CRYP TIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 A strip needs dancing — these

people are taking steps (11) 7 Prickly shrub cutting taken

from sapling or seedling (5) 8 Where elders may be seen

between services? (9) 10 Classic label retained

by crime writer (7) 11 Thoughtlessly produce rubbish

defended by solicitor (4,3) 12 Private comment in

a group in field? (5) 13 A fight’s cool to make a

comeback in the main (5-4) 16 Walk in the park to accommodate doctor, and a form of swimming (3-6) 18 Retired Irish broadcaster

liable to mishap (5) 19 Drove round bend in green

convertible in promotion (7) 22 Composer somewhat

cross in interview (7) 23 Mysterious objects I store haphazardly carried by European roughly (9) 24 It could be one’s reaction to flip stories heard (5) 25 Dislike of others making sad

man this inadequate (11)

DOWN 1 The old man not in his own place minding offspring? (9) 2 Outstanding romantic event — or time for the result? (3,4) 3 Covert aide for people

on boards? (5,4) 4 Machine found in origin around Belgium (5) 5 Charles de Gaulle maybe left following broadcast (7) 6 Argument prepared

with books circulating (3-2) 7 A date Kevin fixed after end of spring to make mutual concessions (4,3,4) 9 Team disseminated science — and type of philosophy (11) 14 Venture too far having completed stretch of river (9) 15 Unfriendliness of publican I fired before start of year (9) 17 Stuffy East-ender’s thin on top (7) 18 Gentleman served up German dish (7) 20 Prepare man at union (5) 21 Condescend to make mention of Scandinavian (5)