| Long-legged shorebird with upward-curving bill |
AVOCET |
| Main force of a blow |
BRUNT |
| Make a summoning sign (to) |
BECKON |
| Numerical puzzle |
SUDOKU |
| Pet eels (anag) |
STEEPLE |
| Reached maximum intensity |
PEAKED |
| Read up — academic work |
STUDY |
| Systematic plan |
SCHEME |
| Uncomfortable or tricky situation (informal) |
HOTSEAT |
| Unit of force — English polymath, d. 1727 |
NEWTON |
| Unpleasant |
NASTY |
| Variety artist |
ENTERTAINER |
