The Times Cryptic - Crossword Answers | 2015 12 23

crossword answers
Clue Answer
Relish difficult position PICKLE
Beams, given first portion of rice pudding RAFTERS
End of pencil cut very close POINTBLANK
Completely deposed president shortly needs drink ALLENDSUP
Observes shelters accommodating a thousand people COMMENTS
Big Ben, for example, a fantastic piece of imagination CHIMERA
Mark raised flag in desert MERIT
Legal expert in off-duty dress MUFTI
Snow maybe losing a sheep WETHER
Guild member with organ — many dancing LIVERYMAN
In endgame, to be beaten infra dig DEMEANING
Official document landlord posted about return of bathroom fixture LETTERSPATENT
In which to take responsibility for burning issues? HOTSEAT
Tries diverting river for creatures trapped on land RHEAS
Flutter gently up, taking heart as flyer EGRET
Native is enclosed, half trapped ENDEMIC
Drive off from party, coming back home drunk BANISH
School finally dismissed hooligan LOUT
Mischief is boring, full of nastiness DEVILRY
FIERCE WOMAN ENGAGES MASTER GUIDE DRAGOMAN
The osprey is flying: surprise! HEYPRESTO
COUNTRY'S LEADER WHO TAKES IT ALL PERSONALLY? KLEPTOCRAT
Ancient rising state that swept across Europe ORIENTEXPRESS
Magazine featuring topless beauty ELLE
Enveloping poet initially, inspiration is not to be missed MUSTSEE
One seeking ermine perhaps backs theatre role TRAPPER
BOOK AMERICAN MAY PICK UP AS WEAPON MISSAL
Joined panels in journey — second, it's said TRIPTYCH
Wreck is not something the clergy throw away? LAYWASTE
Acid experience perhaps that may lead to penalty? BADTRIP