CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Minimise part played embraced by bounder, actually (8)

9 Well this could be rich! (6) 10 This compiler succeeded twice, creating difficulty (4) 11 Losing time tailing bent criminal that’s elusive (10) 12 Reportedly stirred the female heart (6) 14 Chamber due to become sacrosanct (8)

15 Sad seeing jerk purchasing Sun vulgarly, perhaps (6) 17 Steamy European rubbish exposed vice (6)

20 Gets excited with single accepting male’s jewel (8) 22 Exchange with Simpson say, facing Queen (6) 23 Straying, sailor helping to keep direction right (10) 24 Stuff made with cold butter? (4) 25 Opposite of stiff drink pulled unevenly (6) 26 Outline in coarse pants (8)

DOWN

1 Painter estimated to possess importance (8) 2 Shortened county borders (4)

3 Hate rodents eating nearly everything (6) 4 Fabricator of wicked articles? (8) 5 Roughly chop tile, about to lift chopper (10) 6 Boot that is holding up properly (6) 8 Little tense, impatient to go under (6) 13 Record in sort of music vault heard (10) 16 Solitary one criticised about love (8)

18 Plant which could make cat smile (8) 19 Strives to support live groups (6) 21 Element of English spirit around British isle (6)

22 Being into Netflix, gorges entire seasons initially (6) 24 Bed covering a blanket (4)