| A ruthless attitude in business or politics |
HARDBALL |
| At great cost |
DEARLY |
| Ban Noel from the country |
LEBANON |
| Bluegrass State, famous for breeding horses |
KENTUCKY |
| Bolts, runs away |
ABSCONDS |
| By mouth |
ORALLY |
| Disinfect using smoke |
FUMIGATE |
| Elucidate |
CLARIFY |
| Enjoyed oneself in a noisy, lively way |
CAROUSED |
| Evaluated |
ASSESSED |
| Genuine, actual |
REAL |
| Hanging spikes on willow trees |
CATKINS |
| I smarten up the mosque towers |
MINARETS |
| Instalment in a series |
EPISODE |
| Japanese emperor and operetta |
MIKADO |
| Let staff go because of a downturn |
LAYOFF |
