This crossword No. 896 clues and answers were published on Sun 25 Nov 2012 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 896 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – British self-restraint : STIFFUPPERLIP
8-across – Bishop’s crook : CROSIER
9-across – Step : STAIR
10-across – Wicked : EVIL
11-across – Airtight : HERMETIC
13-across – Gratify : PLEASE
14-across – Former pupils : ALUMNI
17-across – Infringe, trespass : ENCROACH
19-across – Truant : AWOL
21-across – Small bay : INLET
22-across – Find fault with : NITPICK
24-across – Muddled figure of speech : MIXEDMETAPHOR
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Pouch : SAC
2-down – Worship : IDOLISE
3-down – Thwart : FOIL
4-down – Unit of astronomical length : PARSEC
5-down – Musical group : ENSEMBLE
6-down – Smallest amount : LEAST
7-down – Narrow in outlook : PAROCHIAL
10-down – Harmless substitute for offensive term : EUPHEMISM
12-down – Various, diverse : ASSORTED
15-down – Sentimental, schmaltzy : MAWKISH
16-down – Candlestick holder : SCONCE
18-down – Cup, chalice : CALIX
20-down – Colonnade, covered walkway : STOA
23-down – Cassis-flavoured wine : KIR
This crossword has in total 26 where 12 are across and 14 are down.