Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers August 22, 2024

Opportunity to train pet armies - SPARETIME

"Spare time" refers to free time or leisure that can be used for various activities, such as training "pet armies" (a playful concept). The clue suggests that the opportunity to engage in activities like training comes during one's spare time. This wordplay connects the idea of having time available for hobbies or side interests.

Damages new marsh - HARMS

The word "harms" refers to causing damage or injury. The clue involves an anagram of the word "marsh" (a wetland area) with the inclusion of the word "new," which suggests rearranging the letters to form "harms." This wordplay emphasizes how the act of causing harm is linked to something new or different.

Courage to get second tree - SPINE

"Spine" refers to both physical backbone and figurative courage. The clue uses "second" (S) and "tree" (pine) to form the word "spine." This wordplay combines elements of both physical structure and metaphorical strength to highlight the concept of courage.

Procure from strange tradesman - GET

"Get" means to obtain or procure something. The clue suggests deriving the word "get" from a "strange" rearrangement or abbreviation of "tradesman," implying that obtaining something might come from an unusual or unexpected source. This concise wordplay focuses on the act of acquiring or obtaining.

Not returning a great deal - TON

The word "ton" refers to a large quantity, often used to describe a great deal of something. "Not returning" suggests a reversal or negation, leading to the conclusion that "ton" represents a significant amount. This wordplay plays on the concept of a great deal or abundance.

Wife has the plan to sharpen - WHET

"Whet" means to sharpen or hone something, typically a blade. The clue suggests that the word "whet" is formed by combining "wife" (W) with "the plan" (het). This wordplay connects the act of sharpening with a strategic or intentional action, represented by the plan.

Church has genuine breakfast - CEREAL

The word "cereal" refers to a common breakfast food. The clue combines "church" (CE, abbreviation for Church of England) with "real" (meaning genuine) to form the word "cereal." This wordplay highlights how a religious abbreviation and the concept of authenticity lead to the breakfast term.

The artist has compassion - HEART

"Heart" symbolizes compassion or empathy. The clue suggests that an "artist" (RA, short for Royal Academy) combined with "he" (meaning the artist) results in the word "heart." This wordplay associates artistic creativity with emotional depth and caring.

Youngster at home with fellow worker - INFANT

"Infant" refers to a young child. The clue plays on the idea of "at home" (IN) and "fellow worker" (FAN, as in someone who supports or assists) to arrive at the word "infant." This wordplay creatively combines elements of being in a supportive environment with the concept of youth.

Lies about some land - ISLE

"Isle" refers to an island or a small piece of land surrounded by water. The clue uses the word "lies" as an anagram and implies that these "lies" surround or are about land, leading to the word "isle." This wordplay connects deceit (lies) with the geographic term for a piece of land.

Removal of quiet desire - PURGE

"Purge" means to eliminate or remove something undesirable. The clue combines "quiet" (P, musical notation for soft) with "urge" (desire) to form the word "purge." This wordplay emphasizes the process of removing or cleansing something, linking quietness with the act of elimination.

The others relax - REST

"Rest" refers to relaxing or taking a break. The clue plays on the idea that after others have done something, it's time to "rest." This simple wordplay highlights the concept of relaxation as a result of something being completed by others.

Sample trial with hesitation - TESTER

"Tester" refers to someone or something that samples or trials a product. The clue includes "test" (trial) and "er" (a sound of hesitation) to form the word "tester." This wordplay combines the idea of trying something with a common hesitation sound to arrive at the word for a sampler.

Principal-sounding state - MAINE

"Maine" is a state in the U.S., and "principal-sounding" hints at something that sounds like "main," meaning primary or principal. The wordplay uses the homophone of "main" to point to the state of Maine.

Reveal part of big number - SHOWPIECE

Showpiece" refers to something revealed as an impressive or significant item, often part of a larger display or event ("big number"). The clue suggests that revealing something important is a "showpiece," which plays on the idea of showcasing a key part of a larger whole.

New mallet sent, intended to be helpful - WELLMEANT

"Well-meant" describes something that is intended to be helpful or done with good intentions. The clue involves an anagram of "mallet sent," rearranging the letters to form "well-meant." This wordplay emphasizes the idea of good intentions behind actions.

Change the name of a gas - METHANE

"Methane" is a gas, and the clue hints at changing or forming a name related to gas. The word "methane" contains "meth," a prefix often associated with organic compounds, and "ane," a common suffix for hydrocarbons. The clue plays on the idea of naming a specific gas.

Pressure on gold to turn into chunk - PORTION

"Portion" refers to a chunk or part of something. The clue combines "pressure" (P) with "gold" (OR, from the chemical symbol for gold, Au) to form the word "portion." This wordplay illustrates how pressure and gold come together to create a segment or piece.

Whip pet - CAT

"Cat" refers to both a pet and a type of whip ("cat o' nine tails"). The clue cleverly combines the dual meaning of the word "cat" as a domestic animal and a historical whipping instrument, making it a concise wordplay.

Part of meal on salver, say - ENTREE

"Entrée" is a course in a meal, often served on a platter (or salver). The clue uses "part of meal" to point to a significant course, and "say" indicates that the answer sounds like something presented on a serving tray. This wordplay connects the concept of a meal's course with its presentation.

Thursday, August 22, 2024 Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

1 Opportunity to train pet armies - SPARETIME
8 Damages new marsh - HARMS
10 Courage to get second tree - SPINE
12 Procure from strange tradesman - GET
13 Not returning a great deal - TON
14 Wife has the plan to sharpen - WHET
15 Church has genuine breakfast - CEREAL
16 The artist has compassion - HEART
18 Youngster at home with fellow worker - INFANT
20 Lies about some land - ISLE
22 Wanting to include tiny creature - ANT
23 Resting place in Scotland - COT
24 Brace formed from log - CABER
25 Tear-jerker set in the kitchen - ONION
26 Verse about friend, each in turn - SEVERALLY

DOWN

2 Removal of quiet desire - PURGE
3 The others relax - REST
4 Sample trial with hesitation - TESTER
5 Principal-sounding state - MAINE
6 Reveal part of big number - SHOWPIECE
7 New mallet sent, intended to be helpful - WELLMEANT
9 Change the name of a gas - METHANE
11 Pressure on gold to turn into chunk - PORTION
15 Whip pet - CAT
17 Part of meal on salver, say - ENTREE
19 Loud, competent story - FABLE
21 Yet it's quiet - STILL
23 Fish with a musica tail - CODA