| OPIATE | After brief surgery I took a drug (6) |
| GUARDIAN | Ian took a drug out to his custodian (8) |
| RESTED | I took a break - the remainder stayed with Ed (6) |
| BIKINI | Twice, with the family, I took a swimsuit (6) |
| RISKED | I took a chance going out on that red ski (6) |
| OTIOSE | Useless to go back in the freeze, so I took a break (6) |
| POSNER | Mike with the 2015 hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" |
| NOTATE | After brief but polite rejection, rising group writes music (6) |
| SIGNET | Ring number up after brief expression of weariness (6) |
| QUICHE | After brief fast, chap filled savoury tart (6) |
| GAZUMP | Adjudicator, curtly, after brief look, to increase price unfairly (6) |
| HOLLOW | Sounding empty and depressed after brief vacation (6) |
| THOMAS | Author of 28, after brief time, has to receive high honour (6) |
| MUSCAT | After brief attack, hastily leave Asian city (6) |
| TURTLE | Cold-blooded creature let off after brief spell |
| MAZOUT | Oil residue dismissed after brief confusion |
| HECTIC | Frantic spasm after brief cry of frustration |
| KISMET | What must be paid for after brief smack? |
| KEEPON | Continue working after brief look back (4,2) |
| SPLICE | Marry in church after brief separation |
