Metro Cryptic August 23, 2024 Crossword Clues and Answers Updated

Plight due to preserving liquor Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is PICKLE. The word "pickle" has a dual meaning, referring both to preserved vegetables and to a difficult situation or "plight." This play on words suggests that the process of pickling (preserving in brine or vinegar) also metaphorically relates to being in a "pickle," or a challenging situation, due to its complications.

First George had scope to make opening move Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is GAMBIT. A "gambit" is a chess term for a strategy where a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, to gain a strategic advantage. The clue suggests that "George" (G) was the first letter, and the scope for an opening move refers to this strategic ploy, highlighting a planned risk taken early in a game or situation.

A sale isn't only designed so as to engender excitement Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is SENSATIONALLY, "Sensationally" means done in a way that causes great excitement or shock, often exaggeratedly. This answer implies that a sale is not just meant to create a buzz, but is crafted in a dramatic or over-the-top way to draw maximum attention and elicit strong emotions or reactions.

Assert Edward turned away Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is AVERTED. "Averted" means to turn away or prevent something from happening. The wordplay here involves reversing the name "Edward" (Ed) to suggest averted, indicating a situation where someone prevents or turns away from something, aligning with the definition of avoidance or prevention.

It's grim at the back of the boat Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is STERN. The "stern" is the back part of a boat or ship, often perceived as less favorable, hence described as "grim." This could be due to harsher conditions, engine noise, or simply being farther from the social areas of a vessel, thus making it a less pleasant location.

A noted climb Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is SCALE. "Scale" means to climb up or over something and is often used to describe ascending mountains or steep surfaces. The word "noted" indicates that this climb is significant or recognized, playing on the term's use in both literal and metaphorical contexts of achieving elevation.

Robust novelist Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is HARDY. "Hardy" refers to someone strong, tough, and robust, and is also a play on the name of Thomas Hardy, a well-known English novelist. The clue cleverly combines the meaning of "robust" with the surname of a famous author, suggesting both literal strength and literary significance.

Conveniently placed for being manually skilled Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is HANDY. "Handy" describes someone who is skillful with their hands and also means conveniently located or easy to use. The dual meaning here plays on the idea of being adept in manual tasks and being conveniently situated, making it a versatile term for both contexts.

Set nine out in concentrated way Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is INTENSE. "Intense" means concentrated or focused, and the clue plays on the word "tense" hidden within "nine" (when the letters are "set out" or rearranged). This description suggests something that is tightly focused or concentrated, aligning with the definition of intensity.

It gets news into the paper Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is PRINTING PRESS. A "printing press" is a machine used to produce newspapers and other publications, literally getting news "into the paper." The answer directly describes the device that prints newspapers, playing on the process of making news available to the public in a physical format.

Having a persistent bark? Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is DOGGED. "Dogged" means tenacious or persistent, much like a dog that barks continuously. The wordplay here likens the tenacity of a persistent person to a dog that will not stop barking, emphasizing perseverance and determination, often in the face of challenges.

Distorts two points about tranquillity Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is WRESTS. "Wrests" means to take something by force or twist something away, and the wordplay involves the idea of twisting or distorting. The term implies a forceful action, often involving manipulation or change, which aligns with the idea of disrupting tranquillity or peace.

In the mail to pals, maybe Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is POSTAL. "Postal" refers to anything related to the mail system. The phrase "in the mail to pals" hints at the idea of sending letters or packages to friends, which falls under postal services. The answer plays on the concept of sending mail through the postal system, emphasizing the connection between communication and friendship.

Study getting down to being kind to inferiors Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is CONDESCENDING. "Condescending" means to behave as if you are superior to others, often in a patronizing way. The clue combines "study" (as in "con") and "getting down" (descending) to create the word "condescending," which describes someone who acts kindly but in a way that suggests superiority

Most trivial odd tales Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is LEAST. "Least" means the smallest in size, amount, or importance. The wordplay involves rearranging the letters of "odd tales" (taking every other letter or mixing them up) to arrive at "least." The answer reflects the idea of something being trivial or insignificant, aligning with its definition.

Is a name for loss of memory Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is AMNESIA. "Amnesia" is the medical term for a loss of memory. The clue provides a straightforward definition, indicating a condition where one is unable to recall past events or information. The answer directly corresponds to the description of memory loss, highlighting its medical and psychological context.

They may go on tip-toe to provide dramatic entertainment Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is BALLET DANCERS. "Ballet dancers" are performers who often dance on their toes (en pointe) to create graceful and dramatic movements. The clue describes their distinctive style of dance, which involves precise and delicate footwork that adds a visual and emotional impact to their performances, emphasizing the artistry and technique required in ballet.

Making an effort, though it's irksome Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is TRYING. "Trying" means to make an effort to achieve something, but it can also describe something that is challenging or irritating. The wordplay involves the dual meaning of exerting effort and experiencing difficulty, capturing the essence of perseverance in the face of adversity or frustration.

Language of a rajah in divine service Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is HINDI. "Hindi" is a major language spoken in India and often associated with the culture of rajahs, who were historically Indian royalty. The clue links the language to a divine context, perhaps suggesting religious services conducted in Hindi, reflecting its cultural and linguistic significance in India.

Unpunctual about even baby's outfit Crossword Clue

The answer to this clue is LAYETTE. "Layette" is a set of clothing and accessories for a newborn baby. The wordplay involves "unpunctual" (late) rearranged to fit around the idea of "even" (with even distribution in letters), hinting at the concept of something assembled or arranged, much like a baby's first set of clothing.

Friday, August 23, 2024 Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

1 Plight due to preserving liquor - PICKLE

4 First George had scope to make opening move - GAMBIT

9 A sale isn't only designed so as to engender excitement - SENSATIONALLY

10 Assert Edward turned away - AVERTED

11 It's grim at the back of the boat - STERN

12 A noted climb - SCALE

14 Robust novelist - HARDY

18 Conveniently placed for being manually skilled - HANDY

19 Set nine out in concentrated way - INTENSE

21 It gets news into the paper - PRINTINGPRESS

22 Having a persistent bark? - DOGGED

23 Distorts two points about tranquillity - WRESTS

DOWN

1 In the mail to pals, maybe - POSTAL

2 Study getting down to being kind to inferiors - CONDESCENDING

3 Most trivial odd tales - LEAST

5 Is a name for loss of memory - AMNESIA

6 They may go on tip-toe to provide dramatic entertainment - BALLETDANCERS

7 Making an effort, though it's irksome - TRYING

8 Language of a rajah in divine service - HINDI

13 Unpunctual about even baby's outfit - LAYETTE

15 Gave promising signs of being fashioned - SHAPED

16 American soldier by worker is a very big fellow - GIANT

17 Is vaguely aware we popularly have five of them - SENSES

20 Drunkard showing hesitation on the summit - TOPER