The Irish Independent Cryptic Crossword Clues and Answers August 20, 2024

Discover Had To Pay A Penalty, We Hear : FIND

"Discover Had To Pay A Penalty, We Hear" leads to the answer "FIND," which is a homophone for "fine." In this clue, "discover" is synonymous with "find," and "had to pay a penalty" refers to a "fine." The phrase "we hear" indicates that the answer involves a play on words or a sound-alike term.

Thus, "FIND" cleverly combines the idea of discovering something with the homophonic connection to "fine," which is a penalty. The clue highlights the dual meaning through wordplay, making "FIND" the fitting answer.

Grammatical Parallel Of Father Getting Back Situation : APPOSITION

"Grammatical Parallel Of Father Getting Back Situation" leads to the answer "APPOSITION," which refers to a grammatical construction where two elements are placed side by side, with one element serving to explain or define the other. In this clue, "Father" getting "back" suggests a return to or rephrasing of the term, while "situation" hints at a grammatical context.

"Apposition" fits as it is a structure in which a noun or noun phrase is placed next to another noun to provide additional information or clarification. The clue cleverly describes this grammatical parallel, making "APPOSITION" the precise answer.

Half-lift Cat On Rescue Rope : LIFELINE

"Half-lift Cat On Rescue Rope" leads to the answer "LIFELINE." To break it down, "half-lift" suggests taking half of the word "lift," which gives "LIF." The phrase "cat on rescue rope" helps complete the clue by providing context: a "rescue rope" is commonly known as a "lifeline."

Combining "LIF" with "LINE" from the context of a rescue rope forms "LIFELINE." This term denotes a critical rope used in emergencies to save lives, aligning perfectly with the clue’s description and creating a coherent solution.

Radio Needs Less Of This Cable : WIRE

"Radio Needs Less Of This Cable" leads to the answer "WIRE," which is a type of cable used for transmitting signals. In the context of radio, "less of this cable" suggests a reduction in the amount of wiring or cabling needed. Radios, particularly modern ones, often require less physical wiring due to advancements in technology such as wireless communication.

The clue plays on the idea that while "WIRE" is a necessary component, the need for it has decreased over time with technological progress. Thus, "WIRE" accurately fits the clue by reflecting the evolving requirement for cables in radio technology.

Will The Revolt Never Be Put Down? : RISING

"Will The Revolt Never Be Put Down?" leads to the answer "RISING," which captures the ongoing nature of a revolt. The word "RISING" suggests that the revolt is continuously growing or escalating, rather than being suppressed or resolved. The clue implies that the rebellion remains active and on the rise, indicating that it has not yet been subdued.

By using "RISING," the answer effectively reflects the persistent and increasing state of the revolt, aligning perfectly with the idea of an uprising that is still gaining strength and not being put down.

Bird Causes Childish Ailment : THRUSH

"Bird Causes Childish Ailment" leads to the answer "THRUSH," which cleverly links both the bird and the medical condition. The word "thrush" refers to a type of bird and also to a common infection, especially in children, caused by the Candida fungus. This condition, known as oral thrush, appears as white patches in the mouth and throat.

The clue plays on the dual meaning, suggesting that the same word represents both a bird and a childish ailment, thus making "THRUSH" the fitting answer that captures both aspects of the clue.

This Substance May Be Of Importance : MATTER

"This Substance May Be Of Importance" leads to the answer "MATTER," which signifies a fundamental substance that can be of significance in various contexts. In a general sense, "matter" refers to any physical substance that occupies space and has mass. The clue highlights that this substance, "matter," can be crucial or important depending on the situation.

Whether in scientific, philosophical, or everyday terms, "matter" often denotes something of value or relevance. The answer "MATTER" aptly fits the clue by encompassing both the concept of a physical substance and its potential importance.

Part Of The Chess Player's Defences? : CASTLE

"Part Of The Chess Player's Defences?" leads to the answer "CASTLE," which refers to a specific move in chess known as castling. Castling is a strategic maneuver that helps safeguard the king and connect the rooks, thereby enhancing the player's defensive setup. The term "castle" cleverly relates both to the defensive aspect of the move and to the chess piece itself, which is also called a castle in some contexts

. By using "CASTLE," the answer accurately reflects a crucial part of a chess player's defensive strategy, fitting perfectly with the clue's reference to a defensive component in chess.

Bring Up The Last: REAR

"Bring Up The Last" leads to the answer "REAR," which fits the idea of positioning or bringing something up to the end or last place. The term "rear" refers to the back or last part of something, whether it's a vehicle, a line, or a group. In this context, "rear" signifies the position at the end or the back, aligning with the clue's implication of bringing something to the last position.

The word captures the concept of positioning at the end, making "REAR" an appropriate answer that fits both the clue's literal and figurative meanings.

Admit Into Membership Where I Dined : INITIATE

"Admit Into Membership Where I Dined" leads to the answer "INITIATE." The word "initiate" means to admit someone into a group or membership, often as part of a formal process. The clue's phrase "Where I dined" provides a play on words, as it can be interpreted as a hint towards the word "initiate." When someone is initiated, they are formally introduced or admitted, similar to how a new member might be welcomed.

Therefore, "INITIATE" fits the clue by reflecting the process of admitting someone into membership while cleverly incorporating the dining reference as a figurative element.

Reiteration About Appeal : REPETITION

"Reiteration About Appeal" leads to the answer "REPETITION." The term "repetition" refers to the act of repeating something, which aligns with the idea of reiteration. In the context of an appeal, repetition is often used to emphasize or reinforce a message, ensuring that it is heard and remembered. The clue cleverly uses "reiteration" to indicate the repeated nature of the appeal, which is encapsulated in the word "REPETITION."

Thus, "REPETITION" fits the clue by capturing the essence of repeating or emphasizing something, particularly in the context of making an appeal.

Go Down Where The Waste Goes : SINK

"Go Down Where The Waste Goes" leads to the answer "SINK." In this context, "sink" refers to a plumbing fixture where waste, such as water and food particles, is drained away. The phrase "Go Down" hints at the action of waste descending into the sink. The clue cleverly points to the sink as both the location where waste is directed and the verb describing the motion of waste moving downwards.

Therefore, "SINK" fits perfectly as it describes both the destination of waste and the action associated with it, aligning with the clue’s description.

State I Should Go In To Act The Bully : INTIMIDATE

"State I Should Go In To Act The Bully" leads to the answer "INTIMIDATE." In this clue, "state" serves as a hint for the word "intimidate," which means to act in a way that frightens or bullies someone. The phrase "I should go in" suggests inserting the letter "I" into another word to form the answer.

Combining this with "act the bully," which describes the behavior of intimidating others, the clue indicates that "INTIMIDATE" is the correct term. Thus, "INTIMIDATE" fits as it captures the essence of acting as a bully and matches the wordplay suggested by the clue.

When The Fruit Appears? : DATE

"When The Fruit Appears?" leads to the answer "DATE." The word "date" refers to both a type of fruit and a specific point in time. In the context of the clue, "when the fruit appears" cleverly plays on the dual meaning: a date is not only a fruit but also denotes a particular time when something occurs.

Thus, the clue uses wordplay to link the appearance of the fruit with the concept of time, making "DATE" the fitting answer that encapsulates both meanings.

It Naturally Occurs In A Leap Year : SPRING

"It Naturally Occurs In A Leap Year" leads to the answer "SPRING." In a leap year, which has 366 days, one of the seasons that naturally occurs is spring. The clue uses the term "naturally occurs" to hint at a regular, annual event, with "spring" being one of the four seasons that recur every year, including leap years.

The wordplay here emphasizes that despite the extra day in a leap year, the seasonal cycle remains unchanged, making "SPRING" the appropriate answer for a season that naturally happens regardless of the leap year adjustment.

A Perfume 12? : ASCENT

"A Perfume 12?" leads to the answer "ASCENT." The clue plays on a bit of wordplay involving the word "ascent" which sounds like "a scent," connecting to the idea of perfume. The number "12" might suggest a letter count or a subtle hint in the clue's structure.

"Ascents" can metaphorically link to a perfume's "rise" or prominence, though it is a more abstract connection. Overall, the answer "ASCENT" cleverly fits by phonetically resembling "a scent" and hinting at the concept of rising or elevating, akin to how a notable perfume might stand out.

Waiters Wed Stars : STEWARDS

"Waiters Wed Stars" leads to the answer "STEWARDS." The term "stewards" refers to individuals who manage or serve in various contexts, including as waiters in certain settings. The wordplay here involves the idea that "stewards" can be seen as waiters, and "wed stars" is a play on the idea of combining or "marrying" the concept of waiters with something notable or "star-like" in their role.

Thus, "STEWARDS" fits the clue by encapsulating the role of waiters and hinting at the elevated status or importance associated with the term, aligning with the idea of "stars" in a metaphorical sense.

How Many Times Does 100 Go Into 1? : ONCE

"How Many Times Does 100 Go Into 1?" leads to the answer "ONCE." The question is a playful mathematical puzzle that asks how many times the number 100 can be divided into 1. Since 100 is larger than 1, it can go into 1 exactly once, though it doesn't fit evenly or multiple times.

The clue uses this simple division to highlight that the answer is "ONCE," effectively capturing the idea that the number 100 fits into 1 just a single time. This clever wordplay makes "ONCE" the fitting answer for the clue.

The Proposal Apparently Demands A Second Answer : RESOLUTION

"The Proposal Apparently Demands A Second Answer" leads to the answer "RESOLUTION." In this context, "resolution" refers to a formal proposal or decision, often one that requires careful consideration and possibly a second look or answer. The clue plays on the dual meaning of "resolution" as both a formal decision or proposal and as a solution or answer to a problem.

Thus, the term "resolution" fits the clue perfectly, capturing the idea of a proposal that demands further deliberation or a second response, making it the appropriate answer.

Buried Communist In Middle Position? : INTERRED

"Buried Communist In Middle Position?" leads to the answer "INTERRED." The word "interred" means to bury someone, which aligns with the clue's theme of being "buried." The clue's play on words involves "communist" being hidden in the middle of the term "interred."

The "middle position" hint suggests focusing on the central part of the word. By examining the word "INTERRED," one can find that the letters "RED," often associated with communism, appear centrally within the word. Therefore, "INTERRED" cleverly fits the clue as it combines the concept of burial with the hidden reference to "RED" in the middle.

Dried Fruit Is Gathered In Wet Weather : RAISIN

"Dried Fruit Is Gathered In Wet Weather" leads to the answer "RAISIN." Raisins are dried grapes, which are a type of dried fruit. The clue’s mention of "wet weather" cleverly plays on the idea that grapes are typically harvested or gathered when they are still fresh and wet before they are dried to become raisins.

The wordplay here connects the drying process of the fruit (raisin) with the notion of wet weather as a time when the fruit is collected. Thus, "RAISIN" fits the clue by combining the idea of dried fruit with the context of gathering fruit before it undergoes the drying process.

The Reviewer Presumably Does Not Expect Perfection : CRITIC

"The Reviewer Presumably Does Not Expect Perfection" leads to the answer "CRITIC." A critic, by definition, is someone who reviews and evaluates work, such as performances, books, or art. The clue hints that a critic's role is not to expect perfection but to provide an analysis, often pointing out flaws or areas for improvement.

The phrase "does not expect perfection" aligns with the nature of a critic's job, which involves assessing and critiquing rather than demanding flawless results. Thus, "CRITIC" fits the clue by reflecting the reviewer’s role and the expectation of imperfection in their evaluations.

It Is Unusual To Find It In War Areas : RARE

"It Is Unusual To Find It In War Areas" leads to the answer "RARE." In contexts such as war areas, certain things or conditions are considered rare or uncommon due to the extreme and destructive nature of the environment. The clue plays on the idea that something is unusual or infrequent in such settings, which aligns with the definition of "rare" as something that is not commonly found.

Thus, "RARE" fits the clue perfectly by describing how unusual it is to encounter certain items or situations in war-torn areas, emphasizing their scarcity.

Taverns At The Country's Extremes? : INNS

"Taverns At The Country's Extremes?" leads to the answer "INNS." In this clue, "taverns" refers to establishments where people can stay or eat, which are commonly known as inns. The phrase "at the country’s extremes" hints at taking the first and last letters of the word "country." By taking "C" (the first letter) and "Y" (the last letter), and combining them with "INNS," we arrive at "INNS" as the answer.

This wordplay cleverly connects the concept of taverns with the extremities of the word "country," making "INNS" the fitting solution.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 The Irish Independent Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS​

1 Discover Had To Pay A Penalty, We Hear : FIND
8 Grammatical Parallel Of Father Getting Back Situation : APPOSITION
9 Half-lift Cat On Rescue Rope : LIFELINE
10 Radio Needs Less Of This Cable: WIRE
12 Will The Revolt Never Be Put Down? : RISING
14 Bird Causes Childish Ailment : THRUSH
15 This Substance May Be Of Importance : MATTER
17 Part Of The Chess Player's Defences? : CASTLE
18 Bring Up The Last : REAR
19 Admit Into Membership Where I Dined : INITIATE
21 Reiteration About Appeal : REPETITION
22 Go Down Where The Waste Goes : SINK

​DOWN​

2 State I Should Go In To Act The Bully : INTIMIDATE
3 When The Fruit Appears? : DATE
4 It Naturally Occurs In A Leap Year : SPRING
5 A Perfume 12? : ASCENT
6 Waiters Wed Stars : STEWARDS
7 How Many Times Does 100 Go Into 1? : ONCE
11 The Proposal Apparently Demands A Second Answer : RESOLUTION
13 Buried Communist In Middle Position? : INTERRED
16 Dried Fruit Is Gathered In Wet Weather : RAISIN
17 The Reviewer Presumably Does Not Expect Perfection : CRITIC
18 It Is Unusual To Find It In War Areas : RARE
20 Taverns At The Country's Extremes? : INNS