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05/19/2005: "Crass words"

I recently found an old book of crosswords from my youth and decided to finish it. It's a Daily Express book (old - but no date) from a chap called Tim McKay, presumably the Daily Express crossword compiler of the time.

The man was either insane or on some very mind-altering drugs! Here's some examples:
1. It describes something happening right now (15)
2. Lively child - his pal is a caution (4) - special commendation if you can work this one out
3. Condition of express (5)
4. What the doctor intended when he said you were as well as could be expected (3-5)
5. Haunting trouble (9)
6. Beastly weight? (5)
7. Be in the chair! (5)
8. Does he sell you the bait? (9)
9. Beach party? (5, 10)
10. Box (possibly) of matches! (4) - this one is just on the verge of being sensible.

There are many more where they came from. Try them, and then click on the 'more' link to get the answers. Maybe I have missed the point on one or two and they are actually sensible - but I doubt it, and certainly not all of them.

As well as the rubbishy clues, there are also examples where there is no clue and where the two 'correct' answers (as listed at the back) do not fit into the grid with each other.

So - can anyone find a worse crossword compiler working with the kind of coverage that the Daily Express has? Or would you like to see more examples?

Actually, the funniest thing is that I still keep trying them and haven't thrown the book in the bin yet.

'Answers' to the clues above:
1. contemporaneous
2. cure
3. state
4. ill-meant
5. obsession
6. ounce
7. treat
8. gentleman
9. naval contingent
10. pair

I assure you - these are genuine.