Independent Cryptic #11115

2022-05-28

Solve on Independent →

Across

1a

Scoundrels covering borders of Nicaragua run fake news ... (7)

5a

... while soldiers from the east getting shot outside is matter-of-fact (7)

9a
10a

(and 10 Across) Acting syllabus one's found in a theatre (9,5)

10a

See 9 Across

11a

We gel over base term for Alan Sugar (7)

12a

Darts players want these drinks (7)

13a

Hard done by pilots in court, principally supporting low-flying vehicles (11)

16a

Regularly picking the bay leaves (3)

17a

Breaks in speech for king (3)

18a

Perhaps Tom and I meet - wine drinking is arranged (11)

20a

Danced - barracked soldier's cutting in (7)

22a

On reflection, I'm a nudist removing cardigan, essentially - it's not desirable at the beach (7)

24a
25a

(and 25 Across) Cast plan haiku with shy writer (5,9)

25a

See 24 Across

26a

Most trusting Parisian is on sodium drip (7)

27a

Book edited - back issue reveals when to retire (7)

Down

1d

Angry drunk hit bouncer - do this and there's no going back (5,3,7)

2d

Relative flipped codpiece into trousers (5)

3d

Spit for example, from American tucking into roll (7)

4d

Web producer's film follows bowler (9)

5d

Called for silver during sports day (5)

6d

Solicitors work on escape clauses (3-4)

7d

Behind schedule boarding coach after morning walks (9)

8d

It's said to make you smile - then fix sandwich? (6,3,6)

14d

Very old 10p coin discovered - Hollywood maybe wanting a penetrating interview with the public (3,6)

15d

24, 25 produced this scrap iron, say (5,4)

18d

Twist rope as sailor turns into icy area (7)

19d

Sketched husband wearing make-up with daughter (7)

21d

Arsenal half-heartedly topped up (5)

23d

Backtracking, caught in fib, I laugh and say, "I was in Pizza Express in Woking at the time” (5)