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Chris - I had similar struggles with 3D until I realised that the first word of the clue goes at the VERY end of the answer, and the definition is the final word of the clue!
Yep, the only way that 14D works is if 'fleeced one' indicates what you describe.

3 relies on the expression “three’s a ?????”. “Pray” in a somewhat archaic sense.

Whoops ... Jono's right about 14D!

Good day all. We should mention the usuals? Rhyming pair, hiddens and spoonerism which I quire liked. No CoD for me but enjoyed 4d and 17a. Finished but may have some errors - not sure of my 23a. Oh and enjoyed 25a. Agree with various comments about some clues being not so well constructed. Hoping for dry times in Manchester.

I found it difficult but fun. I must have been on Everyman's wavelength as, to my own surprise, I was eventually confident I'd parsed all the clues correctly. LOI = COD = 3d, which I'd never have worked out without all the crossers.

Yevrah, if you can reverse your 23a, I reckon it's correct.

Thanks Fitzrover, got 23a now.

On you needing the crossers for 3d, I agree, but rarely for me the rhyming pair helped for this.

And does 3d clue suggest some antipodean hope?

I am struggling- again.

I have. - I think - solved 1,2,5,8,18,22d…and that’s it.

Any guidance from smarter people than me would be appreciated!

Yevrah, I fear that in cryptic clues the straightforward meaning of the definition often gets in the way of the desired solution.

@dru6sm

9 is an anagram of first two words