“Hides one's central point, in a way ... with a doubly homophonic hint to 20-, 30-, 38- and 48-Across”

Sahara-esque

Exams for high school jrs.

Private sleeping accommodations?

"Didn't you get the ___?"

Wipe from one's memory, so to speak

Section in a textbook

"___ She Lovely" (Stevie Wonder hit)

Deceptive move in fencing

Depend (on)