Times Cryptic #27146

2018-09-18

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Across

1a

China last to claim victory, symbolically (4)

4a

Ordering audit from time to time, no women being involved? (10)

9a

Dinosaur's decline complete in the vicinity (10)

10a

Heading to the back, wander past (4)

11a

Old sailors on ship prompt to turn criminal (6)

12a

Wild daisy covering most of area, maybe (1,4,3)

14a

Jump, ultimately failing to take the lead (4)

15a

Snarling Parisian in stern of boat, Walton's craft (10)

17a

Impious bishop on island about to engage in affair (10)

20a

Stitch-up that's annoyed me (4)

21a

Brand one lover "short of ecstasy", taking another (8)

23a

Bees take it from flowers close by, bordering court (6)

24a

Reportedly keeps back vital equipment for tower (4)

25a

Like some curves, deliberately exaggerated (10)

26a

Converted coaches, not one fitted with silencer? (10)

27a

Veggie food seaman from East always rejected (4)

Down

2d

A religious sect north of river, devoted to queen and her workers? (11)

3d

Victoria's first PM providing her capital? (9)

4d

Many uncovered poet quite slowly (7)

5d

What disillusioned preacher may do for lords and ladies? (4-2-3-6)

6d

America must cut pollution to keep up (7)

7d

Lifts, commonly for high part of building (5)

8d

Dilatory sailor on duty cleared out (5)

13d

Freak may be on trial abroad, after English withdrawal (11)

16d

Alternative to "ridiculous" one's put out (9)

18d

Second person with false bottom in English town (7)

19d

Plastic denture kept for an agreed time (7)

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21d

Initial "R" in one's own writing (5)

22d

I'm surprised to secure record top mark (5)