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He pretends to not be after confrontation; he walks over, falls (9)

The devil is often credited with self-effacement, which one of course tends to think of as a virtue. Many years ago I came across a limerick that went:

The devil, who plays a deep part,
works his way into your heart
by simple insistence on his nonexistence,
which really is devilish smart.

(That's how I remember it anyway; I haven't seen it since.)

Noted around area without a retreat to be brave (9)

note + d for DD around ARE (area without A), retreat to be - LIVE back

She can deliver a delightful first set (9)

Dread live play ... could be Doctor Faustus? (9)

Ref to Christopher Marlowe play about Dr Faustus selling his soul to the devil

Have the nerve to spice up food - no fear!

To challenge Old Nick maybe a hazardous occupation(9)

He can make your jaw drop with a bit of provocativeness; he can make your head spin (9)

No fear! I've returned the broken ladder outside (9)

Dr. Vale died at sea - dived right off showboat (9)