Independent Cryptic #11177

2022-08-09

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Across

1a

Topless cuddle with someone in bed that is less good-looking (6)

5a

More than one union faction's infiltrated by journalist beginning to delve (8)

9a

Jet excursion stopped by rain (10)

10a

-50s (4)

11a

Often seen in churchyards, these prog rockers drinking water were regularly ejected (3,5)

12a

At the end of the day, is this a galaxy? (6)

13a

Harry and Fred in Rio? (9)

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15a

$1,000 present for father of Prince, 29, perhaps (5)

17a

Say, King Tut has a different face - it's attractive (5)

19a

Eat odd pieces of seed and spew out flowers (5,4)

23a

Bores switching sides in the midst of sub-par golfing performances (6)

24a

Demand fish? That's provocation! (8)

26a

'Hello' sung falsetto? (4)

27a

Men in crushed velvet carrying zero change (10)

28a

Disreputable giantess providing lap dances? (8)

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29a

Pastry made by martial artist is hot (6)

Down

2d

Gentleman eats the last piece of éclair before cheese is served (7)

3d

Enter fashionable place (5)

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4d

The direct way to beat English goalkeeper? (5,3)

5d

'Holiday', a popular song penned by Welsh star (7)

6d

Abstract insult is in French (6)

7d

Incremental journey is with learner driver and hard work (6,3)

8d

Maybe Matt and Luke Goss keep those small bottoms clenched in (7)

14d

Diplomatic manoeuvres from Dutch before Cashmere skirmishes (9)

16d

Exercised vice/taken in by act (8)

18d

One in Mexico close to General Eisenhower? Not that close (7)

20d

The Times still available? They're at the front of the shop ... (7)

21d

... as are these unopened Genesis CDs, ultimately (7)

22d

A firm behind (6)

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25d

Terrible monster clutching fruit (5)