This crossword No. 23012 clues and answers were published on Fri 12 Dec 2003 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 23012 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Expression of surprise following books for the play : OTHELLO
5-across – Die to complete the training : PASSOUT
9-across – Broken leg, we hear, could adjust one’s speed : GEARWHEEL
10-across – Girl with bad back after a ball : OLIVE
11-across – The senator’s own alliance : NATO
12-across – Machine : CHECKMATED
14-across – The way to go round using a permit : BYPASS
15-across – Pedal in church the French set in order : CELESTE
16-across – Butterfly man? : PUCCINI
18-across – Sweet nothing when one displaces hydrogen : NOUGAT
20-across – Make known that an ambassador almost dined : ANNUNCIATE
21-across – British soldier returning in ship : BRIG
24-across – ‘esitate with time to turn aside : AVERT
25-across – Big room one left untidy – a mess : IMBROGLIO
26-across – Two of these for a match? : ELEVENS
27-across – Carries out one’s personal belongings : EFFECTS
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – A noted publication : ORGAN
2-down – Well! Fancy lathe being seen in hospital yard! : HEALTHY
3-down – Code number for the fabric : LAWN
4-down – The position lies precariously to begin the fighting : OPENHOSTILITIES
5-down – Control applied by artist in copper : POLICECONSTABLE
6-down – Indicator of trouble to come before the fall : STORMCLOUD
7-down – Dope obtained as a symbol held by explorer : OPIATES
8-down – Shift altered to work by foot : TREADLE
13-down – I’m held up by overheads in the theatre : MARIONETTE
16-down – Calm letter from abroad about high rise turned up : PLACATE
17-down – Admit defeat against a good player, say : CONCEDE
19-down – Synthetic account worried Cyril : ACRYLIC
22-down – The whole taken together is repulsive : GROSS
23-down – Rich man to the fellows below? : TOFF
This crossword has in total 30 where 16 are across and 14 are down.