholic drinks king arranged in pegs (4,4) PINK GINS {P{KING*}INS}

26 Sailor withdrawing, not prepared to board ship in movie (4,4) STAR WARS {TAR}{RAW<=} in {SS}

27 Dog runs behind couch dropping close to bone (6) SETTER {R}<=>SETTEe}

DOWN 

1   Shot up carrying gold in sack (6) MARAUD {DRAM<=} over {AU}

2   Hearing complaint, can quibble with us (8) TINNITUS {TIN}{NIT}{US}

3   Groom in India denied a say these days (4) SYCE {SaY}{CE}

4   Pathetic chap beginning to dread it in bed (3,4) SAD SACK {Dr..d}{SA} in {SACK}

5   Exultant cast run and pat him on the back in delight (10) TRIUMPHANT {RUN+PAT+HIM}*{d...hT}

6   Humbug, lie really covering piece more hideous (6) UGLIER [T]

7   Some old rent to owner (3,2,3) ONE OR TWO {O}{TO+OWNER}*

13 Basic rule to audit banks ignored - stupid (10) RUDIMENTAL {R}{aUDIt}{MENTAL}

15 Start from home before eleven having time to join high tea (8) INITIATE {IN}{1{T}1}{TEA*}

17 Joys of editor reflecting on answers to crossword clues (8) DELIGHTS  {ED<=}{LIGHTS}

18 Detective wearing fine, posh pants like a dandy (7) FOPPISH {PI} in {F}{POSH*}

20 Be logical, heart may control head without notice (6) COHERE {CO{HEad}RE}

22 Rascal's cheek, ultimately stuffing bread (6) MONKEY {MON{c..eK}EY}

25 Catches when sun rises in cosy den (4) NEST NE(+s)T(-s)

Reference List

Female = F, Government = G, Yard = Y, Book = B, Runs = R, Shot = DRAM, These days = CE, It = SA(Sex appeal), Old = O, Rule = R, Time = T, Detective = PI(Police Inspector), Fine = F, Notice = AD, Sun = S