| HITCH | Sudden and often unexpected difficulty or problem (5) |
| FACER | Sudden and often unexpected difficulty or problem (5) |
| TURNUPTRUMPS | Expression meaning 'to act in a very helpful and often unexpected way' (4,2,6) |
| REVERSEFERRET | Sudden and often unacknowledged change in editorial stance (7,6) |
| PITFALL | Unexpected difficulty or danger (7) |
| SETBACK | Disappointment or misfortune, often unexpected (7) |
| ESPIAL | Observation, often unexpected by those observed |
| CATCH | Door-fastener presents unexpected difficulty (5) |
| SNAFU | Any mistake or problem; confused or muddled up (5) |
| POSER | A question or problem that is puzzling or confusing. (5) |
| OASIS | From "dwelling place", a fruitful or green area in a sandy desert; or, a sanctuary/place of sustenance in the midst of bustle, difficulty or gloom (5) |
| HICCUP | A minor difficulty or problem (6) |
| NODES | Latin word for "knot", hence used to refer to a complication, difficulty, knotty point or problem (5) |
| ISSUE | An important topic or problem for discussion (5) |
| SOLVE | Figure out a puzzle or problem (5) |
| ROCKY | Difficult and full of obstacles or problems (5) |
| TROUBLEMAKERS | People who habitually cause difficulty or problems (13) |
| AGGRO | (Informal) Difficulties or problems (5) |
| WREST | Take with difficulty - or with ease? |
| LEAKS | Sources or problems for investigators |
