This week’s prize crossword puzzle features challenging clues that will test your wits and wordplay skills. Puzzle enthusiasts can look forward to intriguing wordplay and creative definitions across the board. Review the clues below to embark on an exciting journey to fill in this crossword.
Across Clues
1 Across: Possibly a substandard delivery, it involves a precise hit as a shot arcs magnificently over the cricketer Crawley’s head. (4,5)
6 Across: What follows the inebriating effects of wine, potentially igniting a desire laced with adventure? (4)
10 Across: An antiquated royal favourite who shares his name with a well-known brother named Joe. (5)
11 Across: A forsaken stretch of wetlands whereby an ordinary river has astonishingly dried up. (9)
12 Across: A vocalist remunerated according to his measure, who has not appeared in a concert space. (3,4)
13 Across: Addressing in formal terms, you delve peculiarly into the mindset of a social commentator. (7)
14 Across: Involving the purchase of a US rail service, which could humourously imply a link to a rustic American. (7,6)
17 Across: Containers returned empty, leaving doubts if one can abandon a strategic edge. (8,5)
21 Across: Vital for keeping an operator’s training sharp while cutting initial ties of connection. (7)
22 Across: A method applied by a libertine to identify space in a car park, worthy of a Spooner. (7)
24 Across: From a point of sale, carefully craft a single storage unit stitched into clothing. (4-5)
25 Across: Supplies flown internationally find their final destination around new territory. (5)
26 Across: Specify the current that flows through a specific locale, near an area in Leeds. (4)
27 Across: A diminutive moving group bypasses someone while nearing Bury. (9)
Down Clues
1 Down: Fleeing wolves seems improbable; hence, one might consider rejuvenating treatment. (4,4)
2 Down: A foe from a famous spy movie, ranked just below the ghostly predecessor of an iconic character. (5)
3 Down: A male paramour coordinated a complex hospital outing under NHS provisions to free a child. (14)
4 Down: A possible dispute between a gem trader and his progeny, a creator of fine glassworks? (7)
5 Down: A close companion of Hamlet, providing a comparative measure for an assortment of festive figures. (7)
7 Down: Resembling leaves unfurling, perhaps neither grilled nor tenderised. (3-6)
8 Down: Distinguished for being part of a covert set, but standing out individually in stature. (6)
9 Down: A sacred confidence bolstered by religious devotion halts a daunting ascent on Mount Sinai. (14)
15 Down: Someone holding a lead accountable, potentially infuriating an aggressive party of the United. (9)
16 Down: Mr Pearce demonstrated naive generosity, letting numerous individuals inappropriately exploit his superior. (4,4)
18 Down: Artists withdraw a preferred figure from performing numbers. (7)
19 Down: A cinematographic tool used by a Turner to amplify a feature on display. (7)
20 Down: Craving a piece associated with 25 across, whip up a dish using basmati. (6)
23 Down: Commonly found in bathrooms, could be something that feels appropriate. (5)
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.