Irish Times Simplex Crossword Clues and Answers August 24, 2024

Greek muse of epic poetry: CALLIOPE

Calliope is one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, specifically the Muse of epic poetry. She is often depicted holding a writing tablet or a scroll, symbolizing her role as the inspirer of epic poets like Homer. Calliope's name means "beautiful-voiced," reflecting her association with eloquence and the grand, sweeping tales of heroism and adventure that define epic poetry.

Ran away to get married: ELOPED

To elope means to run away secretly to get married, often without the consent or knowledge of one's parents or guardians. Historically, elopement was a way for couples to avoid social or financial obstacles that might prevent their marriage. The term originates from the Old English word "alopen," meaning "to run away," and has evolved to specifically refer to marriage.

Small finch: CANARY

The canary is a small songbird belonging to the finch family, native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. Known for its vibrant yellow plumage and melodious song, the canary has been a popular pet bird since the 17th century. They were also historically used in coal mines as an early warning system for toxic gases, as the birds would show signs of distress in the presence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or methane.

Without a name or heading: UNTITLED

The term "untitled" refers to something that has not been given a specific name or heading, often used in the context of art, literature, or music. An untitled work may be left without a title either intentionally, to let the audience form their own interpretation, or simply because the creator could not decide on a suitable name.

Small cave with religious connotation: GROTTO

A grotto is a small cave or a man-made structure designed to resemble a natural cave, often associated with religious or spiritual significance. In Christian traditions, grottos are frequently used as shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary, serving as places of prayer and reflection. The most famous example is the Grotto of Lourdes in France, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858.

Increase in extent or intensity: ESCALATE

The word "escalate" refers to an increase in the extent, intensity, or severity of something. It can describe a situation that grows more serious, such as a conflict that becomes more intense or a problem that worsens over time. The term is often used in discussions about conflicts, negotiations, or issues that spiral out of control, going from a manageable state to something more challenging.

Set of consecutive items: LIST

A "list" is a set of consecutive items, usually written or printed in a series. Lists are used to organize information, making it easier to manage or remember. They can be found in various contexts, such as a grocery list, a to-do list, or a list of names. The items in a list are typically related or connected in some way, often following a specific order or sequence.

More comical: DROLLER

The word "droller" is the comparative form of "droll," which means amusingly odd or comical. When something or someone is described as droller, it means they are more humorous or whimsical in a quirky way compared to others. The term suggests a subtle, often understated kind of humor that might be unexpected or out of the ordinary.

Enthusiastically: KEENLY

"Keenly" describes doing something with enthusiasm, sharpness, or intense interest. When someone is keenly involved in an activity, they are fully engaged and show a strong desire or eagerness. This word is often used to express how closely or passionately someone observes, feels, or pursues something. For example, one might listen keenly to a fascinating lecture, meaning they are paying close attention with great interest.

Units of electrical resistance: OHMS

Ohms are the units of electrical resistance, named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm. Resistance is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. The higher the resistance, the harder it is for electricity to pass through a conductor. Ohm's Law, a fundamental principle in physics, states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance between them.

Boa wasn't found out in Africa: BOTSWANA

The word "Boa" is misleading here, as it's not referring to a snake but rather is part of a hidden word. "Wasn't" is an anagram indicator, suggesting that you need to rearrange the letters of "Boa" and "wasn't" to find the name of a country in Africa. The letters rearrange to form "Botswana," a country in Southern Africa.

Long seat with arms: SETTEE

This clue is more straightforward, fitting the definition style of crosswords. A "settee" is a long seat, often upholstered, that can accommodate multiple people and usually has arms on either side. It's a piece of furniture commonly found in living rooms and similar settings. The clue directly describes what a settee is.

Diamond anniversary: SIXTIETH

A diamond anniversary traditionally refers to a milestone celebration of 60 years, most commonly associated with wedding anniversaries. The term "diamond" is symbolically linked with this anniversary, signifying durability and value. The clue points to this significant milestone, and the answer "sixtieth" is the ordinal number representing 60 years.

Impaired, spoilt: MARRED

The word "marred" means something that has been damaged or spoiled, impairing its appearance or quality. In this clue, "impaired" and "spoilt" are synonymous with "marred," both indicating that something has been negatively altered. This is a direct clue where the answer is a synonym of the descriptive words provided.

Without any question: INDEED

The word "indeed" is often used to confirm or emphasize something without any doubt or question. The clue suggests a word that conveys certainty or affirmation, and "indeed" fits perfectly as it implies agreement or that something is true beyond doubt. The word is commonly used in conversation to reinforce a point.

Unit of spoken language: SYLLABLE

A syllable is a basic unit of sound in language that typically consists of a vowel sound alone or a vowel sound combined with consonants. It forms part of a word and contributes to the word's pronunciation rhythm. For example, the word "language" has two syllables: "lan" and "guage." Syllables are essential in phonetics, poetry, and linguistic studies, helping to structure how words are spoken and understood.

More slothful: LAZIER

"Lazier" is the comparative form of the adjective "lazy," which describes a person or an animal that is unwilling to work or use energy. When someone is "lazier," they exhibit even more reluctance or inactivity compared to another person. The term is often used in everyday language to compare levels of laziness or lack of effort between two or more subjects.

Small organisms that float in water: PLANKTON

Plankton are microscopic organisms that drift in oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies. They form the foundation of the aquatic food chain, providing essential nutrients for larger organisms like fish and whales. Plankton can be divided into phytoplankton (plant-like) and zooplankton (animal-like), both crucial for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Window on board a ship: PORTHOLE

A porthole is a small, circular window found on the side of a ship or an aircraft. Traditionally made of glass, portholes allow natural light into the vessel's interior while maintaining the structural integrity of the hull. They are often sealed tightly to prevent water from entering, especially during rough seas.

Censures severely: LAMBASTES

"Lambastes" means to criticize or scold someone harshly. The term is often used in contexts where a person is being reprimanded for their actions or behavior in a forceful manner. This word carries a strong connotation of disapproval, often implying that the criticism is both vocal and intense. It is derived from the older word "lambaste," which originally referred to beating or thrashing someone physically, now used metaphorically for verbal attacks.

Contaminated with bacteria: SEPTIC

The word "septic" refers to a condition where something is infected or contaminated with harmful bacteria. In medical contexts, it often describes infections that have spread throughout the body, leading to severe illness. Septic systems, which treat wastewater, can also become contaminated if not properly maintained. When something becomes septic, it harbors harmful microorganisms, making it dangerous to health.

Imposing entrance: PORTAL

A "portal" is a large and often grand entrance or doorway, particularly one that is imposing in size or design. The term evokes a sense of grandeur and significance, as portals are often associated with the entrances to important buildings, castles, or other monumental structures. In literature and fantasy, portals often serve as gateways to other worlds or dimensions, adding to their mystique.

Plinth, stand: PEDESTAL

A "pedestal" is a base or stand on which a statue, column, or other object is placed, often to elevate it above the surrounding area. The pedestal serves both a functional and symbolic purpose, providing support while also highlighting the importance or value of what it holds. In art and architecture, pedestals are used to draw attention to the objects they display, making them more prominent.

Central part of a plant: STEM

The "stem" is the central part of a plant that supports its leaves, flowers, and fruits, and acts as a conduit for transporting nutrients and water between the roots and the rest of the plant. It plays a crucial role in the plant's growth and stability, anchoring it in place while allowing it to reach toward sunlight. The stem also houses the plant's vascular system, which is essential for sustaining life.

Fe: IRON

"Fe" is the chemical symbol for iron, an essential element that plays a vital role in both the natural world and human health. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It is also a critical material in construction and manufacturing, used to produce steel and various other alloys.

Saturday, August 24, 2024 Irish Times Simplex Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

8 Greek muse of epic poetry: CALLIOPE
9 Ran away to get married: ELOPED
10 Small finch: CANARY
11 Without a name or heading: UNTITLED
12 Small cave with religious connotation: GROTTO
13 Increase in extent or intensity: ESCALATE
15 Set of consecutive items: LIST
17 More comical: DROLLER
19 Enthusiastically: KEENLY
22 Units of electrical resistance: OHMS
24 Boa wasn't found out in Africa: BOTSWANA
27 Long seat with arms: SETTEE
29 Diamond anniversary: SIXTIETH
30 Impaired, spoilt: MARRED
31 Without any question: INDEED
32 Unit of spoken language: SYLLABLE

Down

1 More slothful: LAZIER
2 Small organisms that float in water: PLANKTON
3 Window on board a ship: PORTHOLE
4 Censures severely: LAMBASTES
5 Contaminated with bacteria: SEPTIC
6 Imposing entrance: PORTAL
7 Plinth, stand: PEDESTAL
14 Central part of a plant: STEM
16 Fe: IRON
18 Idealistic, but usually impractical, social reformers: UTOPIANS
20 Put together all the components: ASSEMBLE
21 On the outside: OUTER
23 Extract of the hemp plant, used as a hallucinogen: HASHISH
25 Long-haired dog: POM
26 Order of business: THE BUSINESS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF
28 In a level and regular way: EVENLY