The Irish Independent Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers July 20, 2024

The Scent Is Picked Up In The First Railway Carriage (5) Crossword Clue

Answer: TRAIL

"The Scent Is Picked Up In The First Railway Carriage" corresponds to the answer "TRAIL." This clue uses wordplay to arrive at the answer. "The scent" can refer to a trail left behind by something, as in a trail of scent. Additionally, "picked up" suggests a hidden word or anagram, and "In The First Railway Carriage" indicates looking within the phrase for the answer.

"TRAIL" can be derived from the letters of the clue and metaphorically matches the concept of following a scent, making it the fitting answer.

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Her Husband's Away (Did She Lose Him At Haymaking?) (5,5) Crossword Clue

Answer: GRASSWIDOW

"Her Husband's Away (Did She Lose Him At Haymaking?)" corresponds to the answer "GRASSWIDOW." The term "grass widow" refers to a woman whose husband is absent or away, often for an extended period.

The clue cleverly plays on the idea of "losing" someone during haymaking, where "grass" is involved, leading to the term "grass widow" as a humorous and fitting description for a woman whose spouse is temporarily absent.

Sheltered Place After Dark Could Be Deadly! (10) Crossword Clue

Answer: NIGHTSHADE

"Sheltered Place After Dark Could Be Deadly!" corresponds to the answer "NIGHTSHADE." Nightshade is a type of plant that can be deadly if ingested, and the name "nightshade" evokes the idea of something that thrives or is associated with darkness or the night.

In the clue, "sheltered place after dark" cleverly hints at the term "nightshade," which combines the concept of nighttime with the idea of something potentially dangerous, fitting the description perfectly.

Discourage From Using Seaside Terraces (5) Crossword Clue

Answer: DETER

"Discourage From Using Seaside Terraces" corresponds to the answer "DETER." The term "deter" means to discourage or prevent someone from taking an action. In the context of the clue, the idea of discouraging someone from using seaside terraces aligns with the definition of "deter," which involves dissuading or hindering an action.

Thus, "DETER" accurately captures the essence of discouraging someone from using a particular place or facility.

Took The Corner Too Sharply And Capsized (10) Crossword Clue

Answer: OVERTURNED

"Took The Corner Too Sharply And Capsized" corresponds to the answer "OVERTURNED." When a vehicle or boat takes a corner too sharply, it can cause the vehicle or vessel to tip over or capsized. The term "overturned" directly describes the action of flipping or turning over, which is exactly what happens when something capsizes due to a sharp turn.

Therefore, "OVERTURNED" effectively captures the result of taking a corner too sharply, aligning perfectly with the clue provided.

Conferred As A Gift, But Most Suitably Taken As Debt (8) Crossword Clue

Answer: BESTOWED

"Conferred As A Gift, But Most Suitably Taken As Debt" corresponds to the answer "BESTOWED." To "bestow" something means to give or confer a gift or honor upon someone. However, the clue plays on the idea that such a gift may also be perceived as a debt or obligation, implying that receiving it could come with expectations or responsibilities.

Thus, "BESTOWED" aptly describes the act of conferring something as a gift, while also hinting at the potential for it to be viewed as a debt or responsibility.

They Are Encouraged In Dicey Situations (7) Crossword Clue

Answer: HAZARDS

"They Are Encouraged In Dicey Situations" corresponds to the answer "HAZARDS." In risky or uncertain situations, hazards are the dangers or potential problems that people are encouraged to be aware of or manage. The term "hazards" refers to risks or perils that are inherent in dicey, or precarious, circumstances.

Thus, "HAZARDS" perfectly fits the clue by highlighting the potential dangers that are prominent or encouraged to be considered in such situations.

Cause Of Depression At The Seance? (3,7) Crossword Clue

Answer: LOWSPIRITS

"Cause Of Depression At The Seance?" corresponds to the answer "LOWSPIRITS." At a seance, where participants attempt to communicate with spirits, the atmosphere can be tense or unsettling, potentially leading to a feeling of gloom or melancholy.

The term "low spirits" refers to a state of sadness or depression, which could be a reaction to the eerie or somber environment of a seance. Therefore, "LOWSPIRITS" aptly describes the cause of depression or sadness in such a context, fitting the clue perfectly.

Took A Draughtsman In A Fit Of Petulance? (6) Crossword Clue

Answer: HUFFED

"Took A Draughtsman In A Fit Of Petulance?" corresponds to the answer "HUFFED." The term "huffed" means to exhale sharply or to show annoyance or irritation, often in a fit of petulance.

The clue cleverly plays on the word "draughtsman," suggesting that in a state of irritation, someone might "huff" or display their displeasure. The word "huffed" captures this reaction, making it a fitting answer for the clue.

This Number Is Eventually Included (5) Crossword Clue

Answer: SEVEN

"This Number Is Eventually Included" corresponds to the answer "SEVEN." In this clue, the phrase "eventually included" can be interpreted to mean that the number seven appears or is included eventually in a sequence or list.

Additionally, if you spell out the word "seven," you can find it subtly embedded within the phrase itself, as in "This number is included," with the word "seven" eventually being the number in question. Therefore, "SEVEN" is the answer that fits the clue.