| Clue | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Turn out to be | Newsday | 28 Apr 2023 |
| Ultimately become | Newsday | 29 Aug 2021 |
| Ultimately become | Newsday | 07 Nov 2019 |
| "___ a Man" (Calder Willingham novel) | ||
| Doesn't ___ expected (has a twist) | ||
| Not ___ expected (finish with a surprise) | ||
| "___ a Man" (Calder Willingham novel and play) | ||
| Turn out to be | ||
| Come to be | ||
| Willingham novel with 17 Across | ||
| Willingham's "___ a Man" | ||
| "___ a Man" | ||
| "___ a Man." |