| 100% | BLABS | 5 | Lets slip about a surprise party, say |
| 54% | PLAN | 4 | Prepare a surprise party, say |
| 49% | HID | 3 | Prepared for a surprise party's big moment, say |
| 46% | HIDE | 4 | Lurk where a surprise party's guest of honor won't see you, say |
| 44% | POUNCE | 6 | Not let a big opportunity slip by, say |
| 41% | UNEXPECTED | 10 | Like a surprise party |
| 40% | RUSE | 4 | Setup for a surprise party |
| 40% | HIDE | 4 | Command at a surprise party |
| 40% | HIDES | 5 | Prepares for a surprise party |
| 40% | HIDE | 4 | Prepare for a surprise party? |
| 40% | HIDE | 4 | Cry at a surprise party |
| 40% | LATEARRIVAL | 11 | Guest who missed the surprise of a surprise party, say |
| 40% | LEAK | 4 | Let slip a secret |
| 39% | HIDE | 4 | Cry to guests at a surprise party |
| 39% | HIDE | 4 | Last-minute cry at a surprise party |
| 39% | HIDE | 4 | Prep for a surprise party, in a way |
| 39% | HID | 3 | Prepared for a surprise party, in a way |
| 39% | EARLY | 5 | How guests at a surprise party should arrive |
| 39% | SHH | 3 | Admonishment when a surprise party guest is arriving |
| 39% | HID | 3 | Prepared for a surprise party’s big moment |
| 39% | SHH | 3 | Admonition to guests hiding at a surprise party |
| 39% | SECRETPLAN | 10 | Strategy for throwing a surprise party, e.g. |
| 38% | HID | 3 | Got ready for a surprise party's big moment |
| 38% | SHOWER | 6 | Surprise party for a bride-to-be |
| 37% | ITSGOTLEGS | 10 | Surprised shout when a spot on the wall starts moving, and what can be said about 17-, 26-, and 43-Across |
| 37% | HIDE | 4 | Cry at a surprise party just before the honoree arrives |
| 37% | HIDE | 4 | Cry at a surprise birthday party |
| 37% | INTRO | 5 | Remarks about a guest speaker, say |
| 37% | REACT | 5 | Make a surprised face, say |
| 37% | NODDED | 6 | Let a slip pass |