| RIFTS | ... being first to resolve differences ... |
| EARLY | Old English word and an antonym of "late" that is found in a proverb that emphasises being first, to improve one's chances of success (5) |
| ROOKS | Criminals being executed? They start off being first rankers (5) |
| PAPEROVER | Prepare brews, infusing boundless love to resolve differences for time being (5,4) |
| IMMEDIATE | Time to ignore outsiders - try to resolve differences without delay |
| BENDS | Being first, puts a stop to possible problem for divers (5) |
| BRAGS | Blusters about being first with clothing of poverty (5) |
| FLUSH | Being first a drinker, show one's embarrassment (5) |
| EXEAT | Leave each time without being first |
| BIBLE | Peevishment about being first in sacred writings |
| FEATHER | This woman's achievement being first to give shape to 8 (7) |
| BREAKTHENEWS | She went berserk after short holiday - expose it by being first to go on Twitter (5,3,4) |
| SMILER | He's happy, being first to surpass Roger Bannister? (6) |
| CHOSEN | Fancy one's companion being first to be picked (6) |
| BAMBOOZLE | Being first to blame zoo characters and cheat (9) |
| SUBSIST | Survive, being first to follow U-boats? |
| LEADINGTHEWAY | Being first to travel a route (7,3,3) |
| GOLDCREST | Bird's prize for being first to reach summit |
| FAERIE | Unreal, being first to fly over a lake (6) |
| KISSANDMAKEUP | Magnanimous character embraces rebellious fool to resolve differences (4,3,4,2) |
