| BIRDSANDTHEBEES | Delicate conversation subject and hint to the puzzle |
| ABOUTTHAT | Start of a delicate conversation |
| TACT | Ability to navigate delicate conversations |
| LEADUPTO | Approach indirectly, as a conversation subject |
| POLITICS | Thanksgiving table conversation subject that's debatable |
| TOPIC | Conversation subject |
| FOOTTHEBILL | Pay the tab and hint to the puzzle? |
| HAIR | '67 rock musical and hint to the puzzle theme |
| ITSFORTHEBIRDS | Item unworthy of consideration and hint to the puzzle theme |
| PRECIOUSMOMENTS | Catalogue giftware distributor and hint to the puzzle theme |
| CHA | Chinese tea and hint to the puzzle theme |
| BEONTHEBALL | Demonstrate effectiveness, and a literal hint to the puzzle theme found in the answers to starred cl |
| GIMMEABREAK | 1980s Nell Carter sitcom, and a hint to the puzzle theme found in the ends of 17-, 32-, 39- and 46-A |
| TERMINATOR | With "The," Schwarzenegger film released 10/26/1984, and a hint to the puzzle theme found in the fir |
| ROLLCALL | Attendance check, and a hint to the puzzle theme in the first words of the starred answers |
| SIGHTSEES | Plays the tourist, and a hint to the puzzle's theme |
| SIDESWIPE | Glancing blow on the road, and a hint to the puzzle's |
| HOTSTUFF | 1979 song for which Donna Summer won a Grammy, and a hint to the puzzle theme found in the answers t |
| STOCKSPLIT | Sign of corporate success, and a literal hint to the puzzle theme found in 18-, 20-, 33-, 42- and 56 |
| ROYALFLUSH | Winning hand, and a hint to the puzzle theme |
