Times Cryptic #28216

2022-02-17

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Across

1a

Old queen calming undisciplined bombast (13)

9a

Castigated what assessor did (5)

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10a

Agents journalist backed bother reckless criminal (9)

11a

Particularly sound judgment, English admitted, not essential (10)

12a

Police raid not working (4)

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14a

Uniform adopted by active forces to divert one's attention (7)

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16a

Abbreviated, like everything in manual? (7)

17a

Steamy sections of highway crossing America to the west (7)

19a

One flying flag initially defies all warnings (7)

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20a

Those opposed to sacking current social workers (4)

21a

Gets passionate approaching time for Scots celebration (5,5)

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24a

Vatican-related Bond film with new line inserted (9)

25a

Chaucer's steward by any chance keeping end of tale back? (5)

26a

Scams involving drink for game? (6,7)

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Down

1d

Devious racketeer harms pollster's task (6,8)

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2d

Small bird, for instance, climbing twig (3,2)

3d

Support mounting within local association for gym equipment (6,4)

4d

Peculiarity that couples never have? (7)

5d

A French channel not to be relied on (7)

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6d

Gordon finally used up water for his veg (4)

7d

Withdrawn copper distressed in heart of Nevada (9)

8d

Extremely specious white lies not unusual when one's questioned? (7,7)

13d

Self-seeking crank first caught leaving for game (10)

15d

Tweaks to improve grand airs (4-5)

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18d

Virgil's last poems about ancient city where healing sought (7)

19d

Start-of-year return for corrupt concierge (7)

22d

Flier taken over Eastern mountain (5)

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23d

Veggie food content of uneaten sandwiches (4)

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