The Times - Cryptic - Times Cryptic - December 4, 2014

 The Times - Cryptic - Times Cryptic 25961 - December 4, 2014

Clue	Answer
Artful, double quick?	CLEVERCLEVER
At back of hall, nine soiled sheets	LINEN
Band member neighbour upset	TUBA
Bear up — remain silent, as each begins	URSA
Bovine gripe	BEEF
Capital squandered, faces day of ill-omen	IDES
Co-operate with instructions on a Christmas cracker?	PULLTOGETHER
Communist changing sides retaining purpose for causes	ENGENDERS
Dance music then sure ruined conversation	DISCOURSE
Dummy drug	DOPE
Game slower? I cry, a little put out	TIMEWASTER
Hippo's heading into reservoir, swimming as a hippo!	RIVERHORSE
In a state, but Oregon possesses a state capital	BATONROUGE
Infiltrating group, scoundrel after speed for apparent druggie?	SPACECADET

Clue	Answer
King requiring line in red or white, one choosing shoe	WINKLEPICKER
Maybe colouring round first of copies proves compelling	ADDICTIVE
Old king everyone can see in skirt	TUTU
One covering miles, reaching peak	ACME
One entertained by short routine — he shouldn't complain	STOIC
Parasite in power, say?	MITE
Plotters out to catch alumnus in main trap	LOBSTERPOT
Proving an obsession, like wallpapering or calligraphy?	ALLCONSUMING
Put up with shocking treatment by head of state	ERECT
Record about military engagement needing no introduction as a reference	DICTIONARY
Salt thus back in pubs polished off	PHOSPHATE
Take part twirling in dance, social function	COSEC
Wasp, perhaps, gobbling me up, good sweetmeat	STEMGINGER
Wife has recovered drink	BETTERHALF