CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. An example of acne isn't to be treated thus (8)

4. It gives orchestra A to boo about end of prelude (4)

8. A charge one will be sensible of not finishing (3)

9. Awaken our confusion if seen to lose half (5)

10. Sound a little doglike at getting wages returned (3)

11. Handcuff can be reversed in the masculine gender (7)

12. Architectural order for one in company reorganisation (5)

13. Quibble about viper cat gives ear to (11)

17. Vacuum cleaner has nothing to lose if you hang about (5)

18. Sensitive parts of eyes trained in a tree (7)

20. Sister has nothing to speak of (3)

21. A wanderer accompanying Pithias back (5)

22. Being spiteful, she was once punishingly applied (3)

23. Jug for Western expedition leaders held by the Queen (4)

24. Woollies we rank with it somehow (8)

▶ Down

1. Bad repute attaches to many, if disturbed (6)

2. Lustre he discovered in old Japanese coin (5)

3. Credit due to be changed for the unrefined (5)

5. Light bulb fitting on end of rifle (7)

6. Think it will happen, except that it will be different (6)

7. Dried to preserve cat, decides to put it out (10)

9. Getting better rice, govern its distribution (10)

14. Retribution, for instance, is at no time given up (7)

15. Loose money will not remain the same (6)

16. Shackle a non-drinker can get free from (6)

18. Such numerals are not for the unlettered (5)

19. Pearl's Mum Mona created a part (5)

▶ Yesterday's solution

Across 1. Fireworks 5. Hot 7. Omit 8. Militant 10. Dogmatic 11. Will 13. Device 15. Dagger 18. Murk 19. Hedgehog 22. Standard 23. Turn 24. Cot 25. Artillery

Down 1. Flooded 2. Ruing 3. Raisin 4. Skip 5. Heading 6. Total 9. Match 12. Panga 14. Variant 16. Regency 17. Secret 18. Music 20. House 21. Idea