| STUCK | Stumped, as on a difficult clue |
| ATALOSS | Stumped as to why trading is unprofitable (2,1,4) |
| TIGHTROPE | Tense ropes, singularly, on a difficult middle course (5-4) |
| BLACKDIAMOND | Symbol on a difficult ski run |
| HIGHLIGHT | Draw attention to difficult clue (9) |
| EASIEST | Is this the least difficult clue? (7) |
| MINUSCULE | Little less difficult clue |
| RETICULATION | Helping getting around difficult clue; it needs special pattern (12) |
| UNCLE | Difficult clue about northern kinsman |
| IDIDITMYWAY | Compiler making no apology to solver for difficult clue? (1,3,2,2,3) |
| WORKOUT | Solve some difficult clues during an exercise session (4-3) |
| SKID | Shoe or other device applied to the rim of a wheel to act as a brake, as on a vehicle travelling downhill (4) |
| BAIT | Food etc. put as on a hook or trap as a lure |
| CAMEO | A medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief (5) |
| POSTDATE | Indicate a later time, as on a check |
| HEMSTITCH | Decorative stitch bordering a hem, as on a handkerchief (9) |
| TBA | Time as yet unknown indicator, as on a TV sched. |
| PANACHE | A feathered plume as on a helmet |
| BLEEPED | Made a censoring noise as on a TV show |
| SETBAIL | Impose a monetary restriction, as on a defendant |
