Crossword Genius

Leo's tuba played in total without qualification (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

absolute

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'total without qualification' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'leo's tuba played' is the wordplay.
'played' indicates an anagram.
'leos'+'tuba'='leostuba'
'leostuba' is an anagram of 'ABSOLUTE'.

'in' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for absolute that I've seen before include "Not subject to limitation" , "comprehensive?" , "Peremptory" , "Literary captain" , "Sheer, utter or not limited" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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