CLUES No. 1117

ACROSS:

1. Eric and Joe together show delight and great joy. (7)

5. A kind of parrot, of a beautiful green color, found in the Philippine Islands. (5)

8. Occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion. (5)

9. Reason for which anything is done. (7)

10. Touches, lifts, or holds the appendages. (7)

11. Pledges made at swearing in ceremonies. (5)

12. Selected, either as desirable or undesirable, and removed from a larger group. (6)

14. Appoint someone for a specific task or purpose. (6)

17. Inner shrines and most sacred places of worship to which public are forbidden. (5)

19. Reached across by linking card game with domino lead. (7)

22. Set off chaotic dieting programme. (7)

23. Former US leader. (5)

24. Gin mixer, perhaps. (5)

25. Elderly women employed as governesses and chaperons to young girls. (7)

DOWN:

1. The sight or approach of this household pest is often dreaded. (5)

2. Accounts book in which transactions are initially recorded. (7)

3. Perfect business transaction with Apple? (5)

4. Make known, reveal. (6)

5. Intrigued, interested to know debts of low fellow. (7)

6. Mortar for filling between tiles. (5)

7. No tears over perfidy. (7)

12. Swing low and sweet in this ancient horse-drawn vehicle. (7)

13. Able to adjust readily to different conditions. (7)

15. Firmly establish in cultivated cereal. (7)

16. Complied; obeyed; conformed; stayed; tolerated. (6)

18. City in north central China: the headquarters of Chinese Communists 1937–47. (5)

20. Colourless liquid found in the Orris Root and used in perfume. (5)

21. Passes out the cards. (5)