Times Quick Cryptic No 1902 by Trelawney

Introduction

4:16. Was really hoping for my second sub 4 minute time, but I just couldn’t crack 14 Down in time.

Solutions

A brief summary of cryptic crosswords —feel free to skip— :

• Each clue has at least one “definition”: an unbroken string of words which more-or-less straightforwardly indicates the answer. A definition can be as simple as a one-word synonym; but it can also be a descriptive phrase like ‘I’m used to wind’ for REEL or SPOOL. A definition by example must be indicated by a phrase like ‘for example’, or, more commonly, a question mark (?). Thus ‘color’ is a definition of RED, while ‘red, for example’ or ‘red?’ are definitions of COLOR. Punctuation is otherwise irrelevant. Proper nouns will appear capitalized, but otherwise capitalization is irrelevant as well.
• Each clue may also have an unbroken string of words which indicates the answer through wordplay, such as: using abbreviations; reversing the order of letters; indicating particular letters (first, last, outer, middle, every other, etc); placing words inside other words; rearranging letters (anagrams); replacing words by words that sound alike (homophones); and combinations of the above. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but the general theme is to reinterpret ordinary words as referring to letters, so that for example ‘lion’s head’ indicates the first letter of LION: namely, L.
• Definitions and wordplay cannot overlap. The only other words allowed in clues are linking words or phrases that combine these. Thus we may see, for example: “(definition) gives (wordplay)” or “(definition) and (definition)” or “(wordplay) is (definition)”.
• The most common clues have either two definitions, or one definition plus wordplay, in either order. But a single, very misleading definition is not uncommon, and very occasionally a definition can also be interpreted as wordplay leading to the same answer. Triple definitions (and more) are also possible.

My conventions in the solutions below are to underline definitions (including a defining phrase); put linking words in [brackets]; and put all wordplay indicators in boldface. I also use a solidus (/) to help break up the clue where necessary, especially for double definitions without linking words.

After the solutions, I list all the wordplay indicators and abbreviations in a Glossary.

Across

1   Look! Game includes new monster’s lair (4,4)
LOCH NESS = LO + CHESS around N

5   Hairstyle for every / mother‘s head (4)
PERM = PER + first letter of MOTHER

8   Thomas, we messed up a bit (8)
SOMEWHAT = THOMAS WE anagram

9   Excited in the past by golf (4)
AGOG = AGO + G

11   Leader of Samurai in tree by a Japanese city (5)
OSAKA = first letter of SAMURAI in OAK + A

12   Smoker’s accessory lost around hotel (7)
ASHTRAY = ASTRAY around H

13   Also carrying suitcase [for] island (6)
TOBAGO = TOO around BAG

15   River travellers not starting dessert (6)
AFTERS = RAFTERS without first letter

18   Idiotic lists we developed (7)
WITLESS = LISTS WE anagrammed

19   Procure license to conceal artifact (5)
RELIC = hidden in PROCURE LICENSE

21   Spoils instrument in retrospect (4)
LOOT = TOOL reversed

22   By oneself, holding hat [for] gangster (2,6)
AL CAPONE = ALONE around CAP

23   Metal unknown / in / Canada, at first (4)
ZINC = Z + IN + first letter of CANADA

24   Sweatier when swimming, so to speak (2,2,4)
AS IT WERE = SWEATIER anagrammed

Down

1   Suddenly attack ruffian hugging tree (4,3)
LASH OUT = LOUT around ASH

2   Mark to pause, initially carrying / bullets northwards (5)
COMMA = first letter of CARRYING + AMMO reversed

3   Modern England, few changes (10)
NEWFANGLED = ENGLAND FEW anagrammed

4   Spiritual healer[‘s] bogus article (6)
SHAMAN = SHAM + AN

6   Grenade is being tossed — get ready! (2,5)
EN GARDE = GRENADE anagrammed

7   Face / extremely greasy — [it’s] humid (5)
MUGGY = MUG + first and last letters of GREASY

10   Neighbourhoods beset by crime [in] global region (3,3,4)
THE FAR EAST = AREAS in THEFT

14   Tested for counterfeit currency? Not this one! (7)
BITCOIN = BIT COIN
Not exactly sure what’s going on here. I think the implication may be that you cannot bite Bitcoin to check if it is authentic. Not the finest execution perhaps of what is nevertheless a nice wordplay idea!

16   Hide Theseus and Ariadne, ultimately, / above minotaur’s home (7)
SECRETE = last letters of THESEUS and ARIADNE + CRETE

17   In addition, / charity [produces] sacred songs (6)
PSALMS = P.S. + ALMS

18   Liszt lawsuit holds back piece of music (5)
WALTZ = hidden reversed in LISZT LAWSUIT

20   Ladies and gents / beginning to exercise [for] free (5)
LOOSE = LOOS + first letter of EXERCISE

Glossary

Wordplay indicators

Abbreviations and little bits