Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Today answers August 26, 2024 Updated
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Updated Aug 26, 2024
Cower like a bird Crossword Clue: The Answer is QUAIL
The clue "Cower like a bird" with the answer "QUAIL" uses a dual meaning to provide the solution. In one sense, "quail" refers to a type of bird, aligning with the literal interpretation of the clue.
In another sense, "quail" means to shrink back or cower, which is a figurative usage describing someone who recoils or shows fear. The wordplay combines these two meanings effectively: the bird "quail" and the act of cowering, leading to the answer "QUAIL."
Cheeses undergo European restrictions, twice, in tactical struggle? Crossword Clue: The Answer is CHESS
The clue "Cheeses undergo European restrictions, twice, in tactical struggle?" with the answer "CHESS" involves a clever play on words and abbreviations. The term "tactical struggle" refers to the game of chess, which is known for its strategic and tactical elements.
The word "cheeses" here is used to hint at a letter pattern; specifically, if we take "cheeses" and apply "European restrictions" (i.e., the letter 'E' for Europe, which appears twice), we get "CH" from the beginning and "ES" from the end.
Limit on headwear Crossword Clue: The Answer is CAP
The clue "Limit on headwear" with the answer "CAP" plays on the dual meanings of the word "cap." In one sense, "cap" refers to a type of headwear, fitting the "headwear" part of the clue.
In another sense, "cap" means a limit or upper boundary, which aligns with "limit" in the clue. Therefore, the word "cap" cleverly satisfies both the definition of a type of headwear and the concept of a limit, making it the fitting answer for the clue.
Endorse account by journalist, to a point Crossword Clue: The Answer is ACCEDE
The clue "Endorse account by journalist, to a point" with the answer "ACCEDE" involves a combination of wordplay and definitions. The term "accede" means to agree or endorse something, which fits the "endorse" part of the clue.
The word "account" refers to a narrative or story, and "by journalist" suggests a common abbreviation for a journalist, which is "Ed" (short for editor). When you combine "Ed" with the idea of "account" and add "to a point" (which indicates reaching a specific conclusion or agreement), you get "accede."
Sailor finds the French skilful Crossword Clue: The Answer is ABLE
The clue "Sailor finds the French skilful" with the answer "ABLE" involves a bit of wordplay. The word "able" means skilful or capable, which aligns with the definition in the clue. The term "sailor" is a common cryptic crossword reference to "AB" (short for Able Seaman).
The phrase "the French" refers to the French definite article "le." Combining "AB" (sailor) with "le" (the French), you get "ABLE," which means skilful. This clever combination of the sailor's abbreviation and the French article leads to the solution.
Rubbish in statistics Crossword Clue: The Answer is TAT
The clue "Rubbish in statistics" with the answer "TAT" plays on the dual meanings of the word "tat." In one sense, "tat" is a term used informally to describe something of poor quality or rubbish.
In another sense, "tat" can be found within the word "statistics," as it appears consecutively within the letters of the word. The clue cleverly incorporates both the informal meaning of "tat" (rubbish) and its presence within the word "statistics," leading to the answer "TAT."
Pale cur managed to become cured Crossword Clue: The Answer is CLEARUP
The clue "Pale cur managed to become cured" with the answer "CLEARUP" involves an anagram and definition. The phrase "managed to become" suggests that the solution is an anagram of the words "pale cur."
Rearranging the letters of "pale cur" gives "CLEARUP," which means to become cured or to resolve a problem. The definition "cured" fits with "CLEARUP," as it means to remove or resolve an issue. Therefore, the clue effectively uses the anagram of "pale cur" to lead to the solution "CLEARUP."
Admiration for new sceptre Crossword Clue: The Answer is RESPECT
The clue "Admiration for new sceptre" with the answer "RESPECT" uses both a definition and a wordplay component. The term "admiration" serves as the definition, which aligns with the word "respect." The phrase "for new" suggests that the solution is related to an anagram.
Here, "sceptre" is the word to be rearranged (anagrammed). Rearranging the letters of "sceptre" yields "RESPECT," which means admiration or regard. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the definition with the anagram to lead to the solution "RESPECT."
Level with first woman Crossword Clue: The Answer is EVE
The clue "Level with first woman" with the answer "EVE" involves a combination of straightforward definition and a reference to a well-known figure. The term "level" suggests that the solution is something that can be considered equal or balanced.
The "first woman" refers to Eve, who, according to biblical tradition, is considered the first woman. Therefore, the clue uses the direct reference to Eve, combined with the concept of being "level" or foundational, leading to the answer "EVE."
A novel once more Crossword Clue: The Answer is ANEW
The clue "A novel once more" with the answer "ANEW" uses a straightforward definition and wordplay. The term "anew" means "once more" or "again," fitting the definition provided.
The word "novel" in the clue hints at the idea of something new or fresh, which is synonymous with "anew." Therefore, the clue effectively combines the definition of "once more" with the concept of something novel or renewed, leading to the solution "ANEW."
Damage volunteers with a rum cocktail Crossword Clue: The Answer is TRAUMA
The clue "Damage volunteers with a rum cocktail" with the answer "TRAUMA" involves both wordplay and definition. The term "damage" serves as the definition, which aligns with the word "trauma." The phrase "volunteers with a rum cocktail" suggests that the answer is an anagram of the phrase "a rum."
Rearranging the letters of "a rum" with the word "trauma" (which also fits the definition of damage) provides the solution. Thus, the clue uses the anagram of "a rum" combined with the concept of damage to lead to the answer "TRAUMA."
This owner has a pig Crossword Clue: The Answer is SOW
The clue "This owner has a pig" with the answer "SOW" involves a play on words with a double meaning. The term "sow" refers to both the act of planting seeds and the female pig.
In this clue, "owner" can be interpreted as someone who "sows" seeds or has a "sow" (a female pig). Therefore, the clue cleverly combines the idea of having a pig with the wordplay involving the dual meaning of "sow," leading to the answer "SOW."
Reportedly have to use dough Crossword Clue: The Answer is KNEAD
The clue "Reportedly have to use dough" with the answer "KNEAD" involves a play on words based on homophones. The term "knead" means to work dough by pressing and folding it, which fits with the definition "use dough."
The word "reportedly" indicates that the answer sounds like another word. Here, "knead" sounds like "need," suggesting something that you have to do. Thus, the clue uses the homophone "knead" (to work dough) and "need" (to have to use), leading to the answer "KNEAD."
Gloomy in the shade Crossword Clue: The Answer is BLACK
The clue "Gloomy in the shade" with the answer "BLACK" involves a straightforward definition and wordplay. The term "black" is often associated with gloominess or darkness, fitting the definition of "gloomy."
The phrase "in the shade" reinforces this connection, as "black" is a color often associated with deep shadows or shade. Thus, the clue uses the concept of gloominess and its association with the color black to lead to the solution "BLACK."
Footballer gets coin returned Crossword Clue: The Answer is QUARTERBACK
The clue "Footballer gets coin returned" with the answer "QUARTERBACK" involves both wordplay and a straightforward definition. The term "quarterback" is a position in football, fitting the definition of "footballer."
The phrase "coin returned" suggests a reversal or play on the word "quarter," which is a type of coin. Reversing "quarter" (a coin) and combining it with "back" forms "quarterback." Thus, the clue uses the concept of a coin and its reversal to lead to the solution "QUARTERBACK."
Juicer contains cold item Crossword Clue: The Answer is ICE
The clue "Juicer contains cold item" with the answer "ICE" involves a straightforward definition and wordplay. The term "ice" refers to a cold item, which fits the definition of the clue. The word "juicer" is used here to hint at the inclusion of "ice" within it.
Specifically, "ice" is contained within the letters of "juicer" when you look at the placement of letters. Therefore, the clue cleverly uses the idea of a cold item ("ice") being part of the word "juicer" to lead to the solution "ICE."
It glows at the end of three months Crossword Clue: The Answer is EMBER
The clue "It glows at the end of three months" with the answer "EMBER" involves both wordplay and definition. The term "ember" refers to a small, glowing piece of coal or wood in a dying fire, which fits the definition of something that glows.
The phrase "at the end of three months" refers to the end of the word "ember" being the final letters of the word "ember" itself, which metaphorically represents the end of a period. Therefore, the clue cleverly combines the concept of glowing with the idea of "ember" appearing at the end of a three-month period, leading to the solution "EMBER."
Repairman finds card behind spire Crossword Clue: The Answer is STEEPLEJACK
The clue "Repairman finds card behind spire" with the answer "STEEPLEJACK" involves both wordplay and definition. The term "steeplejack" refers to a type of repairman who works on tall structures like steeples.
The wordplay comes from breaking down the clue: "spire" suggests something related to tall or high places, fitting the role of a steeplejack. The phrase "card behind" hints at inserting "jack" (a type of card) into the word "spire."
Pale sort of ring Crossword Clue: The Answer is PEAL
The clue "Pale sort of ring" with the answer "PEAL" involves both wordplay and definition. The term "peal" refers to a loud, prolonged ringing of bells, which fits the "ring" part of the clue. The word "pale" is used here to hint at a homophone or a word that sounds like something related to the definition.
In this case, "peal" sounds like "pale," and both words are pronounced similarly. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the idea of a ringing sound ("peal") with the wordplay involving "pale" to lead to the answer "PEAL."
Copper gets point of signal Crossword Clue: The Answer is CUE
The clue "Copper gets point of signal" with the answer "CUE" involves both a definition and wordplay. The term "cue" refers to a signal or prompt, fitting the definition of "signal." In the wordplay, "copper" is commonly abbreviated as "Cu" in chemistry.
The phrase "gets point" suggests that we take the initial letter or "point" of "Cu" (the chemical symbol for copper). Thus, "cue" is derived from combining "Cu" with the idea of a signal or prompt, leading to the solution "CUE."
Devour in one attempt Crossword Clue: The Answer is EAT
The clue "Devour in one attempt" with the answer "EAT" involves a straightforward definition and wordplay. The term "eat" means to devour or consume food, fitting the definition provided. The phrase "in one attempt" suggests the idea of doing something all at once, or simply consuming in one go.
Therefore, the clue uses the concept of devouring or consuming (which matches the word "eat") and combines it with the idea of doing so in a single attempt, leading to the answer "EAT."
Scandinavian food Crossword Clue: The Answer is SWEDE
The clue "Scandinavian food" with the answer "SWEDE" involves both a definition and a bit of wordplay. The term "swede" refers to a type of root vegetable, which is commonly used in Scandinavian cuisine.
The clue directly hints at a Scandinavian food item, and "swede" fits this definition as it is a traditional vegetable in Scandinavian dishes. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the idea of Scandinavian cuisine with the word "swede," leading to the solution "SWEDE."
Reduces bits of meat Crossword Clue: The Answer is CUTS
The clue "Reduces bits of meat" with the answer "CUTS" involves both a straightforward definition and wordplay. The term "cuts" refers to pieces or portions of meat, fitting the definition of "bits of meat."
Additionally, the word "cuts" also means to reduce or diminish something, which aligns with the idea of reducing. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the concept of meat portions with the idea of reducing, leading to the solution "CUTS."
Bemused with creature Crossword Clue: The Answer is EMU
The clue "Bemused with creature" with the answer "EMU" involves a combination of wordplay and definition. The term "emu" refers to a large flightless bird, which is the "creature" in the clue.
The word "bemused" indicates a state of being confused or puzzled, and in this clue, it suggests that the answer is hidden within or related to the state of being "bemused." Specifically, the letters of "emu" are contained within the phrase "bemused" in a subtle way.
Law-breaking implement Crossword Clue: The Answer is AWL
The clue "Law-breaking implement" with the answer "AWL" involves a play on words with a double meaning. The term "awl" is a small pointed tool used for making holes or indentations, which fits the definition of "implement."
The word "law-breaking" serves as a hint to a word that sounds like "awl," but in a different context. Here, "awl" sounds like "all," as in "all" the rules or laws, suggesting a deviation from them. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the idea of an implement with a play on words related to breaking laws, leading to the solution "AWL."
Monday, August 26, 2024 Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers
Across
1 Cower like a bird: QUAIL
4 Cheeses undergo European restrictions, twice, in tactical struggle?: CHESS
7 Limit on headwear: CAP
9 Endorse account by journalist, to a point: ACCEDE
11 Sailor finds the French skilful: ABLE
12 Rubbish in statistics: TAT
13 Pale cur managed to become cured: CLEARUP
15 Admiration for new sceptre: RESPECT
18 Level with first woman: EVE
19 A novel once more: ANEW
20 Damage volunteers with a rum cocktail: TRAUMA
23 This owner has a pig: SOW
24 Reportedly have to use dough: KNEAD
25 Gloomy in the shade: BLACK
Down
1 Footballer gets coin returned: QUARTERBACK
2 Juicer contains cold item: ICE
3 Gladstone's son: LAD
5 It glows at the end of three months: EMBER
6 Repairman finds card behind spire: STEEPLEJACK
8 Pale sort of ring: PEAL
10 Whip pet: CAT
13 Copper gets point of: CUE
14 Devour in one attempt: EAT
16 Scandinavian food: SWEDE
17 Reduces bits of meat: CUTS
18 Bemused with creature: EMU
21 Steal broken orb: ROB
22 Law-breaking implement: AWL