Times Cryptic #27571

2020-01-27

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Across

1a

Almost broke, English woman welcoming offspring's building skill (12)

8a

Cut down staff, getting sack (7)

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9a

They enjoy inflicting pain, like retired detectives way back (7)

11a

Getting rid of doughy pudding left abandoned (7)

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12a

Bloomer made by union leader in stiffly formal city (7)

13a

Lightly wash back of cooker in quarters (5)

14a

Extremely ironic, my terms badly affecting both sides (9)

16a

Accomplished youth takes directions, having too much to carry (9)

19a

French composer right to abandon burlesque (5)

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21a

Mostly benevolent sergeant-major, a new member of the clan (7)

23a

Casual greeting from old sailors in China (7)

24a

Loutishness of baddy finally replacing initiator of heist (7)

25a

Figure a small number continue to badger (7)

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26a

Calm air disorientated true provider of courses (12)

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Down

1d

Unaccompanied male operating, a wise man (7)

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2d

Hold forth about gang leader, getting shot (7)

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3d

Fresh greens I'd eat at first, given vitality (9)

4d

Fabulous writer thus breaking a record (5)

5d

Former lord crushed by one's first spell in jail (3-4)

6d

One who regrets hiding key for person delivering (7)

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7d

Primate reportedly observed a Scotsman of great importance (6,6)

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10d

Exceptionally, change Ernie's software (6,6)

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15d

Single-minded obsession of woman nursing Arab (9)

17d

Honour rise of the Spanish maid in Paris (7)

18d

Glowing article by doctor breaking fast (7)

19d

Spray shrub briefly with last of insecticide (7)

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20d

Start delivering goods in German city (7)

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22d

Liqueur no one young at university initially identifies (5)

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