Metro Cryptic Crossword August 29, 2024 Puzzle Answers

Day that follows Easter Rising - ASCENSION:

The day following the Easter Rising is known as Ascension Day. This day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, which is a significant event in Christian tradition occurring 40 days after Easter. Ascension Day marks the end of the Easter season and is celebrated with various religious observances.

Concept not entirely perfect - IDEA:

An "idea" refers to a thought or suggestion that might not be fully formed or perfect. It represents a concept or plan that is still in its preliminary stages, potentially requiring further development or refinement. An idea is often the starting point for innovation or problem-solving, though it may lack complete detail or feasibility at the outset.

Italian statesman who takes the biscuit? - GARIBALDI:

Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian statesman and military leader renowned for his role in the unification of Italy. The phrase "takes the biscuit" is a play on words, referencing Garibaldi’s famous involvement in Italian politics and his name sounding like "garibaldi," a type of biscuit.

Tricky description of popular melody - CATCHY:

A "catchy" melody is one that is easily memorable and appealing. It refers to a musical tune or phrase that sticks in the listener's mind due to its appealing rhythm, repetition, or simplicity. Catchy melodies are often used in advertising, pop music, and other media to create a lasting impression.

Isn't upset about a bad mark - STAIN:

The term "stain" can be used metaphorically to describe a mark or blemish that may not be upsetting but is noticeable. In the context of a bad mark, "stain" refers to a figurative imperfection on one’s record or reputation. It suggests that while the mark may be undesirable, it is not necessarily a cause for significant distress.

What the widow assumes to be unwanted plants - WEEDS:

A widow might assume "weeds" are unwanted plants in her garden. Weeds are typically plants that grow where they are not wanted, often competing with cultivated plants for resources. In this context, the term "weeds" reflects the common gardening challenge of dealing with invasive or undesirable vegetation.

End of work can offer delightful attractions, initially - CODA:

A "coda" refers to the concluding section of a musical composition, often providing a final, summarizing touch. The term "coda" can be used metaphorically to describe the end of work or a project that might lead to enjoyable outcomes or rewards.

Attempts to convert into goals - TRIES:

"Tries" refers to the efforts made to achieve specific objectives or goals. In various contexts, such as sports or personal endeavors, attempts to "try" involve taking action towards reaching desired outcomes. The term captures the essence of striving and putting in effort to accomplish something, emphasizing perseverance and determination.

Corncrake to alight on the fence - RAIL:

The term "rail" can be linked to the idea of a corncrake alighting on a fence. A rail is a type of fence or barrier, and the corncrake, a bird, might land on it. This description plays with the imagery of a bird perching on a rail, linking the physical object (the rail) with the action (the bird alighting).

European means of verification, we hear - CZECH:

The term "Czech" refers to a European nationality and language. In this context, it plays on the homophonic similarity to "check," which is a method of verification or examination. The wordplay links the European identity with the concept of verification, suggesting that "Czech" sounds like "check," a common term used in various verification processes.

To cause irritation, disturb a nap - TEASE:

To "tease" means to cause irritation or annoyance, often by provoking or bothering someone in a light-hearted or playful manner. In the context of disturbing a nap, teasing refers to the act of interrupting someone’s rest in a way that might be bothersome. The term captures the idea of disrupting someone’s peace or comfort through playful or irritating behavior, illustrating how teasing can affect someone’s state of relaxation.

Vessel located in fixed angular measurement - SECANT:

In mathematics, a "secant" is a line that intersects a curve at two or more points, often used in trigonometry as part of angular measurement. The term "secant" can also metaphorically relate to a "vessel" in the sense of being a line that spans or intersects a specific space.

The game is a thing of little importance - BAGATELLE:

A "bagatelle" refers to a game or object of little importance or value. In this context, it signifies something that is considered trivial or minor. The term is used to describe activities or things that are not taken too seriously and are often pursued for entertainment or leisure. It reflects the idea that certain games or objects, while enjoyable, do not hold significant weight or consequence, emphasizing their trivial nature.

One may be employed to do this bit by bit - PIECEWORK:

"Piecework" refers to a type of labor where workers are paid based on the amount of work they complete, rather than receiving a fixed salary. This method involves completing tasks bit by bit, with compensation directly tied to the quantity or quality of work produced. It is commonly used in industries like manufacturing or textiles, where workers contribute to various parts of a product.

Is it designed to go through the middle piece? - CENTREBIT:

The term "centrebit" refers to a tool used for drilling or boring holes, specifically designed to penetrate the central part of a material. It is employed to create precise holes or openings and often features a design that allows it to effectively reach and navigate through the middle section of a workpiece. This tool is essential for tasks requiring accuracy in drilling, ensuring that the hole is centered and evenly executed.

Speak about western influence - SWAY:

"Sway" refers to the ability to influence or control others, often by persuasion or charm. When discussing western influence, "sway" captures the impact that Western cultures, ideas, or policies can have on other regions or societies. This influence can manifest in various forms, such as cultural, political, or economic, affecting how others perceive or adopt Western ways. The term illustrates the power dynamics involved in shaping opinions and decisions.

To be in a vortex is terrifying - EXIST:

To "exist" in a vortex can be a metaphor for experiencing a situation that feels overwhelming or chaotic. A vortex symbolizes a powerful, swirling force that can engulf and disorient, making the experience of existing within it particularly daunting. This metaphor highlights the sense of fear and helplessness that can accompany being caught in intense or uncontrollable circumstances, illustrating the emotional impact of such situations.

Still getting poor reception - STATIC:

"Static" refers to interference or noise that disrupts clear communication, often seen in radio or television signals. When someone is still getting poor reception, it means that despite efforts to improve signal quality, the communication remains unclear or distorted due to static. The term captures the ongoing problem of receiving disrupted or inadequate signals, reflecting the challenges of achieving consistent and reliable reception.

They regulate the chances for the better - ODDS:

"Odds" represent the likelihood or probability of a particular outcome occurring. In various contexts, such as gambling or statistical analysis, odds are used to determine the chances of events happening. They regulate the expectations and potential results by providing a quantitative measure of likelihood. Understanding odds helps individuals assess risks and make informed decisions based on probable outcomes.

Spirit shown by leader of Greek army - GHOST:

The term "ghost" can be linked to the idea of a spirit or ethereal presence. In the context of a Greek army leader, "ghost" might symbolize a leader's lingering influence or the metaphorical presence of their spirit in guiding or inspiring others. It reflects the idea of a leader’s enduring legacy or symbolic impact even after their physical presence is gone.

Net used by French watermen - SEINE:

A "seine" is a type of fishing net used by watermen, particularly in French-speaking regions. This net is designed to catch fish by surrounding them and is often employed in shallow waters where it can be drawn through or across the water. The seine is an essential tool for fishing, reflecting traditional methods used by fishermen to efficiently capture their catch.

Observe the lawsuits in which money reposes - NOTECASES:

"Notecases" are small cases used to hold and organize notes or money. When referring to observing lawsuits where money is involved, "notecases" metaphorically represents the management or storage of financial matters related to legal proceedings. The term highlights the importance of organizing and keeping track of financial aspects in legal contexts, where money plays a crucial role.

Thursday, August 29, 2024 Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

3 Day that follows Easter Rising - ASCENSION

8 Concept not entirely perfect - IDEA

9 Italian statesman who takes the biscuit? - GARIBALDI

10 Tricky description of popular melody - CATCHY

11 Isn't upset about a bad mark - STAIN

14 What the widow assumes to be unwanted plants - WEEDS

15 End of work can offer delightful attractions, initially - CODA

16 Attempts to convert into goals - TRIES

18 Corncrake to alight on the fence - RAIL LAND

20 European means of verification, we hear - CZECH

21 To cause irritation, disturb a nap - TEASE

24 Vessel located in fixed angular measurement - SECANT

25 The game is a thing of little importance - BAGATELLE

26 You'll find the man about in this place - HERE

27 It's very disturbed after present-day misfortune - ADVERSITY

DOWN

1 One may be employed to do this bit by bit - PIECEWORK

2 Is it designed to go through the middle piece? - CENTREBIT

4 Speak about western influence - SWAY

5 To be in a vortex is terrifying - EXIST

6 Still getting poor reception - STATIC

7 They regulate the chances for the better - ODDS

9 Spirit shown by leader of Greek army - GHOST

11 Net used by French watermen - SEINE

12 Observe the lawsuits in which money reposes - NOTECASES

13 Did he present a crazy threat to Alice? - MADHATTER

17 Almost cover up the fallen debris - SCREE

19 Foreign representative using the French entrance - LEGATE

22 Checks the flower-holders - STEMS

23/18 Corncrake to alight on the fence - LAND RAIL

24 Look in the street for a narrow opening - SLOT