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- Check the Solutions to The Independent's Cryptic Crossword May 2, 2024
Check the Solutions to The Independent's Cryptic Crossword May 2, 2024
by Shoba
Updated May 02, 2024
Solving crosswords is good for you because it has many benefits. It helps make your brain smarter over time. We have a fun crossword puzzle for you to try. We have got some clues from The Independent's Cryptic Crossword. Your job is to find the answers that match the clues.
Square creep catches group of 19 (4)
Answer: NINE
Square refers to the mathematical concept, while creep is a slang term for someone who behaves in a suspicious or dishonest manner. Group of 19 hints at a numerical group. Combining these clues, the answer is NINE, as a square number (3x3) that can be associated with the term group of 19.
British unit did get 26 endlessly when at sea (13)
Answer: HUNDREDWEIGHT
Did get 26 endlessly suggests removing the last letter from did and adding 26 endlessly, which forms hundredweight, a British unit of measurement often used at sea.
Naughty pair I let in zoology class (8)
Answer: REPTILIA
Naughty pair hints at the word reptile. Adding I (representing the Roman numeral one) to it creates REPTILIA, which is the class of animals including snakes, lizards, and turtles, studied in zoology.
After drinks journalist tripped (6)
Answer: LAPSED
After suggests a sequence, and drinks journalist could refer to someone imbibing too much alcohol. Tripped implies making a mistake or faltering, leading to the answer LAPSED, meaning to make an error or deviate from a standard.
French composer takes part in formal discussions (13)
Answer: DELIBERATIONS
French composer hints at the French word for of, which is de. Takes part in formal discussions leads to DELIBERATIONS, which means formal discussions or considerations.
Ezra Norton loses 20 11 on River Trent? (6)
Answer: REZNOR
Ezra Norton could be a rearrangement of Trent, and loses 20 11 may indicate removing those numbers from the name. The answer is REZNOR, possibly referring to Trent Reznor, the musician best known as the founder of Nine Inch Nails.
German chancellor presents small business model in speech (8)
Answer: BISMARCK
The German chancellor presented a small business model in his speech, embodying the principles of strong leadership and strategic planning, reminiscent of Otto von Bismarck's political prowess in unifying Germany.
Barons unhappy with a dinner in US city (3,10)
Answer: SAN BERNARDINO
Barons attending a dinner in a US city, possibly San Bernardino, expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting tensions or disagreements within the elite circles, reminiscent of historical clashes over power and wealth.
Greedy sort of bank in Paraguay hacked by current German government (5)
Answer: PIGGY
The greedy nature of a certain bank in Paraguay led to its hacking by the current German government, symbolizing a narrative of corruption and exploitation, akin to the piggy banks of childhood being cracked open for selfish gain.
Actor once a day gets tense in the back (4)
Answer: HURT
An actor experiencing tension once a day in the back suggests the physical toll of their craft, reflecting the strains and stresses inherent in the performing arts, where every movement can potentially lead to injury or discomfort.
One of the Eloi after losing heart comes back again (4)
Answer: ANEW
Despite losing heart initially, one of the Eloi, a reference to H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, finds the resilience to come back again, echoing themes of renewal and optimism in the face of adversity.
Concoction full of Argentinian fruit (6)
Answer: LICHEE
This concoction, brimming with Argentinian fruit, offers a delightful blend of flavors, evoking the exotic and tropical essence of South American cuisine, with lichee adding a sweet and tangy twist to the mix.
Anne plays with a lot of babies (8)
Answer: NEONATAL
Anne's involvement with a multitude of babies signifies her work in the neonatal field, where she likely provides care and support for newborns and their families, showcasing her dedication to nurturing and safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.
Square creep catches group of 19 (4)
Answer: INCH
Square suggests a shape, while creep could imply a slow movement or a sneaky individual. Bringing these together, we find inch, which fits both the idea of a small measurement and the sense of stealth or sneaking suggested by creep.
Irish republican breaking law over in Merseyside location (6)
Answer: WIRRAL
The term Irish republican breaking law suggests a specific area known for its historical associations with Irish nationalism or separatism. Combining these hints, we arrive at Wirral, a peninsula and borough in Merseyside known for its significant Irish community.
Anita oddly cuddles rotter in Canadian region (6)
Answer: ACADIA
Anita suggests a female name, while Canadian region indicates a place within Canada. The term oddly cuddles rotter may seem cryptic, but when rearranged, it forms Acadia, a historical region of northeastern North America, including parts of present-day Canada.
End the call for inhibition (4-2)
Answer: HANG UP
End the call for inhibition hints at a phrase related to terminating a conversation or action. The term inhibition suggests a restraint or hesitation that needs to be overcome. Putting these together, we get hang up, which is a common expression for ending a phone call.
American with ale gut developed fundamental muscle? (8)
Answer: GLUTAEUS
American with ale gut suggests a person from the United States with a beer belly, while developed fundamental muscle indicates strength or physical conditioning. The answer, gluteus, refers to the gluteal muscles, often associated with fitness and strength training.
Drink for the French lieutenant – bottles of Irish wine- (6)
Answer: MERLOT
Drink for the French lieutenant suggests a beverage favored by individuals from France, while bottles of Irish wine narrows down the options to a specific type of wine. The solution is merlot, a popular red wine variety produced in various regions, including France and Ireland.
Cover up topless swimmer (3)
Answer: IDE
Cover up suggests hiding or obscuring something, while topless swimmer implies nudity or exposure. The answer, ide, refers to the root of a word, often hidden or not explicitly stated, fitting the theme of concealment suggested by the clue.
Delivered baby's family needs – material for garments (8)
Answer: DEERSKIN
Delivered baby suggests the animal associated with delivery and material for garments narrows it down to a type of skin. The answer is DEERSKIN, as deer skin has been traditionally used for making soft, durable clothing items.
He composed Sweeney Todd? (6)
Answer: BARBER
Sweeney Todd is a well-known musical by Stephen Sondheim, who indeed composed it. However, the wordplay in the clue suggests another profession associated with Todd: a BARBER, as Todd in the musical is a barber with a gruesome hobby.
One flighty brute, not sick of Proust (3)
Answer: ANI
The word flighty brute, hinting at a specific type of bird. Not sick of Proust alludes to an avian character in Proust's works known for its flighty nature. The answer is ANI, a type of bird, particularly known for its noisy, gregarious behavior.
Instruments needed for getting into car in Asia (8)
Answer: OCARINAS
Instruments needed for getting into car suggests tools or objects used in conjunction with vehicles. In Asia narrows the scope. The answer is OCARINAS, which are musical instruments that originate from Asia and could hypothetically be used while getting into a car.
The years of immaturity, say, soon will be over (6)
Answer: NONAGE
The years of immaturity indicate a period of youth or adolescence. The answer is NONAGE, which refers to the period of youth or immaturity, often used in legal contexts to denote underage status.
Intensely study book to get ahead of others (4,2)
Answer: BONE UP
Intensely study book suggests a focused approach to learning. The answer is BONE UP, which means to study intensively or cram, often done to gain an advantage over others, such as in preparation for a test or competition.
Square creep catches group of 19 (5)
Answer: NAILS
Catches group of 19 implies that 19 is enclosed or caught somehow. Combining these elements, the answer NAILS fits as nails are square-shaped, can creep when stepped on, and come in groups typically sold in increments of 19 or more.
Beds used by active working girls when retiring (6)
Answer: STRATA
Retiring here doesn't imply going to bed for sleep but rather stepping back or descending. STRATA fits as it refers to layers of rock or sediment, often formed over time through the activities of various forces, analogous to the layers of work and experience accumulated by active workers.
Not so far from Cork? (6)
Answer: CLOSER
Not so far implies a shorter distance, possibly even suggesting a direction closer to Cork. CLOSER is the fitting answer, as it directly indicates reduced distance or proximity, suggesting a location nearer to Cork than another point of reference.
