The Telegraph Cryptic - Crossword Answers | 2023 07 20

crossword answers
Clue Answer
Detectives flank nearest unoccupied protestor DISSIDENT
Split from Conservative facing Labour? CLEFT
Consider idiots surrounding head of state ASSESS
Slow charge lit to explode LETHARGIC
Defiant, consumed by desires, is tantalised RESISTANT
SMALL BORDER PLANT SEDGE
Zips and runs away FLIES
Induce taut smile after surgery STIMULATE
Longing again, lost in a daze NOSTALGIA
Judgement of people supporting a copper ACUMEN
Free former partner roughly in common EXTRICATE
Fold part of zinc rim, perhaps CRIMP
Large curse a little offensive LOATHSOME
Subject, for example, in fiction LIEGE
Flimsy fib angler made up FRANGIBLE
Stroke of genius ultimately after worries CARESS
Spreads top of sweat pants STREWS
A cross tops empty talismans AMULETS
Barge, after being unloaded? LIGHTER
Looks of male covered in spots SEEMS