| LIPSYNC | Learner at first not taking part in developing spicy mime (3-4) |
| GLUE | Golf learner at first using English stick |
| FLOREY | Co-recipient of a Nobel Prize with Alexander Fleming and Ernst Chain for his part in developing penicillin (6) |
| TORNADO | Commotion about relief at first not available in storm |
| ISLANDS | At first, not doing splendidly for 'Months in Islam': '... Christmas, Easter etc?' (7) |
| DUBIOUS | Uncertain promises to pay capital at first (not half!) (7) |
| YANGTZE | Zane Grey wandered round Texas at first, not on river (7) |
| NIBBLER | One at first not into big bites, leaving expensive restaurant? (7) |
| MISFIRE | Mud smothering one's foot at first's not come off |
| COMMAND | Direct, at first not direct |
| PASSIVE | Permit I"ve obtained by not taking part (7) |
| LAIDOUT | Arranged help for a learner at the youth centre (4,3) |
| HALFWAY | In lobby, fellow ousts learner at the centre (7) |
| INITIAL | First not out is mostly Italian in origin (7) |
| ONAIR | First-timer not taking part in stylish broadcasting (2,3) |
| BUFFALO | Powerful steer from expert with a learner at wheel |
| UNLUCKY | Unfortunate one, learner at University of California, knowingly shallow (7) |
| ATLARGE | Big feline seen first, not caught, free and threatening (2,5) |
| LOSE | Clubs not taking part in the end get beaten (4) |
| LADDERS | Learner at Snakes and ...? (7) |
