3 down
It
is
essential,
born
on
earth,
to
accept
some
failing
occasionally
(5,4)
It is essential, born on earth, to accept some failing occasionally (5,4)
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The definition is at the beginning of the clue.
How the clue works
Here's how I'd talk through it: It is essential is the definition, which is just what the phrase "needs must" expresses. For the wordplay, take NEE (born) and add DUST (earth), but the dust has to accept something inside it. That something is SM, which comes from SOME "failing occasionally", meaning only every other letter turns up, leaving S and M. Slot SM into DUST and you get NEE plus D(SM)UST.