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The German meaning of the first four letters of 21 justify the ‘leaves’ reference I think. The second four letters come from an Italian word referring to the bit below ground.

Thanks Simonh. Would never have got that .

At last a pdm about 21! I thought of that meaning of above and noticed the repetition but didn’t put two and two together. Overall, a bit marmite, I thought, with some of those groan inducing puns, which can be infuriating if you don’t see them

Thanks to Everyman. Enjoyed this but a quick solve. Figured out the alliteration grid almost immediately.

FOI 9, LOI 17.

Going with 21 as COD, because I don't recall ever seeing that particular device. Wrote in the answer but struggled to parse it! Also liked 17, 18, 2, 4, 13 and 14.

[Added] Never heard of the "celebrity" in 1, Google required to fully parse though the answer was a write-in.

Thanks to Jono (post 15) for a pdm re 21a. It was driving me mad reading all those posts saying how brilliant it was, when I just couldn't see it! Thanks also for help parsing the second word of 1a.

Favourites were 13 and 17a. Also liked the Primarily in 15 (although, strictly speaking, I think she only had one?!) and, for once, thought the spoonerism was a good one!

Finally got 21a, though had to use a solver. Word from above. Very clever. Never would have got it. I think I understand the spoonerism but any tips welcome. The one I don’t get is 25a. I’m sure it’s obvious, but hey. Interesting puzzle today.

Finally got 21a, though had to use a solver. Word from above. Very clever. Never would have got it. I think I understand the spoonerism but any tips welcome. The one I don’t get is 25a. I’m sure it’s obvious, but hey. Interesting puzzle today. Thanks Everyman.

Sorry for double post. Blame captcha

25A means to do something ably, and also a plentiful supply/reserve of something.