cryptic crossword

ACROSS

8 Powerful state embracing the

Spanish song (5,10)

9 Star on the rocks? Not quite

(3)

10 Conservative blocking amendment causes heated dispute (11)

11 Problem children matter (5)

12 Make a face? Brit, grotesquely

(9)

15 Ruined, stained across front

of pants (7)

17 Book is on units of heredity

(7)

19 Not a bona fide competitor in

the arms race? (9)

20 Foremost of directors study

fear (5)

21 In serious difficulty

contending with Italian (2,7,2)

24 Reportedly purchase extra (3)

25 What one must do with litter to redeem a bad situation? (4,2,3,6)

DOWN

1 Resigns from partnerships in

writing (6,4)

2 Like people’s first charter? (6)

3 Sent a Defoe novel, and one

by Steinbeck (4,2,4)

4 Bank calling me away (4)

5 Club member in register

managed to get one inside (8)

6 Opposed to substantial

houses (4)

7 Remain involved in Hitchcock

film (6)

8 Show disapproval about Northern Ireland bishop’s mock title (3,4)

13 Autocratic leader runs into

considerable trouble (3,7)

14 We, in refurbished snack bar,

reply impertinently (6,4)

16 Praise article on socially

acceptable male drug (8)

18 Small notice over head brings

sorrow (7)

19 Heartless guy, pinching

bottom, makes one cross (6)

20 Stop row involving Greek

character (6)

22 Leading parade miles away

(4)

23 Take this to heed short

message (4)