Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword August 31, 2024 Answers Updated

Brood Crossword Clue 4 Letters : MOPE

The term "brood" often refers to a group of young animals or a period of thinking deeply about something. However, in the context of the clue "MOPE," it means to sulk or be gloomy. "Mope" captures the essence of being broody in a figurative sense, as someone who is brooding over something is often also moping around, appearing despondent or disheartened.

Chinwag Crossword Clue 8 Letters : SCHMOOZE

"Chinwag" is a British slang term for a chat or conversation. In American slang, "schmooze" conveys a similar meaning, referring to casual or informal conversation, often with the intent of making a good impression or networking. Both terms involve engaging in friendly, informal talk, making "SCHMOOZE" a fitting synonym for "chinwag."

Cultivation Crossword Clue 7 Letters : TILLAGE

Cultivation in agriculture involves preparing the soil for planting crops. "Tillage" is a specific term for the process of turning over and preparing the soil. It encompasses activities like plowing, harrowing, and other soil management techniques essential for successful farming. Therefore, "TILLAGE" is an appropriate match for "cultivation."

Piece of chicken Crossword Clue 5 Letters : THIGH

A piece of chicken refers to a specific part of the bird. The "thigh" is a common cut, located on the upper leg of the chicken. It is known for being juicy and flavorful, often preferred in various recipes and dishes. Thus, "THIGH" accurately represents a distinct piece of chicken.

Fox Crossword Clue 5 Letters : VIXEN

The clue 'Fox' is a straightforward definition clue where the answer is a five-letter word related to 'fox.' In this case, 'VIXEN' is the correct answer. A 'vixen' specifically refers to a female fox, distinguishing it from the general term 'fox,' which can denote either gender.

The word 'vixen' has its roots in Old English, where it originally meant a female fox. This dual meaning adds a layer of depth to the clue, making it a neat fit for the five-letter requirement. The answer 'VIXEN' not only satisfies the length constraint but also provides a precise match for the term related to the animal in question.

Discharge (debt) Crossword Clue 6 Letters : DEFRAY

To "defray" means to cover or pay for costs or expenses, particularly debts. It is a formal term used in financial contexts to indicate the act of settling a payment. "Discharge" in this context aligns with "defray" as both involve the process of managing or paying off financial obligations.

Movement of person from spaceship onto planet? Crossword Clue 13 Letters : TELEPORTATION

"Teleportation" is a science fiction concept where a person is transported instantaneously from one location to another, such as from a spaceship to a planet. The clue cleverly plays on the idea of a futuristic or fantastical method of movement, fitting the notion of instantaneous travel. "TELEPORTATION" aptly describes this imaginative form of movement.

Soak Crossword Clue 6 Letters : DRENCH

To "soak" something means to thoroughly wet it with liquid. "Drench" conveys the idea of completely saturating something with water or another liquid. This term is used to describe the effect of causing something to be extremely wet, thus capturing the essence of soaking something thoroughly.

Musical opening Crossword Clue 5 Letters : INTRO

In music, the "opening" of a piece is often referred to as the "intro." This term is short for "introduction" and represents the initial section of a musical composition, setting the stage for the rest of the piece. The "intro" serves as a lead-in to the main body of the music, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

Late rest early in the day Crossword Clue 5 Letters : LIEIN

A "lie-in" is a period of rest or sleep taken later in the morning, often enjoyed during the early part of the day. It refers to staying in bed longer than usual, usually on weekends or days off. This term captures the essence of resting late into the morning, aligning with the clue's description.

Fatigue Crossword Clue 7 Letters : EXHAUST

"Fatigue" describes a state of extreme tiredness or weariness. The term "exhaust" effectively conveys this condition, as it means to drain someone’s energy completely. When someone is exhausted, they have reached a state of maximum fatigue, making "exhaust" an accurate term for describing profound tiredness.

Insect-trapping strip Crossword Clue 8 Letters : FLYPAPER

"Flypaper" is a sticky strip designed to catch and trap flying insects like flies. This strip uses adhesive to attract and hold insects, making it an effective tool for controlling pests. The term "flypaper" precisely describes the object used for trapping insects, aligning perfectly with the clue.

Pallid Crossword Clue 4 Letters : ASHY

"Pallid" describes a lack of color or a pale appearance, often associated with illness or weakness. "Ashy" refers to a similar lack of color, particularly a grayish or pale hue resembling ash. This term captures the essence of pallidness, reflecting a washed-out or colorless appearance.

Encourage or inspire Crossword Clue 8 Letters : MOTIVATE

To motivate is to provide someone with a reason or incentive to act or achieve something. This involves stimulating enthusiasm or determination in others. Motivation can come from various sources, including personal goals, external rewards, or encouragement from others. Effective motivation often involves understanding what inspires individuals and aligning tasks with their interests and values.

Butterfly-attracting perennial or annual North American plant Crossword Clue 5 Letters : PHLOX

Phlox is a genus of flowering plants known for their vibrant colors and ability to attract butterflies. These plants can be either perennials or annuals, depending on the species and climate. In North America, phlox is popular in gardens for its long blooming period and variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. They are valued for their ability to attract pollinators like butterflies, which are drawn to their nectar-rich flowers.

Somerset food Crossword Clue 13 Letters : CHEDDARCHEESE

Cheddar cheese is a well-known product associated with Somerset, England, where it originated. This cheese is famous for its rich, sharp flavor and firm texture, which intensifies with aging. The name "Cheddar" comes from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, where cheese-making traditions date back to the 12th century. The production process involves pressing curds to expel whey and then aging the cheese in caves, which contributes to its unique taste and texture.

Design Crossword Clue 5 Letters : MOTIF

A motif is a recurring element or theme in a design, artwork, or pattern. In design and art, motifs serve as central features that provide cohesion and visual interest. They can be repeated elements, symbols, or patterns that contribute to the overall aesthetic and thematic unity of the work. For example, a floral motif in fabric design might appear in various colors and arrangements to create a consistent look. Motifs are also used in literature and music to signify key ideas or themes.

Folding Crossword Clue 7 Letters : ORIGAMI

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, transforming flat sheets of paper into intricate sculptures and designs. This traditional craft involves folding paper in specific ways to create shapes like animals, flowers, and geometric figures. The practice of origami dates back centuries and is celebrated for its precision and creativity. Each fold and crease is carefully executed to achieve the desired result, with no cutting or gluing involved.

Answer Crossword Clue 4 Letters : ECHO

An echo is a reflection of sound that arrives at the listener after a delay. This phenomenon occurs when sound waves bounce off surfaces such as walls, mountains, or buildings and return to the source. Echoes are commonly experienced in places with hard surfaces and large spaces, such as canyons or empty rooms. The delay between the original sound and the reflected sound depends on the distance between the source and the reflecting surface.

Kip Crossword Clue 6 Letters : CATNAP

A catnap refers to a short, light sleep taken during the day, similar to the brief naps cats often enjoy. This term conveys the idea of a quick rest that refreshes without being a full night's sleep. Catnaps are typically used to recharge energy and improve alertness, especially if one has had insufficient nighttime rest. They can be particularly beneficial for people who experience midday fatigue or need a brief break from their activities.

Not deserving Crossword Clue 8 Letters : UNWORTHY

The term "unworthy" describes someone or something that lacks merit or value in a particular context. When someone is considered unworthy, they are deemed not deserving of a reward, honor, or recognition based on their actions or attributes. This judgment can be based on various criteria, such as performance, behavior, or qualities. Being labeled unworthy often implies that there is a standard or expectation that has not been met.

Stealing Crossword Clue 7 Letters : LARCENY

Larceny is a legal term for the theft of personal property. It involves unlawfully taking someone else's belongings with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This crime differs from other types of theft, such as robbery, in that it does not involve violence or threats. Larceny is considered a serious offense and can result in criminal charges and penalties. The severity of the consequences often depends on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime.

Burning Crossword Clue 6 Letters : ALIGHT

To alight means to catch fire or be set ablaze. This term is used to describe something that is actively burning or ignited. The word "alight" can also refer to the act of flames or fire descending upon something. In a broader sense, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that is brightly lit or radiant. For example, a festive scene might be described as "alight with lights" during celebrations.

Stealthy assassin Crossword Clue 5 Letters : NINJA

A ninja is a historical figure from Japanese folklore known for their covert operations and espionage skills. Ninjas were skilled in stealth, disguise, and unconventional warfare, often acting as spies or assassins. They used various techniques to avoid detection and accomplish their missions, including espionage, sabotage, and assassination. The image of the ninja is characterized by their ability to operate discreetly and efficiently, often under the cover of darkness.

Strap Crossword Clue 5 Letters : TRUSS

A truss is a structural framework designed to support and stabilize a building or bridge. It consists of interconnected components, such as beams and rods, arranged in a triangular pattern to distribute loads evenly. The truss system effectively transfers weight and stress, ensuring the stability and strength of the structure. It is commonly used in engineering and construction to support roofs, bridges, and other large structures.

Stave symbol Crossword Clue 4 Letters : CLEF

A clef is a musical symbol placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch of the notes written on it. It helps musicians understand the range of notes that correspond to the lines and spaces of the staff. Different types of clefs are used for various instruments and vocal ranges, including the treble clef, bass clef, and alto clef. Each clef assigns specific notes to the staff lines, making it easier for musicians to read and perform music.

Saturday, August 31, 2024 Guardian Quick Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS​

​​​1 Brood : MOPE​

3 Chinwag : SCHMOOZE​

9 Cultivation : TILLAGE​

​​​10 Piece of chicken : THIGH​

​​​11 Fox : VIXEN​

​​​12 Discharge (debt) : DEFRAY​

​​​14 Movement of person from spaceship onto planet? : TELEPORTATION​

​​​17 Soak : DRENCH​

​​​19 Musical opening : INTRO​

​​​22 Late rest early in the day : LIEIN​

​​​23 Fatigue : EXHAUST​

​​​24 Insect-trapping strip : FLYPAPER

​​​25 Pallid : ASHY​

​DOWN​

​​​1 Encourage or inspire : MOTIVATE

​​​2 Butterfly-attracting perennial or annual North American plant : PHLOX​

4 Somerset food : CHEDDARCHEESE​

​​​5 Design : MOTIF​

6 Folding : ORIGAMI​

​​​7 Answer : ECHO​

​​​8 Kip : CATNAP​

​​​13 Not deserving : UNWORTHY​

​​​15 Stealing : LARCENY​

​​​16 Burning : ALIGHT​

​​​18 Stealthy assassin : NINJA​

​​​20 Strap : TRUSS​

​​​21 Stave symbol : CLEF​