| WHYONEARTH | *Incredulous question (Theme hint: Read the first words of the starred clues' answers aloud) |
| COMPAREAPPLESTOAPPLES | What you do when you read the first words of 23-, 30-, 48-, 85-, 102- and 114-Across? |
| ETTU | Start of Caesar's incredulous question |
| YOUDIDW | Incredulous question |
| ONWHATPLANET | Incredulous question |
| HOW | Incredulous question after a magic trick |
| TEALEAVES | *Bits steeped in a bag (Theme hint: Say the first words of the starred clues' answers in order) |
| ROLLCALL | Attendance check, and a hint to the puzzle theme in the first words of the starred answers |
| MIXEDGREENS | Salad choice, and a description of the first words of the starred clues' answers |
| DOVETAILS | Fits together nicely . . . or a description of the last words of the starred clues' answers, when read in order? |
| SILENTPARTNER | Investor with a limited role ... or the unpronounced letters in the first words of the starred clues' answers, collectively? |
| XMARKSTHESPOT | Treasure-indicating phrase, and a hint to the first words of the starred answers |
| MET | Shook hands with (a hint to the first words of the starred clues) |
| MIXEDFRUIT | Sweet snack, and a description of the first words of the starred answers |
| PUTONESFOOTINIT | Say the wrong thing, or what to do with the first words of the starred answers |
| OPENINGBELL | Exchange ringer, and a hint to the first words of the starred answers |
| FAIRYTALEENDING | Grimm fate? ... and a hint to the last words of the starred clues' answers |
| LEADBELLY | *"Goodnight, Irene" singer (Note: The first words of the starred clues' answers form a sequence) |
| SWINGSET | Playground equipment ... or a description of the first words of the starred clues? |
| BACKTRACK | Reverse a position, and a hint to what can follow the first words of the starred answers |
