- - Positively no excuses
- - Positively as is
- - Positively
- - 'I don't want to hear any excuses,' as well as a hint to this puzzle's theme
- - Unqualified (with a hint to this puzzle's theme)
- - Puzzle theme evident in 17-, 25- and 43-Across
- - Familiar five-word phrase that means "Excuses are unacceptable!"
- - Unequivocal statement re this puzzle
- - Statement defied by this puzzle
- - Kin of "That's final!"
- - Without excuses
- - Emphatic words
- - Ultimatum
- - Straightforward
- - Period
- - For sure
- - "Excuses are unacceptable" … or a hint to interpreting the starred clues
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