Daily Mail Cryptic Crossword Answers March 20 2024 Revealed Check Here

Finding it difficult to solve today’s crossword? then check this article where we have provided all the answers. Try and solve it with more fun.

by Abisha | Updated Mar 20, 2024

Daily Mail Cryptic Crossword Clue Answers Today

If you are able to solve the puzzle, congratulations! If not, don't give up! Keep in mind that every effort is a step closer to success. We are here to support you at every stage by providing the right response.

Too involved in Laos? (4)

Ans: ALSO

The clue here is a play on words. "Too involved" hints at an excessive level of participation or engagement. In Laos, a country in Southeast Asia, the first two letters are "LA." If we add "SO" to "LA," it forms the word "ALSO," which means "in addition" or "as well."

What Gershwin did is cool (8)

Ans: COMPOSED

This is a cryptic clue referring to the American composer George Gershwin, known for his jazz and classical compositions. "Cool" here suggests that the word for what he did is a synonym for "cool" or "stylish."
The answer is "COMPOSED," as Gershwin composed music, and "cool" is a slang term for "composed" or "calm."

A month in place — certainly a winner (4,3)

Ans: SAFEBET

This clue is a cryptic definition indicating a phrase that means something is certain to succeed. "A month" refers to "SAF," and "place" suggests "BET," so putting them together, we get "SAFEBET," which means a bet that is likely to be successful.

First lady amid nouveaux riches primarily? Certainly not! (5)

Ans: NEVER

This clue is a cryptic definition where "First lady" suggests taking the first letter of "lady," which is "L." "Amid nouveaux riches primarily" suggests taking the first letters of "nouveaux riches," which is "N" and "R." When you combine these letters, you get "NEVER," which indeed means "certainly not."

Stone-cutter with mother and child (5)

Ans: MASON

This clue is a cryptic definition indicating a profession. "Stone-cutter" suggests the profession being referred to. "Mother and child" hints at the fact that the word "son" is derived from "mother" and "child." When you put "M" (short for mother) and "ASON" (child), you get "MASON," which is indeed a stone-cutter.

English knight with fine former shroud (6)

Ans: ENFOLD

In this clue, "English knight" suggests "EN" for English and "K" for Knight. "Fine" suggests using the word "FOLD," which is synonymous with "fine" when referring to fabric.
"Former" suggests reordering letters, so "FOLD" becomes "FLOD." Putting "EN" and "FLOD" together gives "ENFOLD," which means to wrap or cover.

Speaking slightingly of mad gent, praise eccentricity (13)

Ans: DISPARAGEMENT

This clue involves an anagram. "Mad gent" indicates rearranging the letters in those words, which gives "DISPARAGEMENT," meaning speaking slightingly of someone. "Praise eccentricity" suggests that this rearranged phrase is what you should be doing to the "mad gent."

Subtle change that made dress outstanding (6)

Ans: BUSTLE

This clue involves a wordplay. "Subtle change" hints at the addition of a letter. "That made dress" indicates that we're adding something to "dress."
A "BUSTLE" is a structure worn under a skirt to puff it out behind, making the dress "outstanding" in appearance. Adding "B" (subtle change) to "USTLE" gives "BUSTLE."

Of French and German and English county (5)

Ans: DEVON

Devon is a county in southwest England. It's not geographically related to France or Germany, but the name might evoke a sense of European influence

Copying a short, sharp ringing sound (5)

Ans: APING

Aping" means imitating something, and a ringing sound can be short and sharp. Here, "aping" refers to copying the sound

Enclosure for sport (7)

Ans: FENCING

Fencing is a sport where competitors fight with swords within a designated area. This area is often called a "fencing strip" or "piste," which can be thought of as an enclosure for the sport.

Dislike test said to be involved (8)

Ans: DISTASTE

Dislike is a strong feeling of aversion. "Test" here is a clue, hinting that the dislike might be related to something being evaluated or examined. Combining these, "distaste" suggests a strong aversion to being tested.

Diplomacy changed direction, we hear (4)

Ans: TACT

Tact is the ability to deal with people in a sensitive and diplomatic way. "Changed direction" suggests a shift in approach, and "we hear" implies a subtle or nuanced change. So, tact refers to a change in diplomatic approach, often subtle.

Medusa's transformation may be taken for granted- (7)

Ans: ASSUMED

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon who transformed people into stone with her gaze. "Taken for granted" suggests something expected or not questioned. Here, it implies that Medusa's ability to transform people might be assumed or not given enough thought.

Furniture found in parts of Asia (5)

Ans: SOFAS

While traditional Asian furniture might include tatami mats or futons, sofas have become increasingly popular in many parts of Asia.

Where a clock's hands are, apparently (2,3,4,2,2)

Ans: ON THE FACE OF IT

The numbers in brackets (2,3,4,2,2) represent the number of letters in each word of the answer. "Face" refers to the front of a clock, and "hands" are the moving parts that indicate time. "Apparently" suggests an obvious answer, making "on the face of it" the solution.

Severely criticise a god (3)

Ans: PAN

Pan, in Greek mythology, was a mischievous god often associated with nature and music. Here, "severely criticise" implies a strong negative comment towards a god, and Pan fits the bill.

Notice about unfinished house in Spanish city (7)

Ans: SEVILLE

Seville is a major city in Spain. "Notice about unfinished house" suggests a sign or notification related to construction. This could be a building permit or a sign indicating an "under construction" status. Knowing it's a Spanish city narrows it down to Seville.

Where one may sleep in Hollywood or Malibu (4)

Ans: DORM

Dorms are common places for sleeping in college campuses or training facilities. Hollywood and Malibu are associated with the entertainment industry, where aspiring actors or performers might live in dorms during training programs

Bakery product consumed by a short Italian poet is more than enough (8)

Ans: ABUNDANT

"Bakery product" suggests something like bread, rolls, or pastries.
"Short Italian poet" is a hint towards Dante Alighieri, known for his short stature.
"More than enough" implies a large quantity. Putting these together, "abundant" refers to having a lot of something, much like a large bakery product would be enough, even for a poet with a small appetite.

18th century novelist playing cricket (8)

Ans: FIELDING

"18th century novelist" points towards Henry Fielding, author of Tom Jones.
"Playing cricket" is obviously not something Fielding did, but it's a misdirection.
Fielding is the last name we're looking for

It's used for changing rooms with desks? (7)

Ans: STUDIES

"Changing rooms" suggests a place to transition between different states, like work clothes and regular clothes.
"Desks" imply a place for work or learning.
Studies are private rooms in universities or colleges used for both studying and changing out of uniforms/sports clothes.

Thing to alter between today and tomorrow? (7)

Ans: TONIGHT

"Alter" suggests a change. "Between today and tomorrow" refers to a specific timeframe – the night separating two days., Tonight is the only thing that changes between today and tomorrow.

Very old boxer turning up — there you are! (5)

Ans: VOILA

"Very old boxer" doesn't have a literal meaning here. It's a playful way of describing something that might be unexpected or surprising, like an old boxer suddenly appearing.
"Turning up" means arriving or appearing.
"There you are!" is an exclamation of finding something,
Voila! is a French expression used to introduce something or express surprise, making it a fitting answer.

Poet in pub close to Eisteddfod (4)

Ans: BARD

"Poet" is a direct clue. "Pub" is a place where people might gather and socialize. "Eisteddfod" is a Welsh festival of literature and music. Bards were traditionally poet-musicians in Celtic cultures, so being a poet near an Eisteddfod festival makes sense.

Leave area for Indian state (3)

Ans: GOA

"Leave area" suggests departing from a place. "Indian state" refers to one of the administrative divisions of India. Goa is a state located on the west coast of India, known for its beaches and historical sites.

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