Each of nine clues contains a superfluous word. Initial letters of these words spell a word which can be read as an indicator of the unclued lights in each of four columns in the grid.
Across
1 Position since gossip (5)
4 Quickest spy, holding power, passes time (9)
10 Half-moon-shaped utensil made badly, lacking depth (10)
11 Tax reform’s ending universal indignation (6)
12 Pioneers westward around hot valleys (7)
14 Drizzle in chasm fell irregularly (5)
15 Quite impetuous, gutted fish (5)
16 Man in end releasing a disc (6)
22 Leap covering part carrying current (8)
23 Support broadcast in usual hours (7)
24 Shout lines after whisky, not right (4)
25 Dog turned, beginning to mistrust fragrance (4)
27 Shade behind great compound (7)
29 Useful article revised very poorly (8)
32 Revoke adaptation of green energy (6)
34 Hollow gold coin (5)
35 Treat burn following international standard (5)
36 Goddess reversed plan involving endless audacity (7)
37 See criminal let in hanger-on (6)
38 Stress about nut restrained by prompt edict (10)
39 Tries to stop true narration (9)
40 Vigorous feet in dance (5)
Down
1 Circle mark a mug leaves in table (10)
3 Hooligan grabbing attention approached (6)
5 Music during tea in factory (10)
7 Force in cunning offer surrendering wide country (5)
9 Commotion near steamer (4)
13 King sorry about border overturned contract (7)
15 Demon at work securing release (6)
17 Spice island filled with fever, tense (10)
18 Officer isolated in saddle (7)
19 Respectfully against European system opening in bank (10)
21 Risk keeping bad job (6)
30 Quote supporting popular urge (6)
31 Share church after confusion (5)
34 Upset about second measure (4)
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 6 October. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers Dictionary instead of cash— ring the word ‘Dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2180, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.
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