The Guardian - Cryptic crossword No 26,012 - Jul 29 2013

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Clues Answers
A fight, but nobody is charged FREEFORALL
A habit that will keep one dry ABSTINENCE
A metaphor is mixed but its content is pithy APHORISM
A thousand accepted by university award, set up and developed EMERGED
Ascertain unusual view of a philosopher CARTESIAN
Avengers may explode deadly weapon NERVEGAS
Barely visible NAKED
Check for mortar to be used in fortification REINFORCEMENT
Cover removers in action at start of cricket match OPENERS
Denial of fault in the show ring REFUSAL
Fall off in a spill TAPER
Fat and foolish, said Poe ADIPOSE
Flourish in US state prison RIPEN
Freeloader surgeon prepared to accept credit SCROUNGER
Hit number SCORE
Clues Answers
It's beastly being a long time in one occupation LEONINE
Light joinery? LINK
Maintain a strong company AFFIRM
New pop CD — free! RELEASE
Nominally commit oneself to work? SIGNON
One of two — or one in three, perhaps EITHER
Out of one's mind FORGOTTEN
Position of jockey produces a certain pace ASTRIDE
Prevail over island uprising, being effic­ient CAPABLE
Sleeping partner? BEDFELLOW
Summon attendant PAGE
The cup-holders? SAUCERS
When speaking, gathers crowds HORDES
Where they wash French articles without water LAUNDRY