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Some tough ones this time and Mr.Most
Cryptic has had HIS turn this week! One
I cannot see at this moment is 17 Across:-
"Topple immaculate despot with heartless
composure." DEPOSE is surely the answer
but I couldn't fully parse this one.

topple = depose

immaculate despot = de (no spot)

pose = poise without i.

Should perhaps have added that immaculate is spotless.

All I can think of is...
To make 'despot' immaculate, remove the 'spot'( de-spot)' and then add 'pose' which is the heartless (ie missing the centre) version of 'poise;, composure.

Thanks, Roger - I only saw the "topple" bit
but that's put everything into context and
all is now clear.

And thanks also to Malone as your answer
corresponded to Roger's.

Glad you've got it settled, I know how annoying it can be when an answer remains a little bit iffy/unclear.