| OPERATOR | + or -, to |
| BELTS | Strips or leather or other materials worn around the waist or across the chest to retain or support clothes or to carry a weapon |
| CLOVE | A segment of a bulb or garlic; or, the dried flower bud of a tree related to myrtle used as a traditional painkiller for toothache, or to flavour masala chai, biryani or mulled wine (5) |
| PATENT | Copyright / a government authority to an individual or organization cofer-ring sole right to make, to use, or to sell an invention |
| SINKORSWIM | To fail or succeed: to flounder - or to be a flounder? |
| RET | To dampen or to soak flax, hemp, timber, etc., in water or by exposure to moisture |
| BASIL | Aromatic herb with a Mediterranean variety used to make pesto or to garnish Caprese salad and a Thai variety used to flavour green or red curries (5) |
| BEADS | Decorative glass or shell objects used to make maasai jewellery and belts or to embellish evening or bridal gowns (5) |
| ALMONDS | Nut-like kernels ground to make marzipan, praline, nougat, macaroons or to thicken romesco sauce or |
| ARSON | Crime of purposeful fire-setting to property belonging to self or to others for insurance money |
| REVOLT | Insurrection / refusal to submit to or to accept authority |
| ADIBO | I shall approach (to visit, to attack, or to address) |
| ESPOUSE | To adopt or to support a cause, doctrine / to marry |
| LIEDOWN | Place oneself or to be in a prostate position to rest or sleep (3,4) |
| STRIKE | Discovery of oil or gold by drilling or mining; or, to score a goal in football (6) |
| TOPE | To drink to excess or to take exercise? (4) |
| DAM | A barrier constructed to contain the flow or water or to keep out the sea. |
| EXAMINATIONS | Formal tests taken to show knowledge or ability in particular subjects or to obtain qualifications (12) |
| JACOBEAN | Characteristic of, or relating to, James I of England or to the period of his rule (8) |
| PINCER | A ___ is the part of an arthropod that enables it to carry loads, to defend against other creatures, or to attack prey |
