| MIXEDMESSAGES | Conflicting signals, or a hint to this puzzle's theme |
| HORNS | Cream- or custard-filled pastries, known in Italy as cannoncini; brass bugles traditionally used for hunting signals; or, a stag's antlers (5) |
| HOIST | Word for "lift", hence a group of flying colours or flags, raised as a signal; or, a crane, jack or pulley with which to heave, elevate or winch (5) |
| RETREAT | From the Latin meaning "pull back", a withdrawal of troops before enemies; a sunset bugle signal; or, a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, refuge, relaxation or solitude (7) |
| STOP | Angle between a dog's forehead and muzzle; harpsichord mechanism; traffic signal; or, a halting-place (4) |
| FLAG | An oblong, square or triangle of bunting as a vexillary emblem, ensign, signal or standard; a yellow iris; a bushy tail; or, from the Old Norse for "slice of turf", a flat slab or paving-stone (4) |
| ALARMS | Exclamations meaning "to weapons!" originally, later a word for distress/alert signals; or, devices transmitting said warnings, such as bells, clocks, sirens or tocsins (6) |
| INDICATES | Signals or points to (9) |
| SENSORS | Devices to receive signals or stimuli (7) |
| GANTRY | Area behind a bar where bottles are mounted in optics; a stand for barrels; or, a structure supporting a crane, railway signal or road sign (6) |
| CALL | A summons; a short social visit; a square-dance direction; or, a signal or series of notes sounded by bugle (4) |
| BEACON | A fire or light on a hill as a signal or warning (6) |
| BONFIRES | They're lit as signals or in celebration (8) |
| DROPOUT | One who has abandoned a course, school or rejected society; a brief loss of an electronic signal; or, the recommencement of play in rugby with a ball kicked from the hand (7) |
| SENSOR | A device that receives a signal or stimulus and responds to it (6) |
| CALLS | Telephone conversations; notes blown on hunting horns as signals; or, directions in country dancing (5) |
| MESSAGES | Signals or announcements |
| BECKON | To signal or summon as by nodding or waving (6) |
| BEEP | A short high tone produced as a signal or warning (4) |
| CUE | A signal or reminder to do something (3) |
