| DEATHBLOW | A killing stroke or event (9) |
| BUTTERFLY | A stroke or a comma, maybe (9) |
| FREESTYLE | Swimming event where contestants may choose their stroke; or, improvised rap (9) |
| PROFITEER | Soldiers returned attack, cutting noble fellow after a killing (9) |
| SLAUGHTER | Son with sound of amusement makes a killing (9) |
| PULL | A tasselled cord or a rod with a chain for sounding a bell; part of an oar stroke; or, a period of rowing (4) |
| HOLLOWMAN | 2000 sci-fi horror film starring Elisabeth Shue and Kevin Bacon about a scientist who turns invisible and goes on a killing spree: 2 wds. |
| RAPACIOUS | Blame account and notes for creditors keen to make a killing? (9) |
| FRONTSTEP | Battleground - stage for salesman to make a killing? (5,4) |
| BLOODLUST | Being out for a killing, lost almost double, converting |
| POISONPEN | Writer out to make a killing? (6,3) |
| REVERSE | Word for the contrary or opposite; the back of a coin; an untoward change of fortune or other setback; a backhanded sword stroke; or, a backwards direction (7) |
| RUB | A stroke or smooth said to be done "the wrong way" when irritating a person by tactless handling; or, a snag on a bowling green, hence an obstacle (3) |
| NONLETHAL | Possibly chamber music auditorium boosts bottom line, unlikely to make a killing |
| CRAWL | An inch forth on one's hands and knees; a slow pace; an overarm flutter kick swimming stroke; or, a type of pen in the shallows for fish or lobsters (5) |
| BEAT | The recurrent pulse, stroke or throb of a bird's wings, clock's hands, person's heart, maestro's baton, pheasant rouser's stick, police officer's feet or a timpanist's drumsticks (4) |
| FLAM | Drum rudiment consisting of two almost simultaneous strokes; or, dialect for drivel, a falsehood, an idle fancy, nonsense, a trick or a whim (4) |
| COUP | A notable or successful stroke or move |
| COUT | A notable or successful stroke or move |
| WHIPPET | A dog with a bone to stroke or pat (7) |
