| BROWNRICE | Dark-coloured rook that is swallowing cold grains (5,4) |
| IMBIBE | Tope that is swallowing minute fish |
| IDEALIST | Optimist that is swallowing what's periodically in tabloid |
| BALCONIED | With raised platform unlocked, rook that is occupying it (9) |
| MENAGERIE | Workers get on with rook that is in a zoo (9) |
| KRIEGSPIEL | King's rook that is key, taking second pawn that is left in chess game |
| DORBEETLE | Dark-coloured insect that drones in flight |
| ANGRIEST | Most irritated rook that is in distress (8) |
| TWINBERRY | North American shrub, also known as bearberry honeysuckle, that produces pairs of dark-coloured fruits (9) |
| BLACKSWAN | Australian water bird with dark-coloured plumage (5,4) |
| BLACKHOLE | Dark coloured pit made by collapsed star (5,4) |
| CORMORANT | Large dark-coloured, long-necked seabird with a pouch for holding fish (9) |
| BLACKLORY | Dark-coloured parrot of South-East Asia with a red and yellow undertail (5,4) |
| PINNACLE | Knocks back fizz - swallowing cold, quick drink is always a highpoint (8) |
| SPECTRUM | Small tame animal swallowing cold drink that's colourful (8) |
| ORIGINS | Starts or is swallowing alcoholic drink (7) |
| ILLS | Is swallowing a large double for one's miseries (4) |
| IBIS | Is swallowing half a bird, like a spoonbill (4) |
| ICEDTEA | Noticed team-mate swallowing cold drink |
| ACRID | Parched, swallowing cold bitter (5) |
