Everyman is on a good run at the minute, I think. Another tractable crossword with a variety of clue types and the usual trademark constructions.
Abbreviations
cd cryptic definition
dd double definition
cad clue as definition
(xxxx)* anagram
anagrind = anagram indicator
[x] letter(s) removed
definitions are underlined
Across
1 Approaches taking years – used to be
WAYS
An insertion of Y in WAS. The insertion indicator is ‘taking’.
3 Italian author sensible, prone to recycle
ECOLOGICAL
A charade of [Umberto] ECO and LOGICAL. Somewhat odd definition.
10 Ultimately, Kublai Khan granted country power because of plebiscite
INDYREF
The final letters of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth words of the clue. The reference is to the Scottish vote on independence.
11 Down payment? Proceed
ADVANCE
A dd.
12 Steel trap improved … it’s explosive
SALTPETRE
(STEEL TRAP)* with ‘improved’ as the anagrind.
13 Finally: bijou ceramic item of use
UTILE
A charade of U for the final letter of ‘bijou’ and TILE. It’s the French word for ‘useful’ or ‘of use’; I learned this morning that it is also an English word, although marked in dictionaries as ‘rare’.
14 Wild ancestors dancing in royal residence
WINDSOR CASTLE
(WILD ANCESTORS)* with ‘dancing’ as the anagrind.
18 It helps see big picture as well, needing tweaking
WIDE-ANGLE LENS
(AS WELL NEEDING)* with ‘tweaking’ as the anagrind.
20 Somewhat regrettably, I’m a wading bird
EGRET
Hidden in rEGRETtably. An opportunity for the Obligatory Pierre Bird Link, which shows a Little Egret having a plodge in the clarts.
21 Spooner’s to try dancing in alehouses
BEER HALLS
A Spoonerism of HEAR BALLS. ‘Try’ for HEAR is in its judicial sense.
23 Gang welcoming fit bandit
BRIGAND
An insertion of RIG in BAND. The insertion indicator is ‘welcoming’.
24 In danger, like Joan of Arc
AT STAKE
A dd.
25 Upbeat section of allegro set in Te Deum
ROSE-TINTED
Hidden in allegRO SET IN TED Deum.
26 In Yorkshire, the vicar’s flipping green
VERT
A reversal of T REV in a stereotypical trouble at t’mill kind of way. Another French word used in English.
Down
1 Now, at last, nasty waspish carpenters use these
WHIPSAWS
A charade of W for the final letter of ‘now’ and (WASPISH)* with ‘nasty’ as the anagrind.
2 Primarily yell, oscillating down Eiger lyrically?
YODEL
The initial letters of the last five words of the clue, and a cad.
4 Ice tea and farl cut and served up – here
CAFETERIA
(ICE TEA FAR[L])* with ‘served up’ as the anagrind.
5 I’m asking you – not quietly – for tenure
LEASE
[P]LEASE
6 Betray Marley and go west?
GIVE UP THE GHOST
A cd cum dd.
7 Leggy type baked decent pie
CENTIPEDE
(DECENT PIE)* with ‘baked’ as the anagrind.
8 Tells untruths about – to give an example – Lords
LIEGES
An insertion of EG in LIES. The insertion indicator is ‘about’
9 What the best man did, nervously: rose; ‘To Dot’s Papa!’
PROPOSED A TOAST
(ROSE TO DOTS PAPA)* with ‘nervously’ as the anagrind.
15 At this moment, top blown off transportation vehicles: not a problem
NO WORRIES
A charade of NOW and [L]ORRIES.
16 Collect concrete material
AGGREGATE
A dd.
17 In my view, like, A-Ha has appeal
AS I SEE IT
A charade of AS, I SEE and IT for [sex] ‘appeal’.
19 Maybe arm your representative
MEMBER
A dd.
21 In the auditorium, waitin’ for former Pres.
BIDEN
Aural wordplay (‘in the auditorium’) for BIDIN’
22 Idyllic spot? Very. Everyman’s beginning to follow. Go away!
LEAVE
A charade of LEA, V and E for the first letter of ‘Everyman’.
Many thanks to Everyman for this week’s puzzle.