Cryptic crossword No 1,212

Very nice! I'm struggling at the definition part of 23A, but otherwise fun!

Thanks Starhorse some tremendous stuff here - my favourites include 1a, 9a, 14a, 2d, 5d, 12d, 19d, and can't split the fabulous 20a & 21a for COTD. Spoilers ...

Great stuff Starhorse, thanks. A puzzle of two halves for me: (most of) the top going in relatively quickly and then a big, and ultimately futile, struggle in the bottom half, necessitating some reveals. I largely agree with Fez’s points although I’m more forgiving of the grammar in 10a as I believe most editors are these days. 17a was a great PDM but only after revealing and staring at your notes for a while! Other picks were 1a, 21a, 2d and 12d.

Thanks Starhorse, enjoyed this a lot. I particularly liked 1a, 21a, 7d and 19d.

Great fun, this — 17a is my COTD, made me splutter my coffee 😂 but also the three immediately following clues 20a, 21a and 22a. Very minor query in reply —> but bravo 👏