Times Cryptic #26809

2017-08-21

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Across

1a

Game birds initially put by kid into coop (8)

5a

Lackey evidently revealing thighs? (6)

9a

French fighting, something common or vulgar? (8)

10a

Assess company lacking leadership that's about to struggle (6)

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12a

Odds in game of rugby slashed at the outset (5)

13a

River bird cradling swallow (5,4)

14a

Complete beginner on piccolo with desire for musical ability (7,5)

18a

Is act with iron man generatedusing this? (12)

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21a

Sure to go after criminal, is one? (9)

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23a

Adopting principle at first, one head gives advice (5)

24a

Newspaper slowing down is a problem for the Observer? (6)

25a

Team following champion, behind (8)

26a

One's eyed bait (6)

27a

Howl resulting when wise bird gets this gas? (8)

Down

1d

Trunk call doesn't have everyone present (6)

2d

One million years in pictures (6)

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3d

Order novel academic award for the Queen Mother (9)

4d

Stuff about English class attributed to performer from Lancashire (6,6)

6d

Still batting, openers from England rarely tested (5)

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7d

I've had enough stuffing in turkey finallyit's evil! (8)

8d

We held tight entering Northern Ireland capital (3,5)

11d

Sad about recent changes over new commemoration of time past (12)

15d

One dining out as an art thief? (9)

16d

Order contains restrictive measure (8)

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17d

VIP report? (3,5)

19d

Jump three months, approximately? (6)

20d

Edited news report's outside broadcast (6)

22d

Cabaret singer ends poorly in quaver (5)