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Hi roof
21 is a root - take internal letters
23d "off" as in "rotten". It refers to the answer to 19a

I'm sorry I can't see you in your 14d!

Hi roof
21a - def is root. Look inside the 3rd and 4th words.
23d - ‘off’ as in meat.

22d is "father" (verb) with "son" (S) dropped. Spoiler alert "uncle". ;-)

Hi Roof, the female writer's surname is three letters in the solution. She was a friend of Henry Miller.

Thanks everybody

I managed to finish without returning to look at the forum, but I'm not sure I have the right answer for 23d. I can't say I have enjoyed this crossword. In almost all answers I identified the definition straight off, but the wordplay often escaped me as did some of the meanings, though I did know all of the words. I was surprised I didn't get the root earlier and kicked myself over 22d. I still can't spot the writer in 19ac but I'm confident of my answer. I've just googled her.

Chris, I haven't worn my 14d for years. I think they have gone out of fashion now.

FOI 22ac, LOI 10ac, COD 24ac.

This week I have to make my own dinner as my husband and daughter are off to a concert at the Topsham music festival - jazz classical I think it is.

Hi roof
The last wedding I went to, the mother of the bride wore one. The grandmother had a woolly hat on, and the mother insisted that top table kept their headwear on throughout the reception - the grandmother was puce by the end.

They were all Welsh, though.....

19a Anais...

Takeaway time, roof? Enjoy it, anyway!

btw they rather remind me of anglerfish lures!

I just want to say at this point not only had I never heard of a 14d but I am mightily impressed to be in the (virtual) company of people who have actually seen them in action. And from your description I now can picture exactly what they are. My day I feel is complete. You rarely leave here without your knowledge being enhanced.

Late start last night , busy day my younger son is here from Australia, and my other son arrives from Arizona on Tuesday! Was not hopeful when I saw Vlad always find him difficult. However amazingly with help from you guys I have finished.
FOI 13a
LOI 6d
COD a few to choose from but I think 24a is brilliant.
As for 14d — how ridiculous are they .

Thanks Wulgus & Geeker. All complete and rationalised now. On reflection I’ll pick 25a as my COD, clue reads so nicely and it led me to a word I was aware of but don’t often use in general conversation. Thanks to everyone for the comments and again to Vlad.