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1d Dependable , like that batter. S?l??
Solid fits but batter is sort of sticky runny.
3d Solver Tommy , character by the sound of it. P?i???e ?y?
Tommy is a private soldier and eye sounds like i but how is a private eye a solver? I thought private detectives traced people , got proof of adultery etc.
11a Short man clutching head in agony , attention seeker.
??a?? ?u?e?
First letter will be d is solid is correct and last letter of first word will be a if private is correct.
That would give d?a?a ?u?e? so drama queen fits but can't get it from the cryptic.

I think your answers are all spot on.

Like that = SO, batter = LID. It seems to be a word using in building for the sloping upward face of a structure.

I think a private eye would solve cases, as a detective.

Short (drink) = DRAM, man in chess = QUEEN around A, the first letter (head) of agony

Thanks -would never have got that meaning of lid or think that a queen was a man .

I’m not wild about batter being lid, but I can’t see anything else, I’m afraid

Batter, something that bats, so an eyeLID ?

Much better, Jono, thank you! I’m sure that’s what’s intended