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1a
Figurative (12)
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9a
Muse of lyric poetry (5)
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10a
Deteriorate through neglect (2,2,3)
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11a
Either side of the backbone between the hip bone and ribs (4)
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12a
Distribute (8)
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14a
Merciful — grub (6)
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15a
Composer of Messiah, d.1759 (6)
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18a
Imprisoned (8)
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20a
Weep noisily (4)
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22a
Sea creature with a spiral tusk (7)
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23a
Incendiarism (5)
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24a
Adventurous (12)
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2d
Toenail (anag) — delight (7)
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3d
Highly excited (4)
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4d
Bargain (6)
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5d
Of sound mind — not a liar (anag) (8)
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6d
Italian-American film director of It's a Wonderful Life, d.1991 (5)
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7d
Refrain from interfering with satisfactory situation (3,4,5)
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8d
Pugnacity (12)
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13d
Decisive argument (8)
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16d
Lasts interminably (5,2)
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17d
Vendor (6)
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19d
Deserve (5)
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21d
Amorous advance (4)