Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues and Answers August 22, 2024

Ordinary soldier is incorrect - it's a personal injury Crossword Clue 12 Letters

The answer is PRIVATEWRONG. private" typically refers to an ordinary soldier in the military, but when combined with "wrong," it indicates a personal injury, suggesting that something is not right or incorrect about the situation. The clue plays on the dual meaning of "private," both as a soldier and as an adjective describing something personal or incorrect.

Without a hug, procure an edible plant Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is CRESS. "procure" means to obtain, and "an edible plant" refers to a type of plant that can be eaten. By removing the letter "H" (representing "hug") from "CRESS" (a type of edible plant), the remaining letters spell the word itself. This clue plays with the concept of removing a letter to identify the answer, emphasizing both the literal and figurative aspects of the wordplay.

Polite when not military Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is CIVIL. "civil" describes someone who is polite and respectful, particularly in a non-military context. It contrasts with military behavior, highlighting a civilian demeanor. "Civil" encompasses manners and etiquette expected in everyday interactions, as opposed to the discipline and formality associated with military life.

I shall take this badly Crossword Clue 3 Letters

The answer is ILL. "ill" means to be unwell or in poor health, and it is used here to convey the idea of taking something badly or being negatively affected by it. The clue suggests that if someone "takes this badly," they are experiencing illness or discomfort. This play on words uses "ill" to describe a state of being that results from a negative experience or situation.

Money will revive in the middle Crossword Clue 9 Letters

The answer is CENTRALLY. "centrally" means something situated at the center or middle of a location. The word "money" can be associated with "cent," which is a unit of currency. The clue implies that "revive" or focus on the central part of the word "money," resulting in "centrally." This explanation plays on the idea of positioning money (cent) in the middle of the concept.

Good head finds the way into the aristocracy Crossword Clue 6 Letters

The answer is GENTRY. "Gentry" refers to the class of people who are part of the aristocracy or upper social class. The wordplay involves taking "good" as a clue to find a suitable answer that fits the context of aristocracy. "Gentry" signifies a social class distinguished by their position and wealth, and "head" implies the leading or primary part of this class.

Precious stone held by one pair of twins Crossword Clue 6 Letters

The answer is GEMINI. "GEMINI" refers to a constellation represented by the twins Castor and Pollux in astrology. The clue involves a "precious stone" held by "one pair of twins," where "Gemini" (the twins) is also associated with the astrological sign symbolizing these twins. This clue cleverly combines the concept of twins with the idea of a precious element.

Fumble-fisted without fingers Crossword Clue 9 Letters

The answer is ALLTHUMBS. "All thumbs" is an idiom used to describe someone who is clumsy or inept, especially with their hands. The clue plays on the concept of having "fumble-fisted" (clumsy) hands and being without fingers, suggesting that someone who is "all thumbs" is particularly awkward. This idiom captures the essence of clumsiness in handling tasks.

Tree remains after fire Crossword Clue 3 Letters

The answer is ASH. "Ash" is the residue left after burning something, such as wood or a tree. The clue describes the remains of a tree after a fire has consumed it, leaving behind ash. This term directly relates to the product of combustion and is a common term used to describe the remains of burned materials.

Conceal surplus beyond 100 Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is COVER. To "cover" something means to conceal or hide it. The clue suggests hiding or masking a surplus amount that extends beyond 100, indicating the use of "cover" as a term for concealing. This wordplay focuses on the act of obscuring or protecting something that exceeds a certain threshold.

Getting through exam - imagine! - is a whim Crossword Clue 12 Letters

The answer is PASSINGFANCY. "Passing fancy" describes a fleeting or temporary interest, often something that one might imagine or briefly engage with, like getting through an exam as a whimsical goal. This term conveys the idea of something that is not lasting or deeply significant but rather a momentary indulgence. The clue cleverly uses the concept of "passing" (getting through) and "fancy" (whim) to describe something transient and capricious.

A long time in management Crossword Clue 3 Letters

The answer is AGE. "age" refers to a long period of time. In the context of management or experience, "age" signifies the duration one has spent in a particular role or field. It implies accumulated knowledge and expertise gained over an extended period. This clue uses the concept of time to underscore the importance of experience in management.

A transgression used in for example relieving the pressure Crossword Clue 6 Letters

The answer is EASING. "Easing" refers to the process of making something less intense or more comfortable, such as relieving pressure. In the context of a transgression, the term "easing" can be associated with reducing or alleviating the effects of an issue or discomfort. This clue plays on the idea of "easing" as a way to mitigate or relieve the impact of a problem.

Instruments for keeping accounts? Crossword Clue 9 Letters

The answer is RECORDERS. "Recorders" are instruments used for keeping accounts or recording information. In a financial or administrative context, recorders are essential tools for documenting and managing records. This term also refers to devices or people involved in maintaining detailed records, whether for financial, legal, or organizational purposes.

New fiction Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is NOVEL. "novel" refers to a new and original work of fiction, typically a lengthy narrative. In literature, a "novel" represents a creative and imaginative story that explores various themes and characters. This clue highlights the dual meaning of "novel" as both a fresh concept and a literary genre.

Take a big risk in vehemently emotional drama Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is PLAYWITHFIRE. "Play with fire" is an idiom meaning to take a significant risk or engage in dangerous behavior. In the context of a vehemently emotional drama, the phrase suggests that someone is involved in a risky or intense situation. The clue uses the imagery of "playing with fire" to emphasize the dangers of emotional or dramatic risks.

He has a pound in small change Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is COLIN. "Colin" is derived from a combination of "Co" (short for "copper" or small change) and "lin" (suggesting "pound" as a unit of currency). The clue plays on the idea of having a small amount of money ("a pound in small change") and uses it to arrive at the name "Colin." This wordplay combines currency and personal name elements.

Short race for animal suitable for heavy work Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is CARTHORSE. A "carthorse" is a breed of horse used for heavy work, such as pulling carts. The term "short race" refers to the word "car" (a short form or abbreviation) combined with "horse" (suitable for heavy work). The clue cleverly merges the concept of a short race with an animal known for its strength and utility.

Country laity in revolution Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is ITALY. "Italy" is derived from "laity" (common people) rearranged ("in revolution") to form the name of the country. This clue plays on the anagram of "laity" to reveal the name of the country, illustrating a common wordplay technique used in crosswords.

Confused Mabel went to open door at an easy pace Crossword Clue 5 Letters

The answer is AMBLED. "Amble" means to walk at a relaxed or easy pace. The clue "Confused Mabel went to open door" suggests an anagram of "Mabel" and "A" (for "an easy pace"). Rearranging these letters forms the word "ambled," which fits the description of walking slowly and leisurely. This clue combines wordplay with a literal definition of the term.

Thursday August 22, 2024 Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

1 Ordinary soldier is incorrect - it's a personal injury - PRIVATEWRONG

7 Without a hug, procure an edible plant - CRESS

8 Polite when not military - CIVIL

9 I shall take this badly - ILL

10 Money will revive in the middle - CENTRALLY

11 Good head finds the way into the aristocracy - GENTRY

12 Precious stone held by one pair of twins - GEMINI

15 Fumble-fisted without fingers - ALLTHUMBS

17 Tree remains after fire - ASH

18 Conceal surplus beyond 100 - COVER

19 Fortunate woman taken round the King's Head - LUCKY

21 Fancy red file is about non-hostile appearance - FRIENDLYFACE

DOWN

1 Getting through exam - imagine! - is a whim - PASSINGFANCY

2 A long time in management - AGE

3 A transgression used in for example relieving the pressure - EASING

4 Instruments for keeping accounts? - RECORDERS

5 New fiction - NOVEL

6 Take a big risk in vehemently emotional drama - PLAYWITHFIRE

7 He has a pound in small change - COLIN

10 Short race for animal suitable for heavy work - CARTHORSE

13 Country laity in revolution - ITALY

14 Confused Mabel went to open door at an easy pace - AMBLED

16 Half 18 for swain? - LOVER

20 Shy from having nothing between crazy extremes - COY