| RETARD | Slow the development or progress of |
| PIVOT | A fulcrum, pin or shaft on which something turns; or, a central person or thing, essential to the success or progress of any undertaking (5) |
| BISHOPS | Prelates known collectively as an episcopacy; or, chesspieces associated with the development or strategy of fianchettoing (7) |
| TWISTS | Unexpected developments or revelations in novels, plays or films; spiral-shaped wineglass stems; helical batons of baked bread or pastry; or, silk threads (6) |
| CAREER | From the Latin for "wheeled vehicle", word first for a racecourse or a gallop at full-speed, later a swift headlong rush; or, one's profession or progress through life (6) |
| IMPEDE | Slow the progress of |
| STASIS | Lack of action or progress (6) |
| CHECKS | Slows the progress of (6) |
| EVOLVE | Undergo development or evolution (6) |
| GENTLE | Slow the Frenchman in front (6) |
| ONRUSH | A sudden development or surge that is too quick to control (6) |
| GROWTH | Development or increase |
| SNAILS | Very slow The Format song? |
| HELDUP | Delayed due to movement or progress being hindered (4,2) |
| BRAKES | Slows the bike |
| SCENARIO | An outline or synopsis of the plot of a dramatic or literary work such as a film, novel or play; or, a postulated sequence of possible developments or events (8) |
| TENOR | Word, from "hold", for the holder of a melody first, now a male singing voice; course or progress; or, the gist or purport of a discourse (5) |
| PEBBLING | Curler's method of creating frozen bumps on the rink's surface to slow the stone down; or, the act of texturing leather for a rough finish (8) |
| CHECK | Stop or slow the progress of (5) |
| STAGE | A distinct step or period of development, growth or progress (5) |
