THC-crossword thread-6; 4 ans PP till 4 pm IST

[spchennai]

ACROSS
1 One regarded with contempt in back of Swiss taxi (4) SCAB
4 Clergyman, one in important church (8)
10 Slow turtle can, surprisingly (9) RELUCTANT
11 Article on daily crime (5) THEFT
12 Lose one’s grip and experience a setback? (4,7) COME UNSTUCK
14 I had contracted to appear in competition easy to see (7) EVIDENT
16 Makes certain criticisms once leader’s gone (7) ENSURES
18 Very small weapon brought outside in temper (7)
19 King in card game brother cut (7)
20 Novel associated with Rip Van Winkle? (3,3,5) THE BIG SLEEP
24 Concede a European king needs to be ousted (5)AGREE
25 I approach home resolutely (2,7)
26 Star of Oh, Mr Porter! attending passion play (3,5)
27 Band from the south has re-formed (4) SASH
DOWN
2 Harlequin’s sweetheart’s flowers (10)
3 Reason given for climbing Everest as I test her out (7,3,5) BECAUSE ITS THERE
5 ‘elpful tips about more discourteous gatecrashers (9) INTRUDERS
6 Talks to realists for a change, as people have different opinions (2,5,3,5) IT TAKES ALL SORTS
7 Row right after cup game (4)TIER
8 Merit a percentage (4)RATE
9 Male donkey’s load (4) MASS
10 Disease caused by insects? Not originally (7) RICKETS
13 Musicians strum, first to last enthralling boy (10) TRUMPETERS
15 Taste before gathering in fruit (9) TANGERINE
17 Sit around then by piano, in a place where youngsters can play (7)
21 Piece of news I came across after revolution (4)ITEM
22 Birch in centre of willowy wood (4)
23 Ancient city, partly destroyed (4) TROY