| EXECUTING | Discharging manager, jolly, but losing head |
| LEAR | Shakespeare's king coherent, but losing head (4) |
| LUCKY | Fortunate and bold, but losing head |
| OSTENSIBLE | Supposed in no way judicious, but losing head |
| HASTE | Restrained but losing head in hurry |
| AMBLING | Casually going and making bets, but losing head (7) |
| ACUTE | Keen expert outside but losing head |
| DEVOUT | Pious bird of peace disturbed, but losing head (6) |
| INGROUP | Closely knit bunch batting, mature but losing wicket (2-5) |
| AVERS | Hesitates, but losing first wicket, declares (5) |
| COMIC | Magazine is vast, but losing direction (5) |
| NAILBITER | Brilliant playing - with energy - but losing line in tense moment |
| DEEPSEA | Ingrained, but losing Ted out in the ocean (4-3) |
| VIRUS | Virtuous but losing out over poisonous influence (5) |
| ONUS | Responsibility, having advantage but losing the lead (4) |
| WINGER | Footballer seeking victory over Germany, but losing many! |
| ABSALOM | David's boy, a born dancer, but losing footing |
| ASPIDISTRA | Lily playing high-minded diversions but losing half |
| MOE | Once more go, but losing velocity |
| BRUNETTE | Unpreferred female? Superior but losing right to keep career |
