Write-Offs
by Dave Shukan
The 28 definitions resolve into 14 pairs where (1) one word consists of a "deletion" verb followed by a string of non-repeated letters and (2) one word consists of all of those nonrepeated letters (one or more times each) plus a single additional letter, as follows:
skin-related = CUTANEOUS
reports or declares, often formally = ANNOUNCES
CUTANEOUS = CUT A,N,E,O,U,S
cutting A,N,E,O,U,S from ANNOUNCES = C
Similarly:
initial mathematical principles = AXIOMS
drink containing orange juice and champagne = MIMOSA
AXIOMS = AX I, O, M, S
axing I, O, M, S from MIMOSA = A
The 16 leftover letters, in order, spell BANKER ACROSTIC
Taking the ACROSTIC from the 28 clues, and getting rid of all K, E, R (BAN K, E, R) leaves the solution phrase: CONSOLIDATION LOAN.
Breakdown is as follows:
| Conduct or manners | DEPORT/MENT | |
| Right away or suddenly, as a musical direction | SUBITO | B |
| Kind of chip, pancake, or salad | POTATO | A |
| Of pressure from the atmosphere | BAR/OMETRIC | |
| Electronic system for room-to-room communication | INTERCOM | N |
| Nail or hedge trimmers | CLIP/PERS | |
| Rump, colloquially | KEISTER | K |
| Skin-related | CUT/ANEOUS | |
| Entry passes, such as to a movie | TICKETS | E |
| Ornamental wrist bangle | BRACELET | R |
| Little, quotable passage | SNIP/PET | |
| Eating utensil (one of a pair) | CHOP/STICK | |
| Indian from Oaxaca | ZAP/OTEC | |
| Drink made from orange juice and champagne | MIMOSA | A |
| Reports or declares, often formally | ANNOUNCES | C |
| Adding to the court's calendar | DOCK/ETING | |
| Tasty | DELE/CTABLE | |
| Right-hand page | RECTO | R |
| Initial mathematical principles | AX/IOMS | |
| Especially strong coffee | ESPRESSO | O |
| Often-cylindrical metal container | CAN/ISTER | |
| Nine singers minus two singers | SEPTET | S |
| Lush or drunkard | TOSS/POT | |
| Obtrusive and self-assertive | BUMP/TIOUS | |
| River representing a point of no return | RUB/ICON | |
| Amalgamation or fabrication | CONCOCTION | T |
| Kid's fingerless glove | MITTEN | I |
| Natural, in "nature vs. nurture" terms | GENETIC | C |
The final answer is: CONSOLIDATION LOAN.