This cryptic crossword, number 30,133, presents challenging clues that puzzle enthusiasts can explore and solve at their leisure.
Across Clues
8, 9 Who or what may be wrapped around a minister? (8, 6)
9 Refer to clue 8.
10 Relate an Eastern poet to an Eastern work of art. (6)
12 An electrical current finds passage, protected by a maternal figure. (8)
13 The appearance of a greedy female with a wifely aspect. (3)
14 Wooden slats are typically situated at certain bar fronts. (6)
16 Could a tumble of Rex on ice explain a bodily gland? (8)
17 Spooner might account for bathroom components found in a small kiosk. (4, 3)
20 A female musical group performs to entertain a cleric. (7)
23 Pouring a French wine from a small container reveals a decorative pattern. (8)
24 An express holds a shining metal. (6)
26 A leader’s prompt for popular tunes. (3)
27 The final part of adhesive securing fabric forms a safeguarding layer. (8)
28 Removing support from just outside London’s financial area. (6)
31 A pioneering fashion, led by the first of singers, perhaps named Bonnie. (6)
32 A notch upward? (3-5)
Down Clues
1, 2 A dupe involving jest about a friend creates confusion. (8)
2 See clue 1.
3 Success when US elements retract, hinting at an admission. (6)
4 When everyone’s indebted, yet it’s not against policy. (7)
5 A dialogue setup involving an English school’s communication tool. (8)
6 A person engaged in handling variables is noted. (10)
7 A French writer breaks a record, hidden inside Liverpool’s entity. (8)
11 Creation of a compact business entity. (3)
14 Bob and Bill meet inside a restricted area. (3)
15 A resourceful speaker facing aged academic men exhibits heroic sophistication. (10)
18 Not a poor meal when it enhances nutritional intake. (8)
19 Recycling ‘our waste’ propels beyond material boundaries. (8)
21 A diminutive female hostess markedly diverges. (3)
22 The contemplative requires duration to survey an estate. (7)
24 An expedition leader’s soldier heading back in Latin attire. (6)
25 The top executive plays host to a monarch. (3)
29, 30 An antiquated computer stored could turn on or off. (8)
30 Refer to clue 29.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.