| FIRSTRATE | Fur's straight, we are told, and of high quality (5-4) |
| BASS | A straight, we hear, singer (4) |
| MUTTON | Dead, we are told, and can be eaten |
| NEVERSAYDIE | Don't address David familiarly, we are told, and don't give up |
| DELUXE | Expensive and of high quality (2,4) |
| LUXE | Expensive and of high quality (4) |
| UPMARKET | Dear and of high quality |
| GILTEDGED | Of high quality and reliable (4-5) |
| DONIZETTI | Teacher is painter, we're told, and composer (9) |
| STAIRWELL | Look hard, we're told, and skilfully for flight location (9) |
| ANECDOTES | Reminiscences told and enacted so divertingly (9) |
| TOPDRAWER | Prize trophy mounted, being of high quality (3,6) |
| EXCELLENT | Better time for cutting down on food of high quality (9) |
| SHEFFIELD | City in South Yorkshire associated with the manufacture of high-quality steels (9) |
| WELLHEELED | Rich and of high standing? (4-6) |
| RAPT | Did the packaging, we're told, and was engossed in it (4) |
| MEDAL | Get involved, we're told, and can get an award (5) |
| RARE | Regiment and corps of high quality (4) |
| SPILLEDTHEBEANS | Told ... and a hint to this puzzle's six sets of circles |
| TAKEORDERS | Do as you"re told and become a priest (4,6) |
