Cryptic crossword No 1,898

Another lovely puzzle, Meles: that's two in two days! Some very elegant clues and plenty to like including 13a, 16a (COTD), 25a, 1d, 4d, 6d, 10d and 17d. Thanks. PM

Thanks Meles for a very good crossword. My only 'reveal' was 20d. My top picks were 14a, 16a, 25a, 3d, 14d, and 15d. More in reply ...

Thanks Meles. Not sure if this is the first of yours I’ve attempted, but found lots to like with deceptively smooth surfaces throughout. I particularly enjoyed and admired 11a, 16a (COTD), 22a, 23a, 1d, 6d, 14d, 18d, 23d among others. A few stretched my capability to the point of needing letter reveals to progress, but were clear enough in retrospect. Nothing to add to feedback you’ve already had, but an extra spoilery comment in reply…

A bit late to this Meles but very enjoyable nonetheless, thanks. Lots of very clever and rather sneaky wordplay. I tend to agree with PM's reservation re 5d, which was one of a handful that I got without being able to parse. Favourites: 11a, 16a, 19a, 22a, 3d and 17d.

Very good! Took me a few visits and seemed at the upper end of your difficulty range (or I’m just being slow 🙃) but I got there in the end! 16a my favourite once the penny dropped. Also liked 12a, 3d, 14d and 18d. Further comment in reply. Thanks!