Saturday Times Cryptic 25963 Saturday December 6Th 2014

[chardon713]

25a ... but on reflection the setter's devious. 
This is the last one to go in, and based on surrounding answers the pattern is "e-a-i-e" ... so it looks like "evasive" (devious) 
"but" = "save", which when reflected = "evas" .... but where's the rest coming from ? 
And is 24a which concludes with an ellipsis connected somehow to 25a which commences with an ellipsis? 
Your help greatly appreciated 

[gangesboy]

what is the clue/answer for 24A?

[chardon713]

24a Simple anagram clue in crossword finally correct ...
Final letter of first 5 words = emend = "correct"

[gangesboy]

parsing could be continued from 24 me (the setter) end (reversing em ) - save (but) + Ive (I have - the setter)...but not totally convinced !

[chardon713]

I am sure that 24a is "emend"
And on the balance of probabilties 25a is "devious
But like you I am not totally convinced as to the setter's method of clueing for thse two

[BlackadderV]

If you actually gave the clue we might be able to help.

[gangesboy]

yes answer to 24 is certainly emend..was thinking the ellipsis connection leads to a reversal of "em" from emend) "me at the end" ie I've - I have...need to think more on this and have another coffee. Perhaps someone else can crack it ?

[gangesboy]

blackadderV - chardon has given the clue to 24

[chardon713]

BlackadderV ... clue and answers to both 24a and 25a are there

[frameshift]

Just submitted and evasive is correct, but like you I can't quite get it. Similarly for 23 down which has to be MUFTI, but can't parse it from 'Expert in religious law off-duty cop may assume'.

[gangesboy]

Mufti is also a term for off duty (plain clothes) worn usually by someone who is usually in uniform

[bibblebub]

and is a Muslim law scholar http://www.thefreedictionary.com/MUFTI

[writesbad]

Parsing of 25a:
"I've" on "save" (= but, except), all reversed