This crossword No. 16420 clues and answers were published on Thu 22 Dec 2022 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 16420 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Do this and rule? : DIVIDE
4-across – Collection of stamps, say : ALBUM
7-across – Eat outdoors : PICNIC
8-across – One’s work is entirely bogus : FORGER
9-across – Occupy all available space : FILL
10-across – Third level : TERTIARY
12-across – Coppers : SMALLCHANGE
17-across – Emblem of official position : INSIGNIA
19-across – Kind of ferry : RORO
20-across – Stumble : TRIPUP
21-across – Broad area : SWATHE
22-across – Extract metal from its ore with heat : SMELT
23-across – Articulate : FLUENT
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Small patterned mats put on a plate under cakes etc : DOILIES
2-down – Conventional — flavour : VANILLA
3-down – Olympic event consisting of four runs, three jumps and three throws : DECATHLON
4-down – Espouse : ADOPT
5-down – A theory about the origin of the universe : BIGBANG
6-down – Burn at the stake : MARTYR
11-down – Dramatic practice? : REHEARSAL
13-down – ie firms : MISFIRE
14-down – Tell a tale : NARRATE
15-down – Audible distance : EARSHOT
16-down – Fixed unnatural smile : RICTUS
18-down – Swinish sound : GRUNT
This crossword has in total 25 where 13 are across and 12 are down.