CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

2. Being so thick, it needs redistribution (5)

5. The sort of type one will meet head-on (4)

7. What verse does is produce a body-picture (4)

8. Was moaning that one's locks appeared hoary (8)

9. A cat, or I'm mistaken as to its being fragrant (8)

11. Coat of gloss I left to gasp for breath (4) 12. A rendering off the cuff I'm making provision for at entry (13)

15. It will take us back to church of that sort (4)

17. Resents one disturbing men on guard (8) 19. Mechanical bagatelle to have a plain bet on? (3-5)

21. Security for one's appearance with one less alibi to arrange (4)

22. Was sensible of its being material, but not woven (4)

23. It will result from giving men suet to hold (5)

▶ Down

1. Sized material for a dollar? Drive it down hard ( 7)

2. Private retreat will finish up with its tail in front (3)

3. Day breaks, but this falls (5)

4. Gives an indication of scene-shifting around six ( 7)

5. The tarboosh, size for which must be held up (3)

6. Confess one will come so, having washed (5)

10. A demonstration on the border (5)

11. Is it safe to call for trumps? (5)

13. After six, Eblis was thrown out as may be seen ( 7)

14. Tapering pillar former school-man likes to supply ( 7)

16. Join the peace-keepers when it goes to Spain (5)

18. Hasn't got such requirements (5) 20. A small child to rescue from the dustbin (3)

21. This insect will swing on a crust of tartar (3)

▶ Yesterday's solution Across 1. Reciprocated 8. Overcoat 9. True 11. Ridge 12. Martins 13. Imps 15. Lean 19. Apricot 20. Tiled 22. Iron 23. Undertow 24. Nerve-racking Down 2. Emend 3. Inched 4. Realms 5. Turbine 6. Dressing-down 7. Coordination 10. Fry 14. Parlour 16. Ace 17. Stanza 18. Streak 21. Latin