The Guardian Cryptic Answers - Wednesday, 31st May 2017 There are 14 across clues and 14 down clues for the The Guardian Cryptic crossword on Wednesday, 31st May 2017. View the answers below.. Also try..All The Guardian Cryptic AnswersAll PublicationsThe AnswersNumber# Clue Answer AAcross 1: Singer from Blur accepting back paymentMELODISTAAcross 5: Carrier following police procedureMETHODAAcross 9: Utterly confused bishop, briefly calm after ReformationSHAMBOLICAAcross 11: Quickly runs and hidesPELTSAAcross 12: More and more bread on this slippery bit of fish?SLIDING SCALEAAcross 15: They'll oppose candidates other than mineNOESAAcross 16: Persistently queries limiting space for eating placesGRILLROOMSAAcross 18: Don't be childish, like pundit at start of play?ACTONESAGEAAcross 19: Long, endless length of timeYEARAAcross 21: Harsh island superficially off-limits to map-makersUNCHARITABLEAAcross 24: Theatrical dame, succinctly recorded, just placedTHIRDAAcross 25: Setting award blocked by Nutmeg not workingGOINGDOWNAAcross 26: No sluggard: a lot put back into partyDYNAMOAAcross 27: Subtle ascent by railway lineANCESTRYDDown 1: Mummy's hot potatoes?MASHDDown 2: Premier article in key write-upLEADDDown 3: In valley, very black ducks do itDABBLEDDown 4: Israeli regularly speaking with relish?SALAD DRESSINGDDown 6: Alpinists must guard against such publicityEXPOSUREDDown 7: Barely any sleep before noon or six?HALF A DOZENDDown 8: Chemist's putting small enclosures in logDISPENSARYDDown 10: Conspicuous consumption from Tory on standard allowance?CONFLAGRATIONDDown 13: Awkward characters from FA at United transportedINFATUATEDDDown 14: Statesman's acquaintance given a parting invitation to dineKENTUCKIANDDown 17: Saint and emissary keeping close togetherIN TANDEMDDown 20: Harry's little medal good for QueenPLAGUEDDown 22: Drink left on coasterPORTDDown 23: Just individualONLY