| LOVELETTERS | Messages containing X's and O's, and what the answers to the starred clues literally describe? |
| DEICIDE | Juggernaut's destruction one judge describes? |
| TEXTS | Phone messages containing quotes from the Bible (5) |
| ENCLAIR | Of messages, containing ordinary language rather than a code or cipher; French, 'in clear' (2,5) |
| TOMES | Veto messages containing volumes of writing (5) |
| HOLDTHATTHOUGHT | "Remember what you were about to say," and what the answers to the starred clues literally do |
| PINHEADS | Ninnies, and what the first words of the answers to the starred clues literally are |
| BREAKASTORY | What an investigative journalist might do, and what the answers to the starred clues literally do |
| GETAFTERIT | "Seize the day!," and what the answers to the starred clues literally have |
| COATTAILS | Features of some formal jackets, and what the ends of the answers to the starred clues literally are |
| HUMBLEBEGINNINGS | Part of a rags-to-riches story, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have |
| TREEHUGGERS | Nature lovers, and what the answers to the starred clues literally are |
| UPSTARTS | Social climbers, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have |
| DJMIX | Dance club compilation, and what the answers to the starred clues literally are |
| TIMESLOT | Schedule component, and what the answers to the starred clues literally contain |
| CUTTHECARBS | Dieting advice, and what the answers to the starred clues literally do |
| ANIMALRIGHTS | Anti-cruelty movement, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have |
| TWOTRUTHSANDALIE | Ice-breaker activity involving three claims, or what the starts of the answers to the starred clues literally are |
| OOHS | Cries of delight, and what each of the answers to the starred clues literally are? |
| LETTEROPENERS | Envelope-slicing tools, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have? |
