2648: Thus at an end

Eight unclued lights are of a kind. Their unchecked and mutually checked letters can be rearranged to spell ‘LIKE IMPIOUS MYTHIC LOCH NESS MONSTER’. Ignore an acute accent and two hyphens.

        Across

   7    Tax cuts regularly have an effect (3)

11    TT race practice (3,3)

13    Lunatic on motorway initially infuriated by a trifle (7)

15    Previous player discontented with ten runs (5)

16    Puzzle must primarily please (5)

17    American certain to be rich (6)

18    Sanctioned some alcoholic itinerants (5)

20    Smile merrily, eating posh breakfast (6)

22    Many bats bitten by cunning insect (4,3)

27    Arrange an appointment with King George in advance (7)

29    Tell story, finally changing the subject (5)

30    Aristocrat wearing extremely precious gems (6)

32    Opening, Stokes turned round a Test (5)

34    Father Christmas cycling round lake at an angle (6)

36    Cut state investment (5)

37    High-ranking name recalling bender without wife (5)

38    Hearing why Australian knight returned to region of New Zealand (7)

39    Poor signal ranges (6)

         Down

   1    Like rickety Palermo cab (10)

   3    As a pre-teen you reportedly worried shrink (9)

   4    Greek scholar unwisely teases hornet (12)

   5    King heading off troublemaker in citadel (7)

   6    Made wealthy, spoilt children heartlessly kick stuffing out of Edward (8)

   7    Boxer swinging both ways in defence (5)

   8    Wrong half of horny reptile (4)

   9    Supple mountaineers ignoring limits (6)

10    Dutch spirit made from sugar cane and wheat (5)

12    Comfort chap covered in black stuff (6)

21    Family embraced by lively lasses in furs (9)

23    Old Balkan dude ascending huge throne (8)

24    Indian royal used marihuana after leaving university (8)

26    Resembling a mineral spring, endlessly deep (7)

28    Sustained tango melody upset Oscar (6)

31    Quench last of fires with large amount of water (5)

33    Ban cheers and jeers for the most part (5)

35    Photograph unexpected card game (4)

Download a printable version here.