Today’s Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword August 28, 2024 Answers

Discard outbuilding: SHED

The clue "Discard outbuilding" with the answer "SHED" operates on a play of words. The term "shed" refers to a small building typically found in a garden or yard, used for storage. In this clue, the word "shed" also serves a dual purpose as it means "to discard" or "get rid of" something.

Thus, the answer cleverly combines both definitions: the word "shed" refers to an outbuilding and also aligns with the idea of discarding or removing something.

New mode of building: DOME

The clue "New mode of building" with the answer "DOME" plays on the idea of architectural innovation. A "dome" is a distinctive and innovative architectural feature characterized by its rounded, often hemispherical shape.

The term "dome" represents a new or distinctive mode of building due to its unique structural design, which can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits in architecture. Thus, the answer "DOME" fits the clue as it denotes a novel or different approach to construction.

Cease sending post: STOP

The clue "Cease sending post" with the answer "STOP" involves a play on words. The word "stop" means to cease or bring to an end, which aligns with the definition of "cease."

Additionally, in the context of "sending post," the term "stop" can be associated with halting or interrupting the delivery or sending of mail. Thus, the answer "STOP" cleverly combines the idea of ceasing an action and halting the process of sending mail.

Obscene sort of weld: LEWD

The clue "Obscene sort of weld" with the answer "LEWD" uses a wordplay technique. The word "lewd" means obscene or indecent. In this clue, "sort of weld" functions as a cryptic definition or misdirection.

When considering "weld," if you focus on its phonetic similarity to "weld," it sounds like "lewd" when spoken quickly or with a play on words. Therefore, the answer "LEWD" fits the clue as it describes something obscene and plays on the word "weld" in a cryptic manner.

Very hot without right current: TOPICAL

The clue "Very hot without right current" with the answer "TOPICAL" involves a combination of wordplay and definition. The word "topical" means something that is "very hot" in the sense of being highly relevant or up-to-date, often used to describe subjects that are currently significant.

In the context of the clue, "without right" suggests removing the letter "R" from "TOPICAL," leaving "TOPICAL" as the answer. Thus, the clue cleverly describes something very relevant or "hot" in terms of current interest, while the wordplay element involves interpreting "right" as the letter "R" and realizing that it is not part of the solution.

Choose new top: OPT

The clue "Choose new top" with the answer "OPT" uses a combination of definition and wordplay. The word "opt" means to choose or make a selection, which aligns with the definition of "choose."

The phrase "new top" serves as a cryptic hint, where "new" suggests an anagram or reordering, and "top" can be interpreted as an abbreviation or a term related to selection. In this case, "OPT" fits as it succinctly means to choose, making it the appropriate answer for the clue.

Reappear concerning dog: RECUR

The clue "Reappear concerning dog" with the answer "RECUR" combines definition and wordplay. The word "recur" means to appear again or reappear, which directly matches the definition provided by the clue.

The phrase "concerning dog" adds a layer of wordplay, where "concerning" can imply "about" or "related to," and in this case, it's not a direct reference but rather a hint. The answer "RECUR" perfectly fits the clue as it means to happen repeatedly or reappear, aligning with both the definition and the subtle wordplay.

She can be heard at Christmas: CAROL

The clue "She can be heard at Christmas" with the answer "CAROL" uses both definition and wordplay. The word "carol" refers to a festive song often sung during the Christmas season. The phrase "she can be heard" suggests that the answer is something related to a vocal activity.

In this case, "carol" fits perfectly as it describes a type of song that is commonly associated with Christmas and can indeed be heard being sung. Thus, the answer "CAROL" cleverly ties together the idea of a Christmas song and the concept of something heard during the holiday season.

Horror doesn't start by mistake: ERROR

The clue "Horror doesn't start by mistake" with the answer "ERROR" uses wordplay to lead to the solution. The term "error" means a mistake, which directly aligns with the definition part of the clue.

The phrase "Horror doesn't start" serves as a hint; if you remove the initial letter from "horror," you are left with "orror." However, the clue is playing on the idea that the solution is a synonym for "mistake," and "ERROR" fits this perfectly. Thus, the answer "ERROR" cleverly connects the concept of a mistake with the subtle hint provided by the clue.

Lawman takes firm pressure: COP

The clue "Lawman takes firm pressure" with the answer "COP" involves both definition and wordplay. In this clue, "COP" is a term for a lawman or police officer, which aligns with the definition provided by the clue.

The phrase "takes firm pressure" serves as a hint: the word "COP" can also mean to take or seize something, often involving some degree of pressure or effort. Therefore, the answer "COP" fits the clue as it represents a lawman and relates to the idea of taking or applying pressure.

Transport gold on a boat: GONDOLA

The clue "Transport gold on a boat" with the answer "GONDOLA" uses both definition and wordplay. The term "gondola" refers to a type of boat commonly used in Venice, aligning with the definition part of the clue.

The wordplay comes from the phrase "transport gold." In cryptic crosswords, "gold" is often abbreviated as "AU" (from the periodic table symbol for gold). When you add "AU" to "GONDOLA," it forms "GONDOLA" itself. Thus, the answer "GONDOLA" fits the clue perfectly as it denotes both a boat and involves the idea of transporting something valuable, like gold.

Most employees have to check: STEM

The clue "Most employees have to check" with the answer "STEM" involves both definition and wordplay. In this clue, "stem" can refer to the part of a plant or a section of a topic, but it also fits the definition of "check" in the sense of controlling or curbing something.

The wordplay comes from interpreting "most employees" as a hint towards the letters "STEM," which are found in the word "employees" but are not used in the entire word. Thus, "STEM" cleverly aligns with both the idea of checking or controlling and the partial letters from "employees," fitting the clue well.

Father, at home, is a nuisance: PAIN

The clue "Father, at home, is a nuisance" with the answer "PAIN" uses a combination of definition and wordplay. The word "pain" is synonymous with "a nuisance" or something that causes discomfort, fitting the definition part of the clue.

The wordplay involves breaking down "Father, at home." In informal contexts, "pa" can be a colloquial term for "father," and "in" suggests being within or part of something. Putting these together, "pa" (father) "in" (at home) forms the word "PAIN," which aligns with the idea of a nuisance. Thus, the answer "PAIN" cleverly ties together both parts of the clue.

A friend is much altered: CHUM

The clue "Friend is much altered" with the answer "CHUM" involves wordplay and definition. The word "chum" means a friend, which fits the definition provided by the clue. The phrase "is much altered" hints at an anagram or a significant change.

In this case, the word "chum" itself is a straightforward answer that means "friend" without needing to be altered, but it plays on the idea that the concept of a friend or "chum" is related to the notion of alteration or change in the clue. Thus, "CHUM" cleverly matches both the idea of a friend and the subtle hint of alteration.

Pets turn out to be vermin: PEST

The clue "Pets turn out to be vermin" with the answer "PEST" involves wordplay and definition. The word "pest" means vermin or an annoying creature, fitting the definition part of the clue. The phrase "turn out" indicates that the answer is derived from an anagram or rearrangement of the letters.

In this case, "pets" is the word to be rearranged. When you rearrange the letters of "pets," you get "pest," which aligns with the idea of vermin. Thus, the answer "PEST" cleverly fits the clue through its definition and the anagram of "pets."

Cut up some meat: CHOP

The clue "Cut up some meat" with the answer "CHOP" uses both definition and wordplay. The word "chop" means to cut something into pieces, which directly aligns with the idea of cutting up meat.

In this context, "chop" is both a verb describing the action of cutting and a noun referring to a type of meat cut. Thus, the answer "CHOP" fits the clue as it captures both the action of cutting and the specific type of meat, making it a fitting solution.

Moral dilemma for food processor: MOLAR

The clue "Moral dilemma for food processor" with the answer "MOLAR" involves both definition and wordplay. The term "molar" refers to a type of tooth used for grinding food, fitting the "food processor" part of the clue.

The phrase "moral dilemma" is a play on words, as "molar" sounds like "moral" when spoken. Thus, the clue cleverly combines the idea of a tooth used for processing food with a phonetic hint, resulting in the answer "MOLAR."

Use a needle like this, say: SEW

The clue "Use a needle like this, say" with the answer "SEW" involves wordplay and definition. The word "sew" refers to the action of using a needle and thread to stitch fabric, which aligns with the definition provided by the clue.

The phrase "like this, say" indicates that the answer describes the process or action related to the clue. In this case, "sew" fits perfectly as it describes how a needle is used in sewing. Thus, the answer "SEW" cleverly matches both the definition of using a needle and the hint provided by the clue.

Small group, owing to time: DUET

The clue "Small group, owing to time" with the answer "DUET" combines definition and wordplay. A "duet" is a performance by two people, making it a small group.

The phrase "owing to time" hints at a musical context where a duet is a musical piece performed by two individuals, often involving the element of timing. Thus, "DUET" fits the clue as it describes a small group of performers and relates to the concept of time in a musical setting.

Disorder of some leeches: MELEE

The clue "Disorder of some leeches" with the answer "MELEE" involves an anagram and definition. The word "melee" means a chaotic or disorderly situation, fitting the definition of disorder.

The phrase "of some leeches" suggests that the answer can be found by rearranging (disordering) the letters of "leeches." Rearranging the letters of "leeches" forms the word "melee," which perfectly matches the clue's requirement.

Cat takes to a new plant: TOMATO

The clue "Cat takes to a new plant" with the answer "TOMATO" uses wordplay and definition. The word "tomato" is a type of plant. The phrase "Cat takes to a new" implies an anagram or rearrangement of letters.

Here, "cat" is figuratively taking on a new form to become "tomato." Therefore, the answer "TOMATO" cleverly fits the clue as it describes a plant and involves an element of wordplay.

Scheme involves one flyer: PILOT

The clue "Scheme involves one flyer" with the answer "PILOT" combines definition and wordplay. A "pilot" is a person who flies aircraft, fitting the definition of "one flyer."

The word "scheme" can refer to a plan or project, and in this context, "pilot" also denotes a trial or test version of a scheme. Thus, "PILOT" fits the clue both as a flyer and as someone involved in a scheme.

Unfriendly party at ancient city: DOUR

The clue "Unfriendly party at ancient city" with the answer "DOUR" involves wordplay and definition. The word "dour" means unfriendly or stern, which fits the definition part of the clue.

The phrase "party at ancient city" serves as a hint: "dour" can be seen as a play on words where "dour" sounds like "doer," suggesting someone who is not friendly. The ancient city reference may not directly form the answer but helps in constructing the overall meaning. Thus, "DOUR" fits the clue as it describes an unfriendly demeanor.

Sneaks parking right next to birds: PROWLS

The clue "Sneaks parking right next to birds" with the answer "PROWLS" involves wordplay. The word "prowls" means to sneak or move stealthily, which fits the definition of "sneaks."

The phrase "parking right next to" indicates that "P" (for parking) is added to the word "rowls" to form "prowls." The term "birds" hints at the overall context of moving stealthily, as many birds exhibit similar behavior. Thus, "PROWLS" fits the clue as it describes sneaking behavior.

About to get impolite and coarse: CRUDE

The clue "About to get impolite and coarse" with the answer "CRUDE" involves definition and wordplay. The word "crude" means impolite or lacking refinement, which matches the definition of being coarse.

The phrase "about to get" suggests that the answer is a term related to being impolite or coarse. Therefore, "CRUDE" fits the clue as it describes something that is both impolite and coarse.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 Daily Mirror Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answers

Across

1 Select hand tool: PICK
4 Discard outbuilding: SHED
6 New mode of building: DOME
8 Cease sending post: STOP
11 Obscene sort of weld: LEWD
13 Very hot without right current: TOPICAL
14 Choose new top: OPT
16 Reappear concerning dog: RECUR
18 She can be heard at Christmas: CAROL
21 Horror doesn't start by mistake: ERROR
22 Giant bird article: TITAN
24 Lawman takes firm pressure: COP
25 Transport gold on a boat: GONDOLA
28 Most employees have to check: STEM
30 Point a set out: EAST
31 Spoken of morality: ORAL
32 Father, at home, is a nuisance: PAIN
33 Friend is much altered: CHUM

Down

1 Pets turn out to be vermin: PEST
2 Cut up some meat: CHOP
3 Moral dilemma for food processor: MOLAR
4 Use a needle like this, say: SEW
5 Small group, owing to time: DUET
7 Disorder of some leeches: MELEE
9 Cat takes to a new plant: TOMATO
10 Scheme involves one flyer: PILOT
12 Unfriendly party at ancient city: DOUR
15 Sneaks parking right next to birds: PROWLS
17 About to get impolite and coarse: CRUDE
19 Rents epitaphs: RIPS
20 Large order for drink: LAGER
23 Hardly a crazy vagrant: NOMAD
24 Cheer around circuit: CLAP
26 Curse out of loathing: OATH
27 Tiny part of a cat: ATOM
29 Not returning a great deal: TON