| 100% | AMPLE | 5 | Like the space around a first-class seat, say |
| 100% | AMPLE | 5 | Like the space around a first class plane seat, say |
| 44% | SMOKY | 5 | Like the air around a campfire |
| 44% | MISTY | 5 | Like the air around a waterfall |
| 43% | FOGGY | 5 | Like the weather around a lighthouse, maybe |
| 41% | SOVIET | 6 | Like the first man-made space satellite |
| 41% | EARLY | 5 | Like the worm-catcher, in a saying |
| 40% | TENTH | 5 | Like the first extra inning in a baseball game |
| 39% | GREENER | 7 | Like the grass on the other side, in a saying |
| 39% | COOL | 4 | Like the other side of the pillow, in a saying |
| 39% | EARLY | 5 | Like the bird who gets the worm, in a saying |
| 38% | NASAL | 5 | Like the voice of someone who says, “I have a code”? |
| 38% | BRISK | 5 | Like a quick walk around the park |
| 38% | ONTOUR | 6 | Like a band playing around the country |
| 38% | ASHY | 4 | Like a fireplace the morning after, say |
| 38% | EASY | 4 | Like a walk in the park, say |
| 38% | LED | 3 | Took the first position in a procession, say |
| 37% | MCCLURE | 7 | First explorer to find a route around the Americas |
| 37% | WIN | 3 | Be the first one to finish a race, say |
| 37% | ONEANDDONE | 10 | Like a team that loses in the first round |
| 37% | RAN | 3 | Sought a seat in the Senate, say |
| 37% | RESERVEONESSPOT | 15 | Secure a seat at the table, say |
| 37% | ORBITED | 7 | Went around the Earth, like a satellite |
| 37% | HALFREAD | 8 | Like a book with a bookmark in the middle, say |
| 37% | FRONTROW | 8 | The first line of seats at a stadium or theater |
| 37% | OPENS | 5 | Works the first shift at a café, say |
| 36% | ORBITED | 7 | Revolved around the Earth, as in a space vehicle |
| 36% | LINGER | 6 | Hang around in the air, like a bad smell |
| 36% | REDANDWHITE | 11 | Like the Canadian flag ... and a hint to the first names of 24- and 48-Across |
| 36% | RECUT | 5 | Like the 1997 Special Edition of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” in which Greedo shoots first |