| FOLDER | It contains, but isn't exactly a holder (6) |
| ITERATIONS | Repeats things almost any cryptic crossword contains, but not every one of them (10) |
| HEAD | A single beast isn't exactly a herd! (4) |
| BEARER | Word for a holder or carrier of something, such as a cheque, cup, message or some bad news (6) |
| MYSTERY | My story isn't exactly a whodunit! (7) |
| ARCHIE | Jai Sharma's son, who isn't exactly keen on the idea (6,7) |
| WIRING | Electrical work isn't exactly tiring |
| SLACKS | Isn't exactly industrious |
| INTRAY | Popular judge imprisoning a holder of post needing to be dealt with (2-4) |
| TRAY | A flat receptacle such as a baking sheet, a board for conveying tea things, a holder in a CD player or a desk organiser for pending papers (4) |
| PORTFOLIO | From "carry a leaf", a holder for papers, such as state documents, hence the office of a state minister; a flat case for drawings, maps, photos etc; or, a collection of such pieces, showcasing a stude |
| EELBASKET | Best a keel can provide is a holder for a sort of fish (3-6) |
| DAME | From the Latin for "mistress of the household", word for a female ruler in its earliest sense, now a title given to a woman with the rank of Knight Commander or a holder of the Grand Cross in the orde |
| SCABBARD | A holder for a bladed weapon such as a sword (8) |
| ABAGOFNERVES | A holder of sensational impulses? No, it's butterflies in one's stomach (1,3,2,6) |
| VISA | A passport endorsement allowing a holder to enter or to leave a country |
| CASE | Cover of a hardback book; a holder for pencils; or, a box containing 12 bottles of wine (4) |
| EDICT | A decree issued by a holder of any authority (5) |
| UNSHEATHE | Draw(a knife) from a holder (9) |
| LETTERBOX | A holder for mail (6,3) |
