Lines of Demarcation

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid

Across

  • 1.
    MATCH (pun)
  • 2.
    SECTOR (anag.)
  • 3.
    REFRAIN (double def.)
  • 4.
    BROOKS (double def.)
  • 5.
    A-RMADA (anag. + a)
  • 6.
    MOLEST (anag.)
  • 7.
    DR-(g)UID(e)
  • 8.
    TALL-Y
  • 9.
    CRAM (hidden)
  • 10.
    ENDOWS (anag.)
  • 11.
    D(el)AYS
  • 12.
    RAM-P
  • 13.
    ROA(ME)D
  • 14.
    SKATE-R (anag. + [b]r[a])
  • 15.
    GUSHER ("she" in "rug" rev.)
  • 16.
    NUANCE (peripheral)
  • 17.
    SWAM-P
  • 18.
    RELISH (double def.)
  • 19.
    RIATA ("at air" rev.)
  • 20.
    FE(R)NS
  • 21.
    MINERS (homophone of "minors")
  • 22.
    SLATED (double def.)
  • 23.
    S(TEAK)S

Down

  • •
    AR-BITER
  • •
    MERMAN (anag.)
  • •
    T(ROLL)OP
  • •
    C-A-KEY
  • •
    HI(SS)ES
  • •
    SNATCH (anag.)
  • •
    EARDRUM (hidden)
  • •
    COMRADES (anag.)
  • •
    TRAUMA (anag.)
  • •
    ODDITY (anag.)
  • •
    RE-ADS
  • •
    FOOL ("foal" has o for a)
  • •
    WRENS (anag. + r [for Rex])
  • •
    SUR-PASS
  • •
    MAUL (hidden)
  • •
    ORC-HID
  • •
    RE(M)AR-K
  • •
    SURFS (hidden rev.)
  • •
    K(N)EEL
  • •
    "T'AINT"
  • •
    GE(R)MS
  • •
    H-ATE
  • •
    WANE ("a new" re-begun with its last letter)