| EVENNOW | Smooth present, not just then |
| SOLELY | Just then, left city in Cambridgeshire (6) |
| ONCUE | As if planned to happen just then |
| AWAY | Not present, not at home (4) |
| TUBA | Just then, Dana, a bandmate Ava was crushing on, walked up lugging a ___. |
| NOT | "... but in reality, the opposite is true, because I was being sarcastic just then!" |
| MODERN | From "just now", a word for current or present; not ancient or medieval; a Bodoni type style, as opposed to old face; or, a contemporary person (6) |
| NOWONDER | Present, not past, primarily to consider - it's not surprising (2,6) |
| NOWHERE | At present not there nor anywhere else |
| FIFTIETH | Big birthday present not opened - nabbed by nasty thief |
| IRRITABLE | One bishop I formally present, not very polite |
| UNOWNED | Posh bloke outside at present - not admitted |
| STOCKINGFILLER | Small present, not traditionally placed under the tree |
| NOW | Present not offering wearer initials (3) |
| STAG | Present not finished for party? (4) |
| GIFTHORSE | Showing amazing foresight, a present not to be criticised |
| NONCE | At present not initially once (5) |
| PYRRHIC | Photo, including unopened Christmas present, not worth the candle (7) |
| USHERETTE | We who are present not drinking, having no success with wine guide |
| SERPENT | Present not in order for one who is always legless (7) |
