Some subdued as expected (3)
I believe the answer is:
due
'expected' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'some subdued as' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'DUE' can be found hidden inside 'subdued as'.
(Other definitions for due that I've seen before include "imminent" , "Payable; deserved" , "Scheduled to arrive" , "...more than one there [ROME]" , "Appropriate - fee - requiring payment" .)