Solution To The Irish Times Simplex Crossword For March 26, 2024
by J Nandhini | Updated Mar 26, 2024
The Irish Times Simplex crossword is your brain’s best friend every day. Get your brain sharpened and your vocabulary sharpened with this expertly designed crossword that’s perfect for a quick coffee break or a quick lunch. It's a challenge for crossword experts out there.
Raise the price after agreeing a lower one
Answer: GAZUMP
This clue describes the act of increasing the price of something, especially in a real estate transaction, after initially agreeing to a lower price. The word "GAZUMP" fits this description, as it specifically refers to this practice. It is often used in the context of competitive bidding situations.
Orb or globe
Answer: SPHERE
This clue refers to a spherical object or globe. The word "SPHERE" fits this description, as it denotes a three-dimensional round object. In this context, "orb" can be synonymous with "sphere."
Repeats aloud from memory
Answer: RECITES
This clue describes the action of verbally repeating something from memory. The word "RECITES" fits this description, as it means to repeat something, usually aloud, from memory or a prepared text.
Uncommon, rare
Answer: UNUSUAL
This clue describes something that is not common or occurs infrequently, synonymous with being rare. The word "UNUSUAL" fits this description, as it means not usual or not commonly encountered. It denotes something that deviates from the norm or is out of the ordinary.
... Rider (film)
Answer: EASY
The ellipsis before "Rider" suggests that there's something preceding it, and "Easy Rider" is a well-known film title. So, "Easy" is the answer.
Roman god of love
Answer: EROS
In Roman mythology, Eros is the god of love, equivalent to the Greek god Cupid
Dreadful, terrible
Answer: DIRE
"Dreadful" and "terrible" are synonyms for something that is serious, urgent, or causing great fear, which fits the definition of "dire."
Water-soaked soil
Answer: MUD
Water-soaked soil often turns into a soft, wet mixture known as mud
Sampled the flavour of
Answer: TASTED
To sample the flavor of something is to taste it, so "Tasted" is the answer.
Sheltered ports
Answer: HAVENS
Ports that provide protection from the elements or danger can be referred to as havens, meaning safe places or shelters
Relating to or containing iron
Answer: FERRIC
The word "ferric" is directly related to the question about something containing iron. In chemistry, "ferric" refers to a form of iron in a specific oxidation state, typically Fe^3+ (iron in the +3 oxidation state). So, when something is described as "ferric," it means it relates to iron or contains iron in this specific form
Once ..., twice shy, it's said
Answer: BITTEN
This is a common phrase in English that suggests a person who has experienced a negative event once will be cautious to avoid a similar event in the future. So, "once bitten, twice shy" means that someone who has been hurt or experienced something negative once will be more cautious or wary in similar situations thereafter. The word "bitten" directly relates to the phrase.
The study of morals
Answer: ETHICS
Ethics is indeed the study of morals or principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. So, when we talk about the study of morals, we are referring to ethics. It's the branch of philosophy that deals with what is considered morally right and wrong.
Woodland fairy
Answer: NYMPH
In mythology and folklore, nymphs are often depicted as beautiful, supernatural beings associated with nature. They are commonly portrayed as spirits of the natural world, inhabiting forests, rivers, mountains, and other natural places. So, when we mention a woodland fairy, we're referring to a nymph.
Beliefs, philosophies
Answer: ISMS
"Isms" is a term used to denote various beliefs, philosophies, or ideologies. It's a suffix that is added to the end of words to indicate a system or doctrine, often pertaining to a particular set of beliefs or practices. For example, capitalism, socialism, and feminism are all ideologies denoted by the suffix "-ism."
Massage dough
Answer: KNEAD
To "knead" dough is a culinary technique involving repeatedly pressing and folding dough to develop gluten and create a uniform texture in baked goods. When you massage or work dough with your hands, you're kneading it, which helps in making it smooth, elastic, and ready for baking. So, "knead" directly relates to the action of massaging dough.
It's used as a food thickener
Answer: SAGO
Sago is a starchy substance extracted from the pith of various tropical palm trees. It is commonly used as a food thickener in various dishes, including desserts, soups, and puddings. When added to liquids and heated, sago swells and thickens the mixture, giving it a smooth consistency. So, when we talk about a food thickener, sago fits the description.
Moving along like water
Answer: FLOWING
The word "flowing" perfectly describes the movement of something resembling the flow of water. When we say something is "flowing," we imply that it moves smoothly and continuously, much like the movement of a river or stream. So, "flowing" directly relates to the idea of something moving along like water.
Printed letters slanted to the right
Answer: ITALICS
Italics are a style of typeface where the letters are slanted to the right. It is often used in writing to emphasize certain words or phrases, or to denote titles of books, movies, or other works. When text is written in italics, the letters are tilted to the right, giving them a distinctive appearance. So, "italics" is the term used to describe printed letters that are slanted to the right.
Cuban capital
Answer: HAVANA
Havana is the capital city of Cuba. It is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and colorful architecture. As the capital of Cuba, Havana is a major political, economic, and cultural center in the Caribbean region. So, when we talk about the Cuban capital, we are referring to Havana.
Equipping with weapons
Answer: ARMING
"Arming" refers to the action of providing or equipping someone or something with weapons. This could involve supplying firearms, ammunition, or other weaponry to individuals, military units, or even vehicles. So, when the question asks about equipping with weapons, the answer is "arming."
Blames, incriminates
Answer: ACCUSES
When someone "accuses" another person, they are assigning blame or incriminating them for a particular action or wrongdoing. Accusing involves formally charging someone with an offense or wrongdoing, often based on evidence or suspicion. So, when the question mentions blaming or incriminating, the answer is "accuses."
To the time that
Answer: UNTIL
"Until" is a conjunction used to indicate the time or event at which something ends or stops happening. It is used to specify the duration or timing of an action, event, or state, up to a particular point in time. So, when the question asks about "to the time that," the answer is "until."
Small furry Australian marsupial
Answer: POSSUM
A possum is a small, furry marsupial native to Australia. It belongs to the family Phalangeridae and is known for its nocturnal habits and prehensile tail. Possums are arboreal creatures, often found in trees, and they have adapted to various habitats across Australia. So, when the question refers to a small furry Australian marsupial, the answer is "possum."
Not sensible or intelligent
Answer: STUPID
When something or someone is described as "stupid," it means they lack sense or intelligence. It implies a lack of understanding, reasoning, or rationality. So, when the question mentions something not sensible or intelligent, the answer is "stupid."
Draw slowly or heavily
Answer: HAUL
"Haul" refers to the action of pulling or drawing something slowly or heavily. It often implies exerting effort to move or drag something, especially when it is large or heavy. So, when the question describes drawing slowly or heavily, the answer is "haul."
Unvarying method or procedure
Answer: ROUTINE
A routine is a fixed, unvarying method or procedure that is followed regularly. It implies a set pattern of behavior or actions that are repeated habitually. Routines provide structure and predictability to daily life. So, when the question refers to an unvarying method or procedure, the answer is "routine."
Minister of religion
Answer: PARSON
A parson is a term used to refer to a minister of religion, particularly in the Christian context. It typically denotes a clergyman who serves as the pastor or spiritual leader of a parish or congregation. So, when the question mentions a minister of religion, the answer is "parson."
Strange trees grown in the LSD era
Answer: ALDERS
Alders are a type of tree commonly found in moist or wetland habitats. In the context of the clue, "LSD era" likely refers to the 1960s and 1970s, a time associated with experimentation and psychedelic culture. During this era, people may have grown various types of plants, including trees, in association with LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) use. "Alders" fits the description of strange trees that might have been grown during this period.
Suggesting a lack of maturity
Answer: PUERILE
"Puerile" is an adjective used to describe something that is childish, immature, or lacking in maturity. It suggests behavior, ideas, or expressions that are characteristic of a child rather than an adult. So, when something is described as suggesting a lack of maturity, the answer is "puerile."
Hold back to a later time
Answer: DEFER
To "defer" means to postpone or hold back something to a later time. It involves delaying action or decision-making until a later date or time. So, when the question mentions holding back to a later time, the answer is "defer."
The more of it, the less speed, they say
Answer: HASTE
The saying "the more haste, the less speed" implies that rushing or acting hastily often leads to mistakes or inefficiency, resulting in slower progress overall. In other words, when one acts too quickly or hastily, it can actually impede progress rather than accelerate it. So, when the question mentions the saying about less speed with more haste, the answer is "haste."
Hidden lair
Answer: DEN
A den is a hidden or secluded lair typically used by certain animals as a shelter, resting place, or living quarters. It can also refer to a hidden or private space used by humans, often for relaxation or recreation. So, when the question mentions a hidden lair, the answer is "den."
Pigment, colour
Answer: HUE
A "hue" refers to a particular shade or color within the spectrum of colors. It's often used to describe the basic characteristics of a color, such as red, blue, green, etc. So, when the question mentions pigment or color, the answer is "hue."
Summaries of legal cases
Answer: BRIEFS
In the context of law, "briefs" are documents containing summaries of legal cases. These summaries provide an overview of the relevant facts, issues, arguments, and decisions of court cases. Lawyers use briefs to prepare for trials, hearings, or other legal proceedings. So, when the question mentions summaries of legal cases, the answer is "briefs."
The winning tickets are picked from a revolving drum
Answer: TOMBOLA
Tombola is a game of chance similar to a raffle, where participants purchase tickets and prizes are awarded based on a random draw. Typically, the tickets are placed in a revolving drum or container, and winning tickets are drawn from it. So, when the question describes the process of picking winning tickets from a revolving drum, the answer is "tombola."
One from Rome, say
Answer: ITALIAN
"Italian" refers to someone or something originating from Italy or associated with Italian culture. Rome is the capital city of Italy, so when the question mentions "one from Rome, say," it's referring to an individual who is Italian.
Dialect spoken in Liverpool
Answer: SCOUSE
Scouse is a dialect spoken primarily in Liverpool, England. It is characterized by its distinct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. People from Liverpool are often referred to as Scousers, and the term "Scouse" can also be used to describe the local accent or dialect. So, when the question mentions a dialect spoken in Liverpool, the answer is "Scouse."
Mystery, puzzle
Answer: ENIGMA
An "enigma" refers to something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. It can also denote a riddle or a complex problem that challenges one's comprehension or reasoning. So, when the question describes something as a mystery or puzzle, the answer is "enigma."
Portuguese place of pilgrimage
Answer: FATIMA
Fátima is a city in Portugal known for its significance as a major pilgrimage site in the Catholic faith. It gained prominence due to reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917. Since then, it has become a significant destination for pilgrims from around the world, especially on the anniversary of the apparitions. So, when the question mentions a Portuguese place of pilgrimage, the answer is "Fátima."
Celebrated female operatic star
Answer: DIVA
A "diva" is a term used to describe a celebrated female operatic star, typically one with exceptional talent and charisma. Divas are known for their powerful voices, dramatic performances, and commanding stage presence. The term can also be applied more broadly to female singers or performers who exude confidence and talent. So, when the question describes a celebrated female operatic star, the answer is "diva."
Tranquil, placid
Answer: CALM
"Calm" is an adjective used to describe a state of tranquility, serenity, or placidity. It implies a lack of agitation, disturbance, or turbulence. When something is calm, it is peaceful and undisturbed. So, when the question mentions tranquil or placid, the answer is "calm."
