| MOONRIVER | A short spell on the water inspires a song (4,5) |
| DOGWATCH | Act on grand old committee, having a short spell on board |
| HELLESPONT | Cast spell on the water separating lovers |
| TOUCANS | Flyers finding headphones after short spell on duty |
| PALAVER | Mate very nearly inspires a song and dance (7) |
| EXTRATIME | Had more to give in a short spell after the main event (5-4) |
| ENTRANCES | Puts a spell on The Doors (9) |
| SLOGANEER | Hard graft never inspires a writer in the advertising industry (9) |
| SMALLTIME | The short spell in prison is unimportant (5-4) |
| BRAINWAVE | Webinar broadcast inspires a very brilliant idea |
| PECKSNIFF | A kiss to inspire a Dickensian architect (9) |
| FAIRBANKS | Where conifers are saved, one might say, inspires a film star of old (7,9) |
| TIMPANIST | After short spell, keyboard player missing second drummer |
| REASONING | Using intellect, partially inspire a son in GCSEs (9) |
| GALLSTONE | Left to inspire a couple of learners stumped in calculus |
| COLDSNAPS | Sudden, short spells of wintry, icy weather (4,5) |
| SNATCH | Quick grab; a robbery; a short spell; or, a gang of pickpockets (6) |
| MEANTIME | May intend to have a short spell, in the interim (8) |
| STORM | A short spell of very wild weather with wind and rain (5) |
| APT | A short spell of exercises is appropriate |
