| COMPARATIVE | Improve act somehow? With introduction of ace it could be better |
| ESLOIN | Remove old lines somehow with introduction of Olay |
| BLACKCAT | Grimly humorous act somehow appearing to be a harbinger of good fortune? (5,3) |
| ACTIVATE | A TV ace it seems, is put into operation (8) |
| CHEAT | Do catch the man in the act, somehow (5) |
| ALLTIME | Not yet surpassed by ace. It will come back to me |
| NOSTALGIC | Losing act somehow feeling sentimental? Not for now (9) |
| ROOMFOR | Part of house in need of refurbishment? It could be better (4,3,11) |
| IMPROVEMENT | Part of house in need of refurbishment? It could be better (4,3,11) |
| UNDER | Inferior, so it could be better (5) |
| PANACEA | Knock with two aces - it will make everything better (7) |
| GAMESTER | Gas meter with point out of place could be better (8) |
| HEALTHIER | Lie with her hat askew? What could be better! (9) |
| PRESIDENTTRUMP | Prospect of this isn't half depressing - could be better! (9,5) |
| PUNTER | Piano out of tune, right? Could be better |
| ACID | It provides proof of ace group of detectives attending sports event (4,4) |
| TRAP | It provides proof of ace group of detectives attending sports event (4,4) |
| STATIC | It acts somehow without moving |
| RORSCHACHTEST | Cor, the shrink acts, somehow spilling ink - for this! |
| THEPOWERSTHATBE | Those in charge could be better - what hopes! (3,6,4,2) |
