Independent Cryptic #10930

2021-10-23

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Across

1a

Time limit is reason you can't phone? (8)

5a

Examiner is more irritable without one (6)

9a

Pirate gets a bit of a shock, finding gun (9)

11a

Primarily Christmas air, "Noel" regularly featured? (5)

12a

Not all respect a large naval officer (7)

13a

Fighting half-heartedly, being merciful (7)

14a

When out, English batsman feels humiliation (4-9)

16a

Bird, back by river, tucked into fish little bits at a time (5,3,5)

20a

He scored 100 batting in international trophy, making comeback (7)

21a

Secured by advance payment, I start to make a living (7)

23a

Expression tense for Mike and Wally (5)

24a

Cast get a car to Petersham? (9)

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25a

Rev returned to fetch something small and valuable (6)

26a

Knowing about April being stormy as spring proceeds? (8)

Down

1d

Heads of dodgy enterprise exploit loss (6)

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2d

Man wants a vote on principle (5)

3d

A £50 rate, working on the side (7)

4d

Unattractive and plain, I go into salon finally for makeover (2,3,8)

6d

Isolated area in French grotto containing lake (7)

7d

On retirement, I blast head for unpunctuality (9)

8d

At the end, demote member in rank? (8)

10d

Fool around in class, needing slap to restore peace? (4,3,4,2)

14d

Long to have smart clothing? Sewing is required (9)

15d

Approval of choice of commercial? (8)

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17d

Saliva test involved with lip (7)

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18d

One who flies from Scandinavia to Russia (7)

19d

Posh folk gradually changing sides (6)

22d

Bikini for one adult comes with cost (5)