No 13505, Wednesday 16 Mar 2022, Dr. X

Solution to 20D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

ACROSS

1   Manage to get hold of every single musical instrument (8) CALLIOPE {C{ALL}{1}OPE}

5   Unit of distance in space perhaps — about right (6) PARSEC {PA{R}SEC*}

10 Cap in bishop’s elaborate attire (7) BIRETTA {B}{ATTIRE*} Semi&lit

11 Make a higher bid than opponent's bid, lacking clubs altogether (7) OVERALL OVERcALL

12 One broadcasting commercial in South American city (5) RADIO {R{AD}IO}

13 High after joint, returned to drink rum and fell asleep (6,3) NODDED OFF {OFF}<=>{N{ODD}ED<=}

14 US vice-presidency candidates clashed in arguments around end of election (7,5) RUNNING MATES {IN+ARGUMENTS}* over {e...oN}

18 Expert author, one probing plots for weaknesses (12) PROPENSITIES {PRO}{PEN}{SIT{1}ES}

21 Love to get a couple of maidens in sack, Jack (9) ORIFLAMME {0}{RIFL{A}{MM}E}

23 Aristocrat going topless? That is weird (5) EERIE {pEER}{IE}

24 Stalin’s bust on top of ledge in institute (7) INSTALL {STALIN*}{Le..e}

25 Planned a break-in, wanting royal's Japanese art (7) IKEBANA {A+BrEAK+IN}*

26 Sacks of ecstasy and cocaine in aeroplanes (6) EJECTS {E}{JE{C}TS}

27 Command by wife to obtain ornate set (8) BESTRIDE {B{SET*}RIDE}

DOWN

1   Sci-fi character, extremely creepy, turning rifle on girl (6) CYBORG {Cr..pY}{ROB<=}{G}

2   Real crazy party in American city (6) LAREDO {REAL*}{DO}

3   Found stylish and cute models outside bar (9) INTRODUCE {IN}{T{ROD}UCE*}

4   Spot over an island, exotic clearly (5,3,6)  PLAIN AND SIMPLE {PIMPLE} over {AN+ISLAND}

6   Anoint Christian elegizing inside (5) ANELE [T]

7   Inquire about a retreat’s main course? (3,5) SEA ROUTE {SE{A}{ROUT}E}

8   Unemotional person in Cuba, somewhat elderly, controlling force (4,4) COLD FISH {C}{OLD{F}ISH}

9   Waiting on the phone, maintaining one's position under pressure (7,3,4) HOLDING THE LINE [DD]

15 One standing highest in top medical exam inspires endlessly (2,7) MT EVEREST {Me...l}{T{EVER}EST} Anno for EVER not clear See comments

16 Work by American writer about model is different (8) OPPOSITE {OP}{PO{SIT}E}

17 Unwise son leaves wife upset in matter of little importance (3-5) NON-ISSUE {UNwISE+SON}*

19 Wild sheep in desert almost bites girl (6) ARGALI {AR{GAL}Id}

20 Stand up in court to argue (6) ?E?A?E (Addendum - DEBATE {BE<=}{DATE} - See comments))

22 Danced right after finishing off a beer (5) LEAPT {APT}<=>{aLE}

Reference List

Right = R, Bishop = B, Clubs = C, Commercial = AD, Love = 0, Maiden = M, Royal = R, Ecstasy = E, Cocaine = C, Girl = G, Party = DO, Stylish = IN, Force = F, Work = OP, Wife = W