The Independent's Cryptic Crossword Clues and Answers (March 27, 2024)
by Abisha | Updated Mar 27, 2024
Clues of cryptic crosswords can be hard to crack. While other crosswords may have straightforward answers, cryptic clues might have multiple definitions and hidden meanings. Solving these crosswords requires abstract reasoning and strong linguistic knowledge.
Now, check the answers for today’s The Independent's Cryptic crossword below:
Metal on the roof intermittently reflecting sunlight? (8)
Answer: FLASHING
"FLASHING" refers to metal strips used on roofs or walls to prevent water penetration, which intermittently reflects sunlight due to its position and structure.
A newspaper includes odd pieces in French to impress (6)
Answer: AFFECT
"AFFECT" means to influence or impress. In this clue, odd pieces in French are included in a newspaper to affect or impress the readers.
Nameless Cambridge college keeps university groups waiting (6)
Answer: QUEUES
"QUEUES" refers to lines or waiting lists. In this clue, a nameless Cambridge college keeps university groups waiting in queues, suggesting a delay or backlog in processing.
Last date's reason for not phoning? (8)
Answer: DEADLINE
"Last date" implies a missed opportunity for contact. "Reason for not phoning" suggests something preventing communication.
The Spanish still travel abroad, bagging hotels at the last minute (8-4)
Answer: ELEVENTH HOUR
"The Spanish still travel abroad" suggests they like to travel. "Bagging hotels at the last minute" describes booking close to the travel date. "Eleventh hour" is an idiom meaning the very last minute, which aligns with last-minute hotel bookings.
Note doctor performs operation in reverse (8)
Answer: POSTCARD
"Note" can refer to a written message. "Doctor performs operation" suggests a medical procedure. "In reverse" is a cryptic clue hinting at the answer being the opposite of something. A postcard is a message sent through mail (note), and it's the opposite of surgery (operation).
Bother, wrong name on back of certificate (6)
Answer: EXCITE
"Bother" suggests annoyance or frustration. "Wrong name on back of certificate" describes an error. "Excite" can mean to cause strong emotions, and in this case, the error on the certificate might be something that upsets someone (bother).
Corpulent swimmer taking short walk at reduced speed (6)
Answer: WALRUS
"Corpulent" means large or fat. "Swimmer" describes an animal in water. "Short walk at reduced speed" is a cryptic clue for the animal's movement. A walrus is a large marine mammal (corpulent swimmer), and their movement on land can be slow and lumbering (short walk at reduced speed).
Feeding ten, I turn to mince (8)
Answer: NUTRIENT
"Feeding ten" suggests providing sustenance for a group. "I turn to mince" is a cryptic clue hinting at something broken down. "Nutrient" is a substance that provides nourishment, and it can be seen as broken down food (mince).
Shiver cycling racers in Yorkshire town (12)
Answer: HUDDERSFIELD
"Shiver" describes feeling cold. "Cycling racers" suggests athletes who might get cold. "Yorkshire town" is a geographical hint. Huddersfield is a town in Yorkshire, and the clue paints a picture of the racers feeling cold (shiver) in that location.
Half staring chap cooked duck soup (8)
Answer: GAZPACHO
"Half staring" might be a misleading clue. "Chap cooked duck soup" describes someone preparing a meal. Gazpacho is a cold Spanish soup, and "duck" might be a throw-off since it's not typically an ingredient.
China reported Asian hardwood now more expensive (6)
Answer: TEACUP
"China" can refer to the country or to a type of fine ceramic. "Asian hardwood" is a misleading clue. "Now more expensive" suggests an increase in price. While the connection between China (the country) and hardwood isn't direct, teacups are traditionally made of fine china, and their price could increase.
Out of intransigency Prussia split part of Europe (6)
Answer: CYPRUS
Wasting billions, perhaps Trident alarm sounds permanently- (3,5)
Answer: FORKEEPS
Praise for two flips (4)
Answer: LAUD
"Praise" describes expressing admiration. "Two flips" could be a cryptic clue referring to the two Ls in the answer. "Laud" means to praise someone or something, and the "two flips" might be a play on the double L sound.
Gale ordered sweet and sour (9)
Answer: SOUWESTER
"Gale" describes a strong wind. "Ordered" might be misleading in this context. "Sweet and sour" describes a flavor combination. A souwester is a type of waterproof hat traditionally worn by sailors in harsh weather (gale).
Offspring lives with us, rising expenses primarily (5)
Answer: ISSUE
"Offspring" refers to a child. "Lives with us" suggests someone who is part of the household. "Rising expenses" describes increasing costs. "Issue" can mean a child or descendant, and it also refers to a matter that needs attention (like rising expenses).
Miracle shot, dead on small target (7)
Answer: GODSEND
"Miracle shot" describes an incredibly lucky or perfect shot. "Dead on" means hitting the target precisely. "Small target" suggests difficulty in hitting it. A "godsend" is something unexpected and fortunate, similar to a perfect shot on a small target.
Some people uncoupling at home (9)
Answer: APARTMENT
Take lift up, saving time with children (5)
Answer: FILCH
"Take lift up" might be a misleading clue. "Saving time" suggests efficiency. "With children" narrows down the context. To "filch" means to steal something small or unimportant. While the clue doesn't directly relate to taking something up, it might suggest taking something quickly (saving time) from children who might not notice (filch).
Top doctor confining new sovereign to bed (10)
Answer: CONSULTANT
Words very old police force eschews on street (10)
Answer: VOCABULARY
"Words" is a straightforward clue. "Very old police force" might be a misleading way of describing something. "Eschews" means to avoid or reject. "On street" suggests a public setting. Vocabulary refers to the words someone knows, and the clue might be hinting at old-fashioned language that police might not use on the street anymore (eschews on street).
Sailor on land entertained by ship paintings (9)
Answer: ABSTRACTS
Baby-sitting circle had parties (9)
Answer: CHILDCARE
"Baby-sitting" refers to looking after children. "Circle" suggests a group activity. "Had parties" might be misleading in this context. "Childcare" is a broader term for looking after children, and the clue might be referring to a group that provides such care (circle) even if they don't necessarily have parties.
Please leave' picked up very loudly from football supporter? (4,3)
Answer: NAFF OFF
Deal with a druggie (5)
Answer: DOPER
"Druggie" is a slang term for someone who uses illegal drugs. "Doping" can refer to the illegal use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. It suggests taking action against someone using drugs (dealing with a druggie).
Log you could make treen from (5)
Answer: ENTER
"Log" can refer to a piece of cut wood. "Treen" is an old-fashioned word for objects made of wood. "Enter" can be a verb meaning to put something into something else. In woodworking, logs can be used to create wooden objects (treen) by entering (shaping) the wood.
I'm doubtful magistrate has secured vault (4)
Answer: JUMP
