The Telegraph Toughie - Crossword Answers | 2023 12 20

crossword answers
Clue Answer
Eccentric champion in chess club DINGBAT
Small finches one's placed among rooks SISKINS
Daisy has blown kiss for stars ASTERISKS
Pleasant estate's fencing stakes ANTES
Exposed social danger mishandled by politicians GARDENPARTY
Turkey, say, visited by English kings or colony dweller MEERKAT
Escorts for one American boy, eating main up or starter CAESARSALAD
Cleverer article put down -- it helps farmer make a bundle BALER
Means of getting brown paper left on unit SUNLAMP
After drink, popular girl's beginning hanky-panky NECKING
A little flat beer tucked into by Fleet Street bigwigs BEDSITTER
Groups including Queen devise iconic track BRANDSHATCH
Heavyweight turned up no precious stone MEGATON
Blast setter possibly showing contrition HANGDOG
Good cryptic clue for hot plate GRIDDLE
I repeatedly act in plays -- maybe I have a cunning plan TACTICIAN
Welcomed entertaining compiler given a raise HOISTED
Fine header from Salah after running up for corners NOOKS
Where Scandinavians are not right? Not at all INNOWAY
Decline in insects in flowering plant BUGLOSS
Rogue tears packaging of Scrabble tiles TESSERA