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Rosie, it's NOT the same word - it's a selection of words, meaning much the same thing. (The fourth word of the phrase, mentioned in the preamble, is the important one.)These words are inserted into the answers of the italicised clues , and still end up as real words.

Thanks chips. I'll concentrate on the 4th word
and hopefully see the light.

I almost forgot (when I was doing the crossword) that the answers to the italicised entries are defined by an unclued answer. It all got a bit easier for me once I found the first pair/two that went together.

Thanks again chips.

I've got the 16a & 12d connections & now I know what I'm looking for I'm optimistic.

In case it hasn't been mentioned already: the title of the puzzle, correctly understood, gives a big hint as to the meaning of the 4-word phrase, of which the last word is then the key to the missing bits of the words clued in italics, & thus the other 4 describing them, too (if that's comprehensible)!

Am I correct in connecting 3d with 13a?

Rosie, yes - am sure you'll rattle the rest off now!

Thanks chips you've been very supportive.

Finished but quite difficult I thought but all nicely put together. 26ac was my last one in, I get the politician and the graft but where is abandoned in this? Is it the "n" from "in", meaning current.