This crossword No. 1224 clues and answers were published on Sun 17 Mar 2019 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 1224 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – When push comes to shove : MOMENTOFTRUTH
8-across – Exclude : BAR
9-across – Denominator : NUMERATOR
10-across – Confidence trick : SCAM
11-across – First principle : RUDIMENT
13-across – Cut back : REDUCE
14-across – Alfresco meal : PICNIC
17-across – Architectural rain spout carving : GARGOYLE
19-across – Spoken : ORAL
21-across – Reserved : LAIDASIDE
22-across – Beast of burden : ASS
24-across – Collection of undesirables : ROGUESGALLERY
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Unruly crowd : MOB
2-down – Mythical sea creature : MERMAID
3-down – Less than posh : NONU
4-down – Metallic element No 76 : OSMIUM
5-down – Tremendous : TERRIFIC
6-down – Release : UNTIE
7-down – Unorthodox : HERETICAL
10-down – Laggard : STRAGGLER
12-down – Round of applause : ACCOLADE
15-down – Tell a story : NARRATE
16-down – On the wing : FLYING
18-down – Regretful : RUING
20-down – Repast : MEAL
23-down – Cunning : SLY
This crossword has in total 26 where 12 are across and 14 are down.