Independent Cryptic #1688

2022-07-03

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Across

5a

Was lout letting loose criminals? (7)

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7a

American leader's pretty perceptive (5)

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9a

You must tuck into fish spread (4)

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10a

Conservative Party socialist toyed with? (10)

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11a

A deed men of a wild nature belittled (8)

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12a

What workers might go out for? A nice drink! (6)

14a

Pure class to be straddling horse (6)

16a

Churlish OAP mostly associated with Pike? (6)

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18a

Member of sect found in delicatessen, eating (6)

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19a

A poor worker holding in hand sandpaper? (8)

22a

Criminal given grief online is restrained (10)

24a

River one's to cross outside of Shanghai (4)

25a

Counterfeit gun impounded by agent abroad (5)

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26a

Penny gets baby toy: fluffy rabbit, perhaps (7)

Down

1d

To me, Serpent's one male best at puzzles (10)

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2d

Is it possible that prison will provide dance? (6)

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3d

Criminal had a nice ranch on the Costa Del Sol (8)

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4d

Song fan sent up, debut of Europe (4)

5d

Speak of love that comes with cost? (5)

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6d

Religious councils' chance of doing wrong in hearing? (6)

8d

Look at tree stuffed with bit of wet rubbish (7)

13d

Kid's bunk possibly picked up for delivery? (10)

14d

Group of players on holiday get ready to go sailing (4,3)

15d

House doctor about to enter dodgy hostel (3,5)

17d

Buzz everyone gets in football tourney (4,2)

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20d

Basketball icon is bloke who goes fishing (6)

21d

One settling bill for racket (5)

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23d

Photograph bear (4)