This crossword No. 21776 clues and answers were published on Thu 23 Dec 1999 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 21776 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Sent a goody-goody inside – so wise! : SAPIENT
5-across – Favour changing over to trees : ROSETTE
9-across – A single Greek character in drink required a ventilator : AIRHOLE
10-across – Overweight girl’s parents : FATHERS
11-across – Has to step out quite quickly : POSTHASTE
12-across – A large stretch of water where birds can raise their young : AERIE
13-across – Means of measuring a sovereign : RULER
15-across – By backing those flying, they’ll get some improvements made : REPAIRMEN
17-across – What prompts one to go without a rest : REMAINDER
19-across – Called for some caution in a medical procedure : NAMED
22-across – Indifferent article written by retired clown : ALOOF
23-across – Accident due to mechanic’s carelessness : MISCHANCE
25-across – Really disagreeable when unwell – right to stay in bed : ILLBRED
26-across – Try at one point with a will : TESTATE
27-across – Moving unpredictably like the salvage collectors? : TOTTERY
28-across – Most jaded relations cut a virtuous individual : STALEST
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Camera operator in a foul mood? : SNAPPER
2-down – South American woman studying : PERUSAL
3-down – Optimism returns around a hundred – it’s a great age! : EPOCH
4-down – Walkabout certain to be much appreciated : TREASURED
5-down – Strip firing mechanism : RIFLE
6-down – Place where no one tense is put up : SITUATION
7-down – The more obscure proposition : THEOREM
8-down – Oriental egghead getting behind : EASTERN
14-down – Check press support : REINFORCE
16-down – Parties arranged housing for hangers-on : PARASITES
17-down – He faces facts concerning a heel : REALIST
18-down – Illuminated at night – naturally : MOONLIT
20-down – The authority to give a fellow time : MANDATE
21-down – Most extreme letter written with some irritation : DEEPEST
23-down – Making five hundred pounds in a month in an offbeat way : MADLY
24-down – Old prophet – a shoemaker : HOSEA
This crossword has in total 32 where 16 are across and 16 are down.