| UNTOUCHABLE | Easily the best but out of reach |
| UNBEATABLE | Easily the best for those hating percussion? (10) |
| HOPE | ___ for the best but prepare for the worst. |
| CAUTIOUSOPTIMISM | Feeling described as "hoping for the best, but fearing the worst" |
| RECORD | The best, but it's breakable (6) |
| INTOUCH | On the ball but out of bounds? (2,5) |
| LUSTY | Vigorous but out of practice, needing a change of hands |
| NOWHERE | Available at last, but out of the running |
| FROLICKED | Moved playfully like priests around Holi, but out of the house |
| SLEEPINGBEAUTY | Girl, eye-pleasing but out of it! |
| ENNUI | Strangely in tune, but out of time, which is boring |
| AMOK | Feel fine, but out of control. (4) |
| SUBSONIC | Public transport returns (sound related) but out of hearing range (8) |
| ASTIR | Rita's indisposed but out of bed (5) |
| ROGUE | But out of age group to be a delinquent (5) |
| RUSTY | Strong heading off, but out of practice (5). |
| PASSE | It leaves pasties cooked but out of fashion (5) |
| PUFFED | Highly praised but out of breath |
| EASED | Relieved and happy, but out of place |
| SCHOLAR | Carlos, poorly but out of hospital and at lessons (7) |
