Get the Answers to The Independent's Concise Crossword May 7, 2024

Independent's Concise crossword puzzles have a secret word or phrase. If you crack the clue it means you have a high IQ. To crack these puzzles, carefully read the clues, take your time, and find the correct answer. If you want to check the answers, just scroll and get the solutions and explanations.

Arrow-shooting weapon (3)

BOW

In archery, this simple yet effective weapon propels arrows towards a target. It consists of a curved piece of material, often wood, with a taut string connecting its two ends. The precision and skill required to wield it have made it a symbol of both hunting and warfare throughout history.

Smart (5)

STING

Smart doesn't refer to intelligence but rather to a sharp, stinging sensation. It's often associated with small insects or a sudden, quick pain. The answer, STING, encapsulates this idea succinctly, representing the sensation one experiences when pricked by certain creatures or objects.

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Germinated cereal grain (4)

MALT

This key ingredient in brewing and distilling is a cereal grain, typically barley, that has undergone a process of germination and drying. During this process, enzymes are activated, converting starches into fermentable sugars. Malt contributes both flavor and fermentable sugars to beer, whisky, and other beverages.

Grating (8)

ABRASIVE

When something is described as abrasive, it suggests a harsh or rough texture that can cause irritation or wear away surfaces. This adjective is often used to describe materials or substances that are used for scrubbing, polishing, or grinding due to their roughness or coarse nature.

Requisition (10)

COMMANDEER

To commandeer is to seize control or possession of something, often without permission. This term is commonly used in military contexts to describe the act of taking over resources or vehicles for official use. It implies a sense of authority or urgency in acquiring the requested item.

Titivate (Informal) (4,2)

TART UP

When something is tarted up, it means it has been spruced up or made to look more attractive, often with flashy or extravagant embellishments. This informal phrase suggests a playful or lighthearted approach to dressing up or decorating something.

Hire (6)

EMPLOY

To hire someone is to employ them, bringing them into a position or job within a company or organization. It involves selecting and offering a job to a candidate, typically after an interview process.

Reinforce (10)

STRENGTHEN

When you reinforce something, you strengthen it, making it more robust or stable. This can involve adding additional support or fortifying existing structures or systems.

Dark volcanic rock (8)

OBSIDIAN

Obsidian is a type of dark volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooling lava. Its smooth, glassy texture and dark color make it a distinctive material often used in ancient tools and weapons.

Nought (4)

ZERO

In mathematics, nought refers to the number zero, representing the absence of quantity or value. It is often used as a placeholder or to indicate a null value in calculations.

Come next (5)

ENSUE

Ensue means to happen or occur afterward, following as a consequence or result of something else. It implies a sequence of events where one event follows another in a logical or natural progression.

Boy (3)

LAD

Boy typically refers to a short, informal term. LAD fits perfectly as it's often used to refer to a young male, making it a concise and fitting answer.

Vessel (4)

BOAT

When we think of a Vessel, we often picture something that carries goods or people across water. BOAT succinctly encapsulates this idea, as it's a common term used for watercraft of various sizes and shapes.

Lacking (7)

WITHOUT

Lacking implies the absence or deficiency of something. WITHOUT neatly captures this concept, indicating the state of not having or being deprived of something, making it an apt response for the clue.

Odd (7)

STRANGE

Odd often refers to something unusual or out of the ordinary. STRANGE fits this description perfectly, conveying the sense of peculiarity or unfamiliarity implied by the clue.

Supply (5)

ISSUE

When we think of Supply, we often associate it with providing something, whether it's goods, services, or information. ISSUE aligns with this idea as it can mean both the act of providing something and the thing provided, making it a fitting answer for the clue.

Prison official (8)

GOVERNOR

A Prison official is someone who holds authority within a prison setting, typically overseeing its operation. GOVERNOR accurately describes this role, as it refers to a person in charge or with administrative authority, making it an appropriate solution for the clue.

Soothing substance (4)

BALM

A common balm often found in households, this substance is known for its soothing properties, providing relief to irritated skin or minor ailments. When applied, it offers a cooling sensation, making it a popular remedy for various discomforts.

Adequate (8)

PASSABLE

When something is deemed passable, it meets the minimum requirements or standards expected. It may not excel or stand out, but it fulfills its intended purpose adequately, ensuring functionality or suitability for its intended use.

Thoughtful (7)

PENSIVE

Describing someone as pensive suggests a depth of contemplation and consideration in their demeanor. Such individuals often exhibit a reflective or introspective nature, taking time to carefully ponder matters before responding or acting.

Salted cracker (7)

PRETZEL

A pretzel, typically seasoned with salt, offers a crunchy and savory snack option. Its twisted shape and distinctive flavor profile make it a popular choice for munching on its own or paired with dips and spreads.

Means of control (5)

REINS

Reins serve as a fundamental tool for controlling horses, guiding their direction and speed. By gripping the reins, a rider can communicate commands to the horse, maintaining authority and ensuring safe navigation.

Strong taste (4)

TANG

The taste of tang is unmistakable, characterized by a sharp, pungent flavor that often evokes a sense of acidity or zestiness. Foods with a tangy taste can add a lively kick to dishes, balancing out other flavors with their distinctively strong presence.

Dry (4)

ARID

Arid environments lack moisture, often characterized by low humidity and scarce rainfall. Such conditions can lead to parched landscapes and desiccated soil, posing challenges for agriculture and sustaining life without adequate water sources.