| CONTEMPORARY | Absurd poem in difficult setting - so modern (12) |
| MADEDO | Improvised with absurd poem about ... (4,2) |
| STAR | Sun setting then, as rave starts (4) |
| WOOLLEN | Clangers are so modern to reflect about repeated old lines (7) |
| ONTREND | Badly torn at the bottom - so modern |
| PREDICAMENTS | The last word in forecasts in difficult situations |
| BIRDCAGE | Old composer heard, then modern one, in arrangement of bars for singer (8) |
| MANET | Parisian artist and companion of Charles Baudelaire who painted scenes of then modern life including The Luncheon on the Grass and Music in the Tuileries (5) |
| PRETTYKETTLE | Those landed in hot water following home secretary, reportedly in difficult situation? (6,6,2,4) |
| TELEPROMPTER | Thesp finally immersed in difficult role, siren rings for autocue |
| KETTLEOFFISH | Heftiest folk involved in difficult situation (6, 2, 4) |
| STAPLER | Office equipment, not so modern, securing page |
| MILLIE | Not-so-modern nickname shared by Camilla, Millicent and Mildred |
| TOTEMISTS | They're interested in ritual signs for children in difficult times (9) |
| BENJAMIN | Head of tribe in difficult situation in African republic |
| BEHIND | What is found in difficult situation in seat? (6) |
| OFFISH | Those landed in hot water following home secretary, reportedly in difficult situation? (6,6,2,4) |
| KILOMETRE | Distance travelled over in difficult mile trek? (9) |
| LAMPLIGHT | Some illumination in difficult situation following escape (9) |
| PLIGHT | Pledge in difficult situation (6) |
