Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword August 23, 2024 Answers Updated
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Updated Aug 23, 2024
Book Crossword Clue - RESERVE
The word "RESERVE" can mean to book or set aside something, such as a table at a restaurant or a seat on a plane. This usage comes from the idea of keeping something in advance, ensuring that it will be available for your use at a later time. In a broader sense, to reserve also means to hold back or keep something for future use.
Key Crossword Clue - CRUCIAL
The term "CRUCIAL" signifies something that is of great importance or key to a situation. When something is described as crucial, it’s essential for the success or failure of whatever is being considered. In this context, "key" is synonymous with "crucial," as both indicate a pivotal element that can determine the outcome.
Not lawful Crossword Clue - ILLEGAL
"ILLEGAL" refers to something that is not lawful, meaning it is prohibited by law. Activities, actions, or items that are considered illegal are those that violate the legal rules established by a governing body. The term is often used in legal and criminal contexts to describe actions that are punishable by law.
Middle Crossword Clue - ABDOMEN
The word "ABDOMEN" refers to the central part of the body, commonly known as the belly or stomach area. It is the region that lies between the chest and the pelvis, housing important organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines. In this context, "middle" points to this central part of the human body.
Dwelling Crossword Clue - ABODE
"ABODE" is an old-fashioned or literary term for a place where someone lives, essentially meaning a dwelling or home. It suggests a place of residence, whether it be a house, apartment, or any other type of shelter. The term is often used in poetic or formal contexts to denote one’s living quarters.
Face wiper Crossword Clue - SERVIETTE
A "SERVIETTE" is a term primarily used in British English to refer to a napkin, which is used to wipe the face and hands during a meal. The serviette serves a practical purpose in maintaining cleanliness while eating, preventing food from staining clothes and skin. It is usually made of cloth or paper.
Simple snapper? Crossword Clue - BOXCAMERA
A "BOX CAMERA" is an old type of camera that was simple in design and operation, typically used by amateur photographers. The term "simple snapper" alludes to the straightforward mechanism of this camera, making it accessible to non-professionals. Box cameras were widely used in the early 20th century.
Prate (anag.) Crossword Clue - TAPER
The clue "Prate" is an anagram that rearranges to form the word "TAPER." An anagram is a word puzzle where the letters of a word are shuffled to create another word. "Prate" means to talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way, while "taper" refers to something gradually becoming narrower, often used in contexts like candles or decreasing trends.
Proves aggravating Crossword Clue - RANKLES
The word "RANKLES" means to cause persistent irritation or resentment. When something rankles, it continues to annoy or bother someone over time, often leading to feelings of bitterness. This clue refers to something that proves aggravating, as it lingers in one’s mind, causing discomfort or anger.
Progress Crossword Clue - INROADS
The term "INROADS" refers to making advances or progress, often in a way that challenges or diminishes the existing situation. It suggests a gradual or forceful movement into a new area, particularly when overcoming resistance. In this context, "inroads" can describe progress made in various fields or endeavors.
Red leaf (anag.) Crossword Clue - FEDERAL
"Red leaf" is an anagram that rearranges to form the word "FEDERAL." An anagram clue requires the solver to rearrange the letters to find the answer. "Federal" pertains to a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states, often associated with national governance.
Flaxen Crossword Clue - YELLO
"YELLOW" is a color often associated with flaxen, which refers to the pale yellowish color of flax, a plant used to make linen. In this clue, flaxen is used to describe a light, yellowish hue, similar to the color of straw or pale blonde hair. The word is frequently used in descriptions of hair color.
Indian dip Crossword Clue - RAITA
"RAITA" is a traditional Indian side dish or dip made from yogurt, often mixed with cucumbers, mint, or other vegetables and spices. It is commonly served with spicy dishes to cool the palate and add a refreshing contrast to the heat of the main course. The answer refers to this popular condiment in Indian cuisine.
Ovals (anag.) Crossword Clue - SALVO
"Ovals" is an anagram that rearranges to form the word "SALVO." A salvo refers to a simultaneous discharge of artillery or firearms, often used metaphorically to describe an aggressive or vigorous series of actions or statements. The clue plays on the rearrangement of letters to find the answer.
Line-up of gangsters? Crossword Clue - ROGUESGALLERY
A "ROGUES’ GALLERY" traditionally refers to a collection of photographs of criminals, often used by police for identification purposes. The term has since come to describe any group of disreputable or villainous individuals. The clue hints at this meaning by describing a line-up of gangsters, playing on the concept of a gallery of criminals.
Elongated cake Crossword Clue - ECLAIR
The crossword clue "Elongated cake" is a creative description pointing to a specific type of pastry. The answer, "ECLAIR," refers to a classic French dessert known for its long, slender shape. An éclair is a choux pastry filled with cream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Its elongated form makes it easily recognizable and fits the clue's description.
Rhombus, say Crossword Clue - QUADRILATERAL
A rhombus is a type of quadrilateral, which means it is a four-sided polygon. All sides of a rhombus have equal length, and opposite angles are equal. Although it’s a specific type of quadrilateral, not all quadrilaterals are rhombuses. The clue points out the general classification ("say") that a rhombus falls under, which is any four-sided figure.
Destiny Crossword Clue - KISMET
"Kismet" is a term of Turkish and Arabic origin that refers to fate or destiny. It's often used to suggest that something happened due to a preordained plan or cosmic order. The word conveys the idea that certain events are meant to happen and are beyond human control. In popular culture, kismet often refers to fortunate encounters or fateful meetings.
Fair lady? Crossword Clue - BLONDE
The term "fair" in this context refers to someone with light-colored hair or complexion. A "blonde" is commonly associated with having fair or light-colored hair. The phrase "fair lady" can evoke the idea of a beautiful woman with blonde hair, playing on the traditional association of fairness with lightness in appearance, especially in hair color.
Dork Crossword Clue - BOZO
"Bozo" is a slang term used to describe someone who is silly, clumsy, or socially awkward, similar to the term "dork." The word "bozo" has its origins in the 20th century and was popularized by a clown character named Bozo in American culture. It’s often used humorously or in a light-hearted way to describe someone who is acting foolishly.
Rubber ring Crossword Clue - TYRE
A "tyre" is a rubber ring that fits around the wheel of a vehicle, providing traction and cushioning. The clue plays on the idea of a rubber ring, which might make one think of an object like a life preserver or a gasket, but in this context, it refers to the essential component of a car’s wheel.
Devoid Crossword Clue - BEREFT
"Bereft" means lacking something, especially something important or valuable, similar to "devoid." It is often used to describe a state of deep loss or emptiness. For example, one might feel bereft of hope or joy. The word has a poignant tone, often used in literature and conversation to express profound absence or deprivation.
Paradise Crossword Clue - XANADU
"Xanadu" refers to an idealized place of great beauty and luxury, often used to describe a paradise or utopia. The name comes from the summer capital of Kublai Khan's Yuan dynasty in China, famously described in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem "Kubla Khan." It has since become synonymous with any magnificent, idyllic place.
Without breaking sweat? Crossword Clue - EASILW
To do something "easily" means to accomplish it without difficulty or effort, metaphorically "without breaking a sweat." The clue suggests a situation where a task is so simple that it can be done effortlessly. This phrase is often used to describe tasks that require minimal physical or mental exertion.
Instrument whose ivories are tinkled? Crossword Clue - PIANO
The phrase "tinkling the ivories" is a colloquial way of referring to playing the piano. The keys of a piano were traditionally made of ivory, hence the term "ivories." The clue playfully hints at the instrument associated with this phrase, leading to the answer "piano."
Dicey Crossword Clue - RISKY
"Dicey" is an informal term meaning risky or uncertain, often used to describe situations that are potentially dangerous or precarious. The word comes from the idea of rolling dice, which involves an element of chance and uncertainty. The answer "risky" directly captures the essence of something that involves danger or unpredictability.
Friday, August 23, 2024 Guardian Quick Crossword Puzzle Answers
ACROSS
1 Book : RESERVE
8 Key : CRUCIAL
9 Not lawful : ILLEGAL
10 Middle : ABDOMEN
11 Dwelling : ABODE
13 Face wiper : SERVIETTE
15 Simple snapper? : BOXCAMERA
18 Prate (anag.) : TAPER
21 Proves aggravating : RANKLES
22 Progress : INROADS
23 Red leaf (anag.) : FEDERAL
24 Flaxen : YELLO
DOWN
1 Indian dip : RAITA
2 Ovals (anag.) : SALVO
3 Line-up of gangsters? : ROGUESGALLERY
4 Elongated cake : ECLAIR
5 Rhombus, say : QUADRILATERAL
6 Destiny : KISMET
7 Fair lady? : BLONDE
12 Dork : BOZO
14 Rubber ring : TYRE
15 Devoid : BEREFT
16 Paradise : XANADU
17 Without breaking sweat? : EASILW
19 Instrument whose ivories are tinkled? : PIANO
20 Dicey : RISKY