i Cryptic Crossword 665 Mordred

As the original blogger noted, a real mixture of easy and much harder clues. I had similar queries regarding 1d and 24ac. COD for me 2d – ‘Absurb taxmen cut practically everything (10)’.

As ever, the old Fifteensquared blog and clues missed.

Across

9 ELAPSE – (please)*
16 STUN – Double Def. No it’s not. See comments. It’s NUTS backwards.
20 FA BLED
21 ETHICIST – (It itches)*
28 CAMERA – Anagram of AMERICA without the I

Down

5 VENEREAL – (ale never)*
7 ASS AILED
13 LAT(H)E

http://www.fifteensquared.net/2008/02/25/independent-crossword-6664-by-mordred/