Each of 23 clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter. Each of 13 clues is of the same type, but includes two extra letters, next to each other within the jumble. The extras spell a 13-word assertion (in ODQ) by an unclued light. Concealed in a straight line in the grid is a definition (an eight-letter word) which, according to the quotation, would elude any of the other unclued lights; this word must be highlighted. Two unclued lights consist of two words each.
Across
6 Lydia is young descendant of Fatima (6)
12 Indigenous plant bin covers (10, hyphened)
13 Hate a poor musical drama (5)
14 Foul rain rattled dweller on coast (7)
15 Confounded drink worried prodigy (10)
16 Rope yarn men lift (7)
20 University diploma yet? (4)
22 Foresee nervous return (7)
23 Bills commoners block (4)
24 Devastated gilded keystone (7)
26 Prison problems are mounting (7)
30 Small claim if necessary (4)
34 Monkey picked coin up (4)
36 Nemesis stole doctrine on origin of ideas (7)
38 Not spoiling debut, poignant indeed (10)
41 Specific sum due on entry not spent (10)
42 Spillage has troubled porpoise (6)
Down
2 Courtly aim Spenser covers (8)
3 Recall northern record (5)
4 Unknown date author adjusted (7)
5 Painters honour men in slavery (7)
6 Pure air creates enjoyment (6)
8 Senseless trainee nods (5)
10 Poor mess in rough places for lodgers (13, two words)
17 Barren period (3)
18 Notification once embryo is viable (5)
19 Certain viciousness against citizenship (9)
21 Excellent guy, calm master (5)
25 Scholars can analyse dropsy (8)
27 Being kind, serve (3)
28 Queried estimated remainder (7)
29 Contralto, a dame, finds benign tumour (7)
32 Architect has new sample (6)
33 Hooligan wanted shelter (6)
35 Police ran out at the right moment (5, two words)
37 Sinister myth’s dangerous (5)
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 30 September. There are two runners-up prizes of £20 (or, for UK solvers, the latest edition of The Chambers Dictionary — ring the word ‘Dictionary’). Entries to: Crossword 2130, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.
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