CRYPTIC

ACROSS

7 That cut flower is something sweet (7) 8 Daughter at back of house, underdog not half harassed (7) 10 Pointer about to be planted in country hill (9) 11 Thomas is provided with French art books (5) 12 Egyptian phenomenon brings silence, then an exclamation (5) 13 Dramatist that could have nine jobs on – one must go (3,6) 15 Time to interrupt the French priest making speech? (7) 17 In investiagtion bad person falls (7) 18 Good and exceptionally gentle, I repeatedly can be explosive (9) 20 Singer Pat offers blessing for the listener (5) 21 Sarah operating in hairdressing establishment? (5) 23 Bridge opponents in the home counties (5-4) 24 Nocturnal creatures flying around the French farm buildings (7) 25 After row was first to become peeved (7)

DOWN

1 Head of astrophysics acclaimed possibly in a university? (10) 2 Sensitive Tory losing heart must suppress expression of pain (6) 3 Happen to lead a board that is not invincible (8) 4 Ferryman takes companion forward, crossing a river (6) 5 Performances around university? They have lots (8) 6 A type of cheese not the first thing for man in garden (4) 7 Certain earth scientists sit awkwardly in various slimes and goos (13) 9 Just unconcerned (13) 14 Each boy appears in black fur in keeping with the time (10) 16 Old city slowly pressing ahead as necessary? (8) 17 Report of people scrutinising country residence (8) 19 Take a stand at home over little relative beginning to transgress (6) 20 Secure what is embedded in seat (6) 22 Boy admitting nothing or lots? (4)