| NOWAIT | "Okay, but hold up . . ." |
| TREADWATER | Make no progress, but hold one's head up mainly (5,5) |
| DRAGTHECHAIN | Chaotically charge and hit, but hold everyone up (4,3,5) |
| ADHERE | Puff at this point, but hold on |
| MONET | "She's a full-on ___ [...] From far away, it's okay, but up close it's a big old mess" (Clueless quote) |
| SOSO | Okay but improvable: Hyph. |
| ILLTRY | "Okay, but no promises" |
| YEAHSO | "Okay, but what's your point?" |
| THETHINGIS | "Okay, but listen . . ." |
| PIT | Mine's two halves together, but hold the third |
| RESERVE | Book it but hold back judgment on it (7) |
| TRIVIALITY | It's nothing for trinity to lose direction but hold vial (10) |
| GETALONG | Manage okay, but delayed over wearing medal (3,5) |
| INKY | Like material for writer that's popular -- okay, but oddly lacking (4) |
| BUILT | Completed, but holds less than fifty. (5) |
| WICK | Bad, losing journalist, but holds fire (4) |
| CHANDLER | The retailer's clerk all but holds your hand (8) |
| PURPOSEBUILT | Specially-designed prop deteriorates with use, but holds one still, ultimately |
| ROADBLOCK | Police barrier may shake but holds off a bold intruder (9) |
| PARTRIDGE | Lover's Christmas Day gift somewhat dire maybe but holds good at orchard location (9,2,1,4,4) |
