| POTENTATE | Writer about to set up cheap material on eastern ruler (9) |
| GRACENOTE | Embellishment once, sadly, about to set teeth on edge? On the contrary (5,4) |
| BLUEPETER | Named after a maritime signal flag hoisted when a ship is about to set sail, a series that awards badges to guests who appear on the show (4,5) |
| ROUNDTRIP | About to set off, journey there and back |
| HARDBOARD | Nearly spoil fancy bra with odd, cheap material |
| EXPEDIENT | Old writer about to end tale at first profitable (9) |
| CHERUBINI | Classy writer about to be introduced to darling French composer |
| STEER | Is about to set up, in order to drive (5) |
| MEATPASTE | Author about to consume ancient spread |
| NOTSO | Two Poles about to set up job centre? Untrue (3,2) |
| STAFFERS | Members of firm about to set up in Midlands county (8) |
| CENACLE | The Spanish stick about to set up supper room |
| PITCHER | It will hold water for one about to set up camp (7) |
| APPLETREE | Computer program eastern ruler backed that should bear fruit |
| INSHALLAH | I note Eastern ruler will accommodate everyone, God willing |
| PARAGON | Dad picks up cheap journal about model (7) |
| RECAP | Is about to set a limit on spending, so need to go over it all again ... (5) |
| STRIPS | What 8 and Best put on vessel about to set off (6) |
| TOIL | Work hard to see cheap material cut (4) |
| TABARET | Cheap material, has to show silk (7) |
