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Am feeling dim as everyone is praising 5d, but I can't see it - the second letter of my answer doesn't seem accounted for by the wordplay. The first letter corresponds to the last but one word of the answer, and I can see that there is a word for 'attrition' that, with added letter standing for 'won', would account for the last six letters. But that leaves me with one letter over.
And I have no idea how to parse 1a, apart from the usual word for 'spring'. Aaaaargh.
I agree that 23d is great clue.

1a parses as 1,3,5,4 as you look at it, but the 5 and 4 are both read in reverse.

Castafiore - ‘lead’ has its own value and accounts for the second and third letters. Hope that helps.
R

You are nearly there, Castafiore. You are right about the significance of the second to last word in 5d but consider again the significance of the word "lead." Add the abbreviation for that. Then go ahead and put in the letter for "won" to get attrition. Bingo.

‘Won’ can be abbreviated on the basis that it is the currency of Korea

Thanks, Jono - I had seen the 5-letter word in reverse, but can't see how it relates to the clue.

Thanks, Rogissimo and Terriblislow. I should have paid more attention in those science lessons.

Castafiore, it’s one of those slang words for money, like rhino or bread, that nobody really uses except in crossword land.

Oh I see. Never heard that. Thanks!

I can't say I've enjoyed this, but I only have 4 left. Not a lot of idea on those, though. Could I have some pointers on 10a (I have guessed a first word, but can't think of a second), 3d, 25a, and 23d (is this a place?)

I'll give the clues if asked, but I don't want to give placed letters as they might be spoilers.