This crossword No. 15162 clues and answers were published on Tue 11 Dec 2018 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 15162 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Figurative : METAPHORICAL
9-across – Muse of lyric poetry : ERATO
10-across – Deteriorate through neglect : GOTOPOT
11-across – Either side of the backbone between the hip bone and ribs : LOIN
12-across – Distribute : ALLOCATE
14-across – Merciful — grub : GENTLE
15-across – Composer of Messiah, d.1759 : HANDEL
18-across – Imprisoned : REMANDED
20-across – Weep noisily : BAWL
22-across – Sea creature with a spiral tusk : NARWHAL
23-across – Incendiarism : ARSON
24-across – Adventurous : ENTERPRISING
All Down Clues and Answers:
2-down – Toenail : ELATION
3-down – Highly excited : AGOG
4-down – Bargain : HAGGLE
5-down – Of sound mind — not a liar : RATIONAL
6-down – Italian-American film director of It’s a Wonderful Life, d.1991 : CAPRA
7-down – Refrain from interfering with satisfactory situation : LETWELLALONE
8-down – Pugnacity : BELLIGERENCE
13-down – Decisive argument : CLINCHER
16-down – Lasts interminably : DRAGSON
17-down – Vendor : SELLER
19-down – Deserve : MERIT
21-down – Amorous advance : PASS
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.