Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword August 24, 2024 Answers Updated
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Updated Aug 24, 2024
Upset the applecart – and make waves? : ROCKTHEBOAT
The phrase "rock the boat" means to disturb or upset the status quo, similar to "upsetting the applecart," which also refers to causing trouble or creating disruption. Both expressions convey the idea of challenging the existing order or creating turbulence in a situation that might otherwise remain calm.
Fight invisible opponent? : SHADOWBOX
Shadowboxing is a type of exercise in which a person simulates fighting with an imaginary opponent, throwing punches in the air. This training technique is often used by boxers to practice their movements and techniques without a physical opponent. The term also metaphorically describes someone fighting an imaginary or non-existent adversary, making "shadowbox" an apt answer to the clue.
____ Maria : TIA
"Tia Maria" is a well-known coffee liqueur made from Jamaican rum, coffee beans, and vanilla. In the context of the crossword, the blank before "Maria" is typically filled with "Tia," as "Tia Maria" is a common phrase.
Nebraska city : OMAHA
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, located on the Missouri River. It’s known for its rich history, cultural significance, and as the home of several major companies. The clue straightforwardly asks for the name of a Nebraska city, with "Omaha" being a well-known answer due to its prominence and population size within the state.
Degenerate : IMMORAL
"Immoral" describes someone or something that goes against accepted moral standards, often engaging in actions considered to be wrong or unethical. The word "degenerate" similarly refers to a decline in moral standards or behavior, making "immoral" a fitting synonym. The clue leads to an understanding that both terms describe a state of ethical degradation.
Setting : LOCALE
"Locale" refers to the location or setting where something takes place, often used in the context of a scene in a book, movie, or event. The word "setting" similarly denotes the place where a particular activity or story unfolds. In the context of this clue, "locale" captures the essence of where something is situated or occurs.
Delicate and refined : SVELTE
"Svelte" describes someone who is slender and elegant, often with a sense of being graceful or refined. It implies a combination of physical delicacy and sophistication. The clue asks for a word that conveys both delicacy and refinement, with "svelte" aptly fitting the description of a person or object that is both slim and stylish.
Don’t spill the beans! : KEEPMUM
"Keep mum" is an expression meaning to stay silent or not reveal a secret, closely related to the phrase "don’t spill the beans," which means not to divulge information. The clue plays on the idea of withholding information, with "keep mum" being a succinct way of instructing someone to remain quiet about a particular matter.
Flinch or tremble : COWER
"Cower" means to shrink back in fear, often accompanied by a trembling or flinching reaction. This behavior typically occurs when someone is frightened or intimidated. The clue connects the physical responses of flinching or trembling with the act of cowering, where a person might instinctively withdraw or curl up in a defensive posture.
Climber : IVY
"Ivy" is a type of climbing plant that grows vertically, often on walls or trees, by clinging to surfaces with its tendrils. The term "climber" in the clue refers to any plant that ascends or grows upward by attaching itself to a structure, making "ivy" a perfect match. Ivy is commonly recognized as a symbol of growth and persistence.
Traditional Welsh county : GLAMORGAN
Glamorgan is a historic county in Wales, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The term "traditional Welsh county" refers to the older counties in Wales before administrative changes were made. Glamorgan is one of the most famous and historically significant regions, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Golden boy or girl at school : TEACHERSPET
The term "teacher's pet" refers to a student who is favored by the teacher, often because they are well-behaved, enthusiastic, and eager to please. This student is usually seen as the "golden boy or girl" in the classroom, as they are often given special attention and privileges. Other students might view them as trying too hard to gain the teacher’s approval, which can sometimes lead to jealousy or resentment. The phrase captures the idea of being the ideal student in the eyes of the teacher.
Female gametes : OVA
The word "ova" is the plural form of "ovum," which refers to the female reproductive cells or gametes in animals, including humans. Ova are produced by the ovaries and are essential for sexual reproduction, as they combine with male gametes, or sperm, during fertilization to form a zygote. The term is often used in biology and medicine to describe the egg cells that play a crucial role in the reproductive process.
Wiseacre : KNOWALL
A "know-all" is someone who acts as if they have knowledge of everything, often to the point of being annoying or condescending. The term "wiseacre" similarly refers to a person who is sarcastically perceived as being overly knowledgeable or pretentious. Both terms carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the person may be overconfident in their knowledge or enjoy showing off their intelligence, sometimes at the expense of others.
Excessive belief in oneself : HUBRIS
"Hubris" is a term originating from ancient Greek tragedy, describing excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a downfall. In modern usage, it refers to an overestimation of one's own abilities or importance, often resulting in arrogance. This excessive belief in oneself can blind a person to their limitations or the consequences of their actions, leading to mistakes or failures. The concept is often associated with moral lessons about the dangers of pride.
Ample of figure : BUXOM
"Buxom" describes a woman who is attractively full-figured, especially with a voluptuous or curvaceous body. The term historically implied health and vitality, often associated with a well-nourished and robust physique. In contemporary usage, it remains a somewhat old-fashioned way of describing a woman with a fuller figure, often emphasizing a positive and appealing aspect of physical appearance.
Euphoria following pleasurable experience : AFTERGLOW
Afterglow refers to the lingering sense of happiness or satisfaction that remains after a pleasurable event. This term can describe both physical and emotional experiences, such as the warmth felt after a sunset, or the lingering joy following a significant achievement or positive encounter. It suggests a lasting, gentle pleasure that continues to be felt even after the main event has passed.
Comedy from the Bard : ASYOULIKEIT
"As You Like It" is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, filled with themes of love, mistaken identity, and playful exchanges. Set primarily in the Forest of Arden, the play explores pastoral life and features a strong heroine, Rosalind, who disguises herself as a man. The title itself implies a story that offers something for everyone, inviting the audience to take from it what they will.
Steel sphere : BALLBEARING
A ball bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing that uses steel balls to maintain the separation between the bearing races. The purpose of a ball bearing is to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. These steel spheres are essential in many mechanical devices, allowing for smooth movement with minimal friction, enhancing efficiency and longevity of machinery.
Quintessence : ARCHETYPE
The term "archetype" refers to the original model or quintessential example of something. It represents the purest or most typical example of a concept or object, often used in psychology, literature, and mythology. For instance, in literature, an archetype might be the hero or the villain, serving as the perfect example of these roles in stories.
Dopey : VACUOUS
"Vacuous" describes someone or something that is empty or lacking in intelligence or thought. It can refer to a person's expression, actions, or even ideas that seem to be devoid of substance or meaning. The word often carries a connotation of mindlessness or stupidity, implying that the person is not engaged or aware of their surroundings, similar to the state of being "dopey."
Run through : IMPALE
To impale something means to pierce or stab it with a sharp object, often resulting in it being stuck on that object. The term is often used in violent or graphic contexts, such as in descriptions of medieval battles or horror stories. It conveys a sense of forceful penetration and is typically associated with a brutal or deadly action.
Spells : MAGIC
Magic involves the use of supernatural forces to influence events or create effects that are beyond natural capabilities. In fiction and folklore, spells are often depicted as words or actions that summon magical powers. Magic can be used for various purposes, from healing and protection to causing harm or creating illusions, and it is a common element in fantasy literature and entertainment.
Zowie!: GEE
"Zowie!" is an exclamation of surprise or amazement, similar to "wow" or "gee." It expresses a reaction to something impressive, shocking, or unexpected. The use of "gee" as an expression captures the same sense of mild astonishment or enthusiasm. Both terms are somewhat informal and are often used to convey an immediate, spontaneous reaction to a surprising event.
Saturday, August 24, 2024 Guardian Quick Crossword Puzzle Answers
ACROSS
1 Upset the applecart – and make waves? : ROCKTHEBOAT
9 Fight invisible opponent?: SHADOWBOX
10 ____ Maria : TIA
11 Nebraska city : OMAHA
13 Degenerate : IMMORAL
14 Setting : LOCALE
15 Delicate and refined : SVELTE
18 Don’t spill the beans! : KEEPMUM
20 Flinch or tremble : COWER
21 Climber: IVY
22 Traditional Welsh county : GLAMORGAN
24 Golden boy or girl at school : TEACHERSPET
DOWN
2 Female gametes : OVA
3 Wiseacre : KNOWALL
4 Excessive belief in oneself : HUBRIS
5 Ample of figure : BUXOM
6 Euphoria following pleasurable experience : AFTERGLOW
7 Comedy from the Bard : ASYOULIKEIT
8 Steel sphere : BALLBEARING
12 Quintessence : ARCHETYPE
16 Dopey : VACUOUS
17 Run through : IMPALE
19 Spells : MAGIC
23 Zowie! : GEE