Crossword Clue:

Surprised reaction or a hint to what can precede both halves of the answers to the starred clues

AnswerCrossword Clue
DOUBLETAKESurprised reaction ... or a hint to what can precede both halves of the answers to the starred clues
THEXFACTORHard-to-define element, or a hint to what can precede each last word in answers to starred clues
TAILENDCaboose locale ... and a hint to what the first word of the answers to starred clues can be
ADDSALTRecipe direction ... and a literal hint to what you can do to the starts of the answers to starred clues
CASHUPFRONTSeller's assurance of payment, and a hint to what the last words of the answers to starred clues can have in common
DOUBLEClone, or what can precede each half of the answers to the starred clues