Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword August 27, 2024 Puzzle Answers

Quiet Lift gets commendation Crossword Clue - PRAISE

The clue "Quiet lift gets commendation" with the answer "PRAISE" plays with word meanings and abbreviations. In this clue, "Quiet" often translates to the letter "P," which stands for "piano" in musical notation, indicating a soft or quiet volume.

"Lift" is used here in the sense of an uplifting or positive action, and "commendation" is a synonym for "praise." Putting it all together, "P" (quiet) + "RAISE" (lift) gives you "PRAISE," which is a term for commendation or approval.

Officers' room in confusion Crossword Clue - MESS

The clue "Officers' room in confusion" with the answer "MESS" involves wordplay and a double meaning. The word "MESS" refers to a communal dining area or room for officers in a military or naval setting.

The term "in confusion" suggests an anagram or disarray, which aligns with the meaning of "mess" as a state of disorder. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the idea of a room for officers with a state of confusion to arrive at the answer "MESS."

Not far from one argument Crossword Clue - NEAR

The clue "Not far from one argument" with the answer "NEAR" involves a play on words. The term "Not far from" directly hints at something close by, which is synonymously expressed as "NEAR."

The phrase "one argument" serves as a bit of misdirection, suggesting the answer might relate to a debate or point of contention, but in this context, it simply emphasizes the idea of proximity. Therefore, "NEAR" fits the clue both in meaning and by fulfilling the definition of being "not far from" something.

Firework found in salad Crossword Clue - ROCKET

The clue "Firework found in salad" with the answer "ROCKET" uses a bit of wordplay. Here, "ROCKET" is a type of firework, and it is also a type of leafy green commonly found in salads.

The clue cleverly plays on the dual meanings of "rocket"—both as a firework and as an ingredient in a salad. So, the answer "ROCKET" fits perfectly as it refers to both the firework and the salad component hidden in the clue.

Terribly neat feature of Sicily Crossword Clue - ETNA

The clue "Terribly neat feature of Sicily" with the answer "ETNA" involves an anagram. The word "terribly" indicates that an anagram is required, and "neat" is the word to be rearranged.

Rearranging the letters of "neat" gives "ETNA," which is the name of the famous volcano located in Sicily. Thus, "ETNA" is the answer, representing a significant geographic feature of Sicily.

Originally called in one engineer Crossword Clue - NEE

The clue "Originally called in one engineer" with the answer "NEE" involves a bit of wordplay related to word origins. The term "NEE" is used to indicate a maiden name, or the original surname of a woman before marriage.

The word "originally" hints that we're looking for an initial or original form of something. In this case, "called in one engineer" suggests a reference to an original name or designation. Thus, "NEE," which signifies the original name of a person, fits the clue's requirement for "originally called."

Last word from the cricket? Crossword Clue - BYE

The clue "Last word from the cricket?" with the answer "BYE" involves a reference to cricket terminology. In cricket, a "bye" is a term used when the ball passes the batsman and the wicketkeeper without being touched, and the batsmen can still score runs.

The phrase "last word" cleverly plays on the concept of a term or expression associated with the end of a play or action in cricket. Therefore, "BYE" is the fitting answer, as it is a term used in cricket and also aligns with the clue's wordplay.

Mary upset the men Crossword Clue - ARMY

The clue "Mary upset the men" with the answer "ARMY" uses an anagram for the solution. The word "upset" signals that an anagram or rearrangement of letters is needed. Here, the letters of "the men" can be rearranged to spell "ARMY," which is a term for a group of soldiers.

The name "Mary" serves as a misdirect, leading you to focus on the anagram of "the men" rather than any direct association with the name itself. Thus, "ARMY" fits the clue through the anagram of "the men."

Root vegetable in his pudding Crossword Clue - SPUD

The clue "Root vegetable in his pudding" with the answer "SPUD" involves a bit of wordplay. "SPUD" is a common term for a root vegetable, specifically a potato.

The phrase "in his pudding" is a playful misdirection, as "pudding" here does not refer to the dessert but rather hints at the informal or colloquial term for the vegetable. Therefore, "SPUD," which is another word for a potato, fits the clue perfectly by describing a root vegetable.

Intended money to lose direction Crossword Clue - FIANCE

The clue "Intended money to lose direction" with the answer "FIANCE" involves a bit of wordplay. The term "FIANCE" is an anagram of "FIANCE," which means "intended" or a person one is engaged to.

The clue plays with the idea of "money" (often represented by the abbreviation "FI" for financial) combined with "to lose direction," which indicates an anagram or rearrangement.

Confused loser lost right to be alone Crossword Clue - SOLE

The clue "Confused loser lost right to be alone" with the answer "SOLE" involves a combination of anagram and wordplay. The word "confused" signals that an anagram is needed. The term "loser" is the word to be rearranged, and "lost right" suggests removing the letter "R" (representing "right") from the mix.

Rearranging the letters of "loser" and removing "R" gives you "SOLE." In this context, "SOLE" can mean "alone" or single, which aligns with the clue's indication of being by oneself. Thus, "SOLE" fits the clue both through its anagram and its meaning.

Owing to student conflict Crossword Clue - DUEL

The clue "Owing to student conflict" with the answer "DUEL" involves a play on words. The term "DUEL" refers to a conflict or fight between two people.

The phrase "Owing to" in the clue hints at a reason or cause, while "student" suggests the word "DUEL" can be connected to an academic setting or scenario involving a conflict. Thus, "DUEL" effectively captures the idea of a conflict, fitting the clue’s definition and context.

Relaxed in desert conditions Crossword Clue - RESTED

The clue "Relaxed in desert conditions" with the answer "RESTED" uses wordplay to convey the solution. The term "RESTED" means relaxed or having taken a break, fitting the definition of being "relaxed."

The phrase "in desert conditions" suggests an environment or situation. Here, "desert conditions" serves as a hint to the state of relaxation one might experience in a desert setting, where rest is crucial. Thus, "RESTED" is the fitting answer, combining the idea of being relaxed with the context provided by the clue.

City for cavorting pairs Crossword Clue - PARIS

The clue "City for cavorting pairs" with the answer "PARIS" involves a play on words. The term "cavorting" suggests an anagram or playful rearrangement, and "pairs" indicates that we are looking for a word that can be associated with pairs.

By rearranging the letters of "pairs," you get "PARIS," which is a well-known city. The clue cleverly uses the idea of "cavorting" to hint at the anagram, leading to the name of the city. Therefore, "PARIS" is the fitting answer, combining the concept of rearrangement with the name of a city.

Marched around building Crossword Clue - ARCH

The clue "Marched around building" with the answer "ARCH" involves a bit of wordplay. The word "ARCH" refers to a type of building structure often used in architecture. The phrase "marched around" suggests that the term we are looking for can be derived from or associated with marching or movement.

Here, "ARCH" is the answer because it is both a building structure and can metaphorically fit with the idea of something that might be "marched around" or passed through. Thus, "ARCH" captures the essence of both the building element and the notion of movement.

Come in from barren terrain Crossword Clue - ENTER

The clue "Come in from barren terrain" with the answer "ENTER" uses straightforward wordplay. The term "ENTER" means to come in or gain access to a place. The phrase "from barren terrain" acts as a hint suggesting the idea of moving into or accessing a different space.

Here, "ENTER" fits perfectly as it directly corresponds to the action of coming in, while "barren terrain" is used to set up the context for the entry or arrival. Therefore, "ENTER" is the suitable answer for the clue.

Chap has one chief Crossword Clue - MAIN

The clue "Chap has one chief" with the answer "MAIN" involves a play on words. The term "MAIN" can mean "chief" or "most important," fitting the definition of a primary or leading figure. The word "chap" refers to a man or person, and "has one" suggests something singular or primary.

Thus, combining these ideas, "MAIN" captures the sense of being a chief or central figure, and it aligns with the clue's context by representing something of primary importance.

Darren's off on a mission Crossword Clue - ERRAND

The clue "Darren's off on a mission" with the answer "ERRAND" uses a play on words and a bit of word association. In this context, "ERRAND" refers to a short journey or task, often considered a mission or a small job to be completed.

The phrase "Darren's off" suggests a departure or going on a task, and the word "ERRAND" fits as it signifies a mission or task someone might go on. Thus, "ERRAND" is the suitable answer, capturing the idea of a mission or task in a more casual sense.

Feeling that may be common Crossword Clue - SENSE

The clue "Feeling that may be common" with the answer "SENSE" involves a straightforward definition. The word "SENSE" refers to a physical or emotional feeling, such as touch, taste, sight, hearing, or smell. It can also imply an intuitive or common understanding.

The phrase "that may be common" hints at something universally experienced or shared. Therefore, "SENSE" fits the clue as it encompasses both the idea of a feeling and something that is commonly experienced or understood.

Some time in Outer Mongolia Crossword Clue - TERM

The clue "Some time in Outer Mongolia" with the answer "TERM" involves a hidden wordplay. The answer "TERM" is found within the phrase "Outer Mongolia." If you look closely, you'll see that "TERM" is hidden in the sequence of letters "ouTER MOnGOLIA."

The word "TERM" can refer to a period or length of time, aligning with the clue's reference to "time." Thus, the answer "TERM" is cleverly concealed within the clue, fitting both the wordplay and the definition.

Established beads are used Crossword Clue - BASED

The clue "Established beads are used" with the answer "BASED" involves a bit of wordplay. The term "BASED" means established or founded, fitting the definition of something set up or put into place.

The phrase "beads are used" hints at an anagram, where the letters of "beads" are rearranged. Rearranging the letters of "beads" gives you "BASED," which fits the meaning of being established or set.

Mention freer arrangement Crossword Clue - REFER

The clue "Mention freer arrangement" with the answer "REFER" involves an anagram. The phrase "freer arrangement" suggests that the solution can be found by rearranging the letters of "freer."

By rearranging the letters of "freer," you get "REFER," which means to mention or allude to something. Thus, "REFER" fits the clue both as a synonym for "mention" and as the result of the anagram.

Ted's worried about European horse Crossword Clue - STEED

The clue "Ted's worried about European horse" with the answer "STEED" involves a bit of wordplay. The phrase "Ted's worried" suggests that "Ted" is anagrammed or rearranged due to the word "worried." Rearranging the letters of "Ted's" gives you "STEED," which is a term for a horse.

The word "European" serves as a hint for the type of horse but does not directly influence the anagram. Thus, "STEED" fits the clue as it is both the anagram of "Ted's" and a term for a horse.

Lazy-sounding hero Crossword Clue - IDOL

The clue "Lazy-sounding hero" with the answer "IDOL" involves a bit of wordplay. The term "IDOL" refers to a hero or someone admired, often considered a figure of admiration or reverence. The phrase "lazy-sounding" hints at the sound of the word "IDOL" itself.

Phonetically, "IDOL" sounds like it could be related to a relaxed or idle state, connecting to the idea of being "lazy" in a loose sense. Therefore, "IDOL" fits the clue both as a term for a hero and as a word with a "lazy-sounding" quality.

Midge has unexpected tang Crossword Clue - GNAT

The clue "Midge has unexpected tang" with the answer "GNAT" involves an anagram. The word "unexpected" signals that an anagram is needed, and "tang" is the word to be rearranged.

By rearranging the letters of "tang," you get "GNAT," which is a type of small flying insect also referred to as a "midge." Thus, "GNAT" fits the clue as it is both the anagram of "tang" and a synonym for "midge."

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

Across

1 Quiet lift gets commendation: PRAISE
4 Officers' room in confusion: MESS
7 Not far from one argument: NEAR
8 Firework found in salad: ROCKET
9 Press club: IRON
10 Terribly neat feature of Sicily: ETNA
12 Worry about race: CARE
14 Originally called in one engineer: NEE
16 Last word from the cricket?: BYE
17 Mary upset the men: ARMY
20 Wonderful penalty: FINE
23 Root vegetable in his pudding: SPUD
24 Intended money to lose direction: FIANCE
25 Confused loser lost right to be alone: SOLE
26 Owing to student conflict: DUEL
27 Relaxed in desert conditions: RESTED

Down

1 City for cavorting pairs: PARIS
2 Marched around building: ARCH
3 Come in from barren terrain: ENTER
4 Chap has one chief: MAIN
5 Darren's off on a mission: ERRAND
6 Feeling that may be common: SENSE
11 Some time in Outer Mongolia: TERM
13 Man of balance: ALAN
15 Deny it's rubbish: REFUSE
16 Established beads are used: BASED
18 Mention freer arrangement: REFER
19 Ted's worried about European horse: STEED
21 Lazy-sounding hero: IDOL
22 Midge has unexpected tang: GNAT