29 29-36’s 14 13 31 25 1D 2 24, in which 1 Down and 24 are each non-words that concatenate two real terms. Unchecked, unclued letters spell out SEXY DUTCH X-MAG.

        Across

1    Fling marauder off base, across main road (7,6)

9    Husband going inside can slim (4)

11    Distinguished mayor’s robing on the way to work (10)

12    Semi-smooth iron instrument (4)

16    Keen on crossing river passage before others (5)

17    Cycling team’s muscles (5)

20    Coach, theirs regularly taking shower (7)

21    WW2 commando’s language in court (7)

23    Scrooge perhaps first on since November (7)

27    Diffusion of oxygen, sulphur and iodine in spongy soil (7)

30    Dental floss essentially a no-no, I see (7)

32    British novelist recalled top-notch perennial herb (7)

37    Partly predictable after retirement drink (5)

38    Servant picked up leaves and fruit (6)

39    Old book of facts missing cover (4)

40    Aeronaut crashed having depleted thrust within electrical device (10)

41    Bill recognises broadcast (4)

42    Supernatural harpy left psyche damaged around India (13)

         Down

3    Embrace trendy congregation (6)

4    Setter collared by petition over grounded fliers (5)

5    Kicks around ball, primarily in seated ground (7)

6    European dish mum eats certainly outside America (7)

7    Note vessels making reversals (1-5)

8    Cynic, agitated with rest, aiming at reconciliation (9)

10    Pages whence come uncovered plays in Honduras (10)

15    Vitamin evident in bone following fracture? (8)

18    Off and on, closest enemies unexpectedly showing decorum (10)

19    Billie Jean King finally getting on and winning (8)

21    Tom for one periodically told to call up stockbroker? (9)

22    Dull person king, say, hits on head (7)

26    Precious jade you sent abroad (2-5)

28    Bother about member admitting answer on which pointers and much more are shown? (4,3)

33    Force needs support on case from Toxteth (5)

34    Impromptu notice on unconfined outrage (2,3)

35    What might be catcher’s first fishing gear? (5)

Download a printable version here.

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 9 October. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2623, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

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