16/17 (four words in total) is a work by 11 which suggests the remaining unclued lights. Five clues contain a redundant word; these can be rearranged to provide the twenty-two unchecked and cross-checking letters in all unclued entries.
Across
1 Take lead from better Iraqi writer (6)
5 Opposed awfully stupid ado with journo (8)
10 Headgear as Scottish chill’s endless (4)
12 Religious leader lost heart in harvest (4)
14 Secretary, one keeping distance, is a dish (6)
20 Hindu custom, say, cut short during earthquake (9)
21 Some work as soil almost covers house...
Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it
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