The Telegraph - TOUGHIE CROSSWORD NO: 276 - Dec 30 2009

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Clues Answers
'Girl Guide' in it proves to be a red herring MISLEADS
'The stone is perhaps flawed,' I interposed SAPPHIRE
A long time on mother's ruin DAMAGE
A street name? Wrong ASTRAY
Agree there is a pronounced aroma ASSENT
At last turn was front runner but broke down STALLED
Confirmed bachelors before the big-eyed sweetie appears BASSET
Find key in the urn, rooting about UNEARTH
Followed by police, managed to get off RANCID
Foreigner gets waters to drain off SPANIARD
Happened to drop, having been holding BEFALLEN
Having diminished, after a century died out CEASED
Having no food, isn�t worried. Takes cigarette out FASTING
Headache is gone, leaving just a trace NUANCE
Incline to follow closely HEEL
Intervene and set out to fix STEPIN
Clues Answers
Lacking backbone, the Colonel lost his head LIMP
Master criminal having a drink MALAGA
Meant as a cue to go into action DESIGNED
Moderate, taking time, the 17th clue TONEDOWN
New car tax most men just won't wear CRAVAT
Saying little when it turns up in the centrefold RETICENT
That's right. A box lined with copper ACCURATE
The quiet sound of talk PRATTLE
There's a light swell when you set sail STARTOFF
Third party insurance for two going to court CHAPERON
Turning to fend, produce a gun DRAW
Very eager to put one in the picture PAINTING
W-well returned, which makes a difference TIFF
Walk free and set about reforming STRIDE
Went through the motions of agreeing NODDED
Whispered about the bad, scruffy exterior BREATHED