CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Acrobatic move one may need a spokesman to complete? (9)

5. Idle talk is what makes car run in America (3)

7. Leave the car at the pleasure-ground (4)

8. Be afraid of part that is awe-inspiring (8)

10. It takes the musicians so long to get dressing (8)

11. It may have to be tightened if one is straitened (4)

13. In the end, half follow to take you in their arms (6)

15. Cheap glitter one may have to listen to (6)

18. British city in which to come clean (4)

19. How to mark door behind which things are developing (8)

22. Hard metal one takes to California as if mocked by fate (8)

23. Down to which the race is run in full (4)

24. The underworld is back inside (3)

25. As it’s gloomy, don’t sound so approving (9)

DOWN

1. It could be alpaca, endlessly used by the skilful (7)

2. To get a second impression, do the race again (5)

3. Previous partner planted out tree here in Devon (6)

4. A bird is something not to be taken seriously (4)

5. Abases oneself as might lover in G&S (7)

6. It could be a waste of perspiration (5)

9. Exchange caresses with first love, twice in 24 hours (5)

12. Not being well, took this back seat (5)

14. The Football Association turned us out for being so silly (7)

16. They stick fast to the pelts I’m making (7)

17. A wise man going around Virginia finds it wild (6)

18. Is unable to see Venetian at the window (5)

20. Is sort of green and stony-hearted (5)

21. No longer in the Top Ten because it’s slipped? (4) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION: Across 1. Mussel 4. Mystic 9. Niagara 10. Scrum 11. Gull 12. Room 13. Err 15. Prop 16. Skit 19. Cos 21. Gold 22. Grin 24. Erato 25. Termini 26. Kernel 27. Wangle

Down 1. Managing clerk 2. Scallop 3. Elan 5. Yashmaks 6. Three 7. Comprehensive 8. Capon 14. Mongoose 17. Turning 18. Clots 20. Stair 23. Aria