This crossword No. 12178 clues and answers were published on Thu 21 May 2009 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 12178 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Bovine charger? : BULL
3-across – Sword holder : SCABBARD
8-across – Mischievous — shrewd : ARCH
9-across – Underpants : KNICKERS
11-across – Pakistan/Afghanistan border route : KHYBERPASS
14-across – Regime : EMIGRE
15-across – Eccentric — bad-tempered : CRANKY
17-across – Illegal pocket weapon : FLICKKNIFE
20-across – Person behind bars : PRISONER
21-across – Openers — low-lying islands : KEYS
22-across – Shallow area in sea or river : SANDBANK
23-across – Most important point : CRUX
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Strike-breaker : BLACKLEG
2-down – Game of chance at a fair : LUCKYDIP
4-down – Party nibble : CANAPE
5-down – Way to move through water looking upwards : BACKSTROKE
6-down – Skating jump : AXEL
7-down – Item of office : DESK
10-down – Crude incendiary device : PETROLBOMB
12-down – Designer of machinery : ENGINEER
13-down – Arousal via the computer network : CYBERSEX
16-down – Shield — broadcast : SCREEN
18-down – Major work : OPUS
19-down – Potter’s oven : KILN
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.