| SENTENCES | Only a few words, perhaps, but they carry conviction (9) |
| SHORTSENTENCE | Only a few words but they may carry conviction (5,8) |
| UNSHEATHE | Draw different words, perhaps, to show your metal. (9) |
| DISMISSAL | Final words, perhaps, in girl's service book |
| YESTERDAY | Popular song composed only a few hours ago (9) |
| SENTENCE | Give one time, perhaps, for only a few words (8) |
| NOVELETTE | 10,000 words, perhaps |
| FAYWELDON | Author with only a few (500) characters (3,6) |
| BREVITY | Using only a few words |
| DEFENDANT | Will his answers carry conviction? He hopes not (9) |
| VICES | Faults, perhaps, but they can be gripping! (5) |
| ABSTAINERS | In bar seats, perhaps, but they won't be drinking |
| OILMEN | Boring chaps perhaps, but they keep us going |
| PINUPS | Pretty girls, perhaps, but they go to the wall (3-3) |
| IRONIES | Noisier perhaps but they are wryly amusing (7) |
| RINGTRUE | Carry conviction |
| EVERYPICTURETELLSASTORY | An image is worth a thousand words, perhaps |
| PARAPHRASE | In other words, perhaps mistaken about a painter |
| HUM | Be at a loss for words, perhaps |
| BESEATED | Standing ovation recipient's words, perhaps |
