This crossword No. 26977 clues and answers were published on Wed 31 Aug 2016 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 26977 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Tool, one used to catch mice? : CATSPAW
5-across – Wise getting pet in, as barking : SAPIENT
9-across – See 19 : STRIP
10-across – Accommodating agreement, rival losing to Guardian tortoise? : TIMESHARE
11-across – Disappointing conclusion in West End show, even in colour : OLIVEGREEN
12-across – Casual greeting, more lofty on the telephone? : HIYA
14-across – A politician catching balls initially is clumsy with both hands : AMBISINISTER
18-across – Wonderful Guardian popular — hopeful about it : AWEINSPIRING
21-across – See 4 : MAIN
22-across – Something unwanted on one’s back, case for a tuxedo? : MONKEYSUIT
25-across – Tireless working to keep one clean : STERILISE
26-across – A ship’s heading into the drink — here? : ATSEA
27-across – See 17 : CHICKEN
28-across – Lager-swilling female somewhat regretted alcoholism, on reflection : LADETTE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – All out there, Greek doctors? : COSMOS
2-down – See 24 : TURPIN
3-down – Sweet confection’s ultimate in licence for vitality? : PEPPERMINT
4-down – Pipe takes a period of time to fill cart : WATER
5-down – Ordering rosé? Me, I’m left to translate! : SOMMELIER
6-down – Capital half lost — that’s a nuisance : PEST
7-down – English friend carrying American agency’s waste away : EMACIATE
8-down – References can be seen by everyone wearing the Asian garment : THESAURI
13-down – World of entertainment, Mickey Mouse deadly sin inspiring revulsion in the end : DISNEYLAND
15-down – Collapse, seeing rascal thus eaten up by wild animal : IMPLOSION
16-down – Hit songs stirring up racism : RAPMUSIC
17-down – Fairies on yellow dish : PERIPERI
19-down – Provocative evening performance somewhere in Hollywood : SUNSET
20-down – Beginning to erupt, chief of clan producing gas : ETHANE
23-down – Diamond, did you say? Prepare to propose! : KNEEL
24-down – Old criminal, man spotted then shot, routine having backfired : DICK
This crossword has in total 30 where 14 are across and 16 are down.