This crossword No. 1117 clues and answers were published on Sun 26 Feb 2017 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 1117 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
7-across – Chooses one position then another to suit one’s argument : HASITBOTHWAYS
8-across – Small piece, especially of something cut down or worn away : STUB
9-across – Touchy subject: bruise, perhaps : SORESPOT
10-across – Members of an ascetic Jewish sect around the time of Jesus : ESSENES
11-across – Radius : SPOKE
13-across – Grinding tooth in the back of a mammal’s mouth : MOLAR
15-across – Compact tawny-brown heron with nocturnal habits and a booming cry : BITTERN
18-across – Branch; spin-off : OFFSHOOT
19-across – Rein in : CURB
20-across – All over one’s body : FROMHEADTOTOE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – First experience of a severe ordeal, especially a first taste of military combat : BAPTISMOFFIRE
2-down – Snack : NIBBLE
3-down – Caused to feel uneasy and self-conscious : ABASHED
4-down – Severe and unremitting: area of a ship : STERN
5-down – Admits : OWNSUP
6-down – In any way necessary : BYHOOKORCROOK
12-down – Strong surface current flowing outwards from a shore : RIPTIDE
14-down – Appropriate : ASSUME
16-down – Not coy? : TYCOON
17-down – Welsh peninsula : GOWER
This crossword has in total 20 where 10 are across and 10 are down.