The Telegraph - TOUGHIE CROSSWORD NO: 2,388 - Feb 20 2020

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Clues Answers
... diplomat not wanted as Republican in Pentagon, NASA or otherwise PERSONANONGRATA
... to maintain shell protecting core of machinery CLAIM
Agent virtually upended into plant IRIS
At heart Eleanor thinks: 'Significant point' NORTH
Chambers errs about 'utility' SINUSES
Cop on trail of ecstasy drew blank EMPTIED
Daffy coming from the deep to bowl over STUN
Direction of Evita somewhat peripheral throughout EAST
Don once again put right REDRESS
Greatly enjoying song and dance band ADORING
Growth in effort to become well-tanned? SWARTHY
It's a sound manoeuvre if in storm at sea, stowing sails at the earliest STRAITOFMESSINA
Lift the man by feet HEFT
Lyric -- working theatre? ODEON
Machinist joining this business involved in organic chemistry GROCERY
Malodour within old English instrument OBOE
Clues Answers
Maybe Beowulf's a delight, upon reflection? SAGA
Nick's typist possibly sitting on terrace TEMPTER
Plonker! That chap'd get carpeted! CLOTHED
Samuel's heading into the rain -- to find Timothy, say? WEST
Sheds unproductive tools regularly ... LEANTOS
Steel left after split with Jenny CUTLASS
Supportive plays Neddy put on Irish stage totally slated initially ASSISTS
This player -- EastEnders' Outhwaite -- is captivating SOUTH
Thus see a moderate ... EASEOFF
Trial arranged within following year is failing FRAILTY
Twin powers in charge here, properly including work with oxygen DUOPOLY
US diplomatic agency attempts a tender illegitimately STATEDEPARTMENT
Wants losses to cover end of year DEARTHS
Water colour AQUA
Winger's row with The Bhoys' left half TIERCEL
With backbone mostly fixed, queen's in good health for game CHINESECHEQUERS