Possible Clues:

• Remove the 17-across for an azure blue military uniform part
• Take a top off
• Open up, as toothpaste
• Take top off after paunch is reduced with exercising
• Open with a twist
• Open like a pen
• Open, as a pen
• Take cover off cot dumped by delinquent occupant
• Remove a limit from
• Prepare to pour from, say