This crossword No. 24886 clues and answers were published on Fri 18 Dec 2009 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 24886 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – Rhino trapping a little dog in tree : CALABASH
9-across – Male full of skill as author : HARTE
10-across – Unexciting substitution for teammate in either half : TAME
11-across – Nurses taking in birds in pain : TENDERNESS
12-across – Lots go under this sledge, for instance : HAMMER
14-across – Powerful lawyers enjoying success, initially, after test cases : EXAMPLES
15-across – Short garment with a cape, 19 : CARDIAC
17-across – Works to improve wicked women following religious education : REVAMPS
20-across – Wild parties mostly providing stimulating drink : APERITIF
22-across – One able to bestow a little money on art, perhaps : PATRON
23-across – In the past, indeed, including whiskey in run : YESTERYEAR
24-across – Storyteller’s current article, side-splitting : LIAR
25-across – Piece of Japanese art hanging in our home : EARTH
26-across – Retire on going bust and seek new direction : REORIENT
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Leading Indian opened a part of the leg area up : MAHARAJA
2-down – Crazy party animal … : HARE
3-down – … and crazy fellow-drinker, together showing nested 4 19 : HATTER
4-down – Results of reassessment seen in 9 and 25, 15 17, 22 across and down, 24 across and down, and 6, perhaps : CHANGES
5-down – Connect holes in particular order with one : SHOELACE
6-down – Intend, in new start, possibly to relocate : TRANSPLANT
7-down – After temperature’s dropped, let’s consider tenant : LESSEE
13-down – They control debates, including way speakers start off : MODERATORS
16-down – Hard pressed by corrupt actuary in total control : AUTARCHY
18-down – Originally presumed toxic, odorous kind of amine : PTOMAINE
19-down – See 4 : OFHEART
21-down – Briefly looked gaunt from fatigue or irritated, we hear : PEEKED
22-down – American singer also a bit off, presumably : PARTON
24-down – Foreign currency’s shown up in 25 : LAIR
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.