Cryptic Crossword April 2025

Across

1 A number in smaller quantity outside because of the tardiness (8)

5 Copy in London area from old writer (6)

9 Helmsman’s apple-cart? (8)

10 Commendable worthy leaves to express admiration (6)

11 Plant hat on head first (8)

14 Growing footsore? (6)

15 Laura’s arranged to include last character, biblical character (7)

16 Make off hastily to play one’s drum (4,2)

19 One flying in from Granada via Torremolinos (7)

  20 A couple almost reconstructed dome (6) 

21 Supporter for those climbing out of bed (7) 

26 In preference it was not included at church (6)

  27 Australian tree still the same without us (8) 

28 Inferior veneration coming from a trial (6) 

29 Keen to be forcing a way in (8)

  30 Not a common find (6)

  31 Screen volunteers about to finish bitter feud (8)

Down

1 Exact time and place for grasshopper (6) 

2 The Yorkshire and American tool reduced smaller levy (3,3) 

3 Small number we will have at Christmas (6) 

4 His excitable artist had unknown wine (6) 

6 Races round with our potential inclusion of noisy dweller (8) 

7 Begin with what I did in restaurant (8) 

8 Ring that goes on forever? (8)

  12 Short visit to alter biblical place (7) 

13 Father said to be in a position to do something in story (7) 

14 Owl with not entirely nice plague! (7) 

17 Mark accepted Paul in turmoil with monastic habit (8) 

18 Chip off the old block? (8)

  19 New ritual covering good man, one with unselfish concern for others (8) 

22 Beastly flower from the orient (6) 

23 Holy Land in South Dakota (6) 

24 Key worker (6) 

25 Brand Greek character going round Thailand (6)