The Independent's Cryptic Solved Clues and Explanations (April 11, 2024)
by Dheshni | Updated Apr 11, 2024
Crossword puzzles are now available online, allowing people to solve them anytime and anywhere. Solving these puzzles can improve your skills like problem-solving, reasoning, and abstract thinking. Solve today’s clues and if you are unsure about an answer, you can check it here, as we provide the correct answer for each clue.
Demanding wicked hair covering in ...
Answer: STRESSFUL
This clue suggests a situation where someone is looking for a specific, perhaps difficult-to-achieve hairstyle ("wicked hair covering") and the process of achieving it is causing stress. "Demanding" and "wicked" imply a complex or challenging style, adding to the stress of the situation.
... unique hairdressers, maybe with first cut conclusively free
Answer: ALONE
This clue hints at a scenario where someone is seeking a distinctive or unconventional hairdresser ("unique hairdressers"). The phrase "maybe with first cut conclusively free" suggests that the first haircut with these hairdressers might be complimentary, indicating a promotional offer. However, the term "alone" implies that despite the offer, the person is still going through this experience by themselves, without companionship or support.
Change disclaimer for the audience
Answer: WAVER
This clue suggests altering a disclaimer for an audience, potentially indicating a shift in tone or content. The word "change" implies modifying something, and "disclaimer for the audience" indicates a statement made to inform or caution viewers. "Waver" fits here because it suggests uncertainty or hesitation, indicating a lack of firmness or consistency in the disclaimer's message.
Incredulity as online retailer not working to fix missing copyright
Answer: AMAZEMENT
This clue describes a situation where someone is astonished or incredulous ("Incredulity") by the fact that an online retailer is not taking action to rectify a missing copyright issue. The phrase "not working to fix missing copyright" suggests negligence or indifference on the part of the retailer, prompting surprise or disbelief ("Incredulity") from the observer. "Amazement" captures the sense of astonishment or disbelief at this situation
Slowly times boring minutes
Answer: LITTLE BY LITTLE
This clue indicates a gradual process ("Slowly") of passing time ("times") that might seem tedious or uneventful ("boring minutes"). "Little by little" perfectly fits this description, implying incremental progress or change over a period of time.
Mission involved maybe capturing elite Nazis
Answer: EMBASSY
This clue suggests a task or operation ("Mission") that includes the possibility of apprehending or securing something ("capturing"). The phrase "elite Nazis" hints at a high-ranking or exclusive group. "Embassy" fits here because it can refer to a diplomatic mission or the building where diplomatic activities take place. Additionally, "embassy" could be interpreted as "em-bassy," suggesting the inclusion of the letters "b-a-s-s-y" as possibly capturing the word "maybe."
Quiet is helping gripping account
Answer: PLACATE
This clue indicates a state of tranquility or calmness ("Quiet") being beneficial or supportive ("helping"). The phrase "gripping account" suggests a compelling or engaging narrative. "Placate" fits here because it means to soothe or pacify, implying that the quietness is contributing to calming or settling the situation described in the gripping account.
A record peak
Answer: ALP
This clue is a straightforward play on words. "A record peak" suggests a point of highest achievement or attainment. "Alp" is a term that can refer to a mountain, particularly one of the high peaks in the Alps mountain range. So, "alp" serves as both a literal peak and a play on the word "record," indicating a high point.
Modern drag queen finally gets Harlow, for example
Answer: NEW TOWN
This clue suggests finding a term that relates to a modern concept ("Modern drag queen") and incorporating the last letters of "Harlow" into it. "New Town" fits perfectly. "Harlow" could refer to Jean Harlow, an iconic Hollywood actress known for her glamour and elegance, thus linking to the concept of modernity and sophistication associated with a "new town."
Understanding nurses taking temperature the hospital ignored
Answer: ENTENTE
This clue hints at a term that involves cooperation or agreement ("Understanding") among nurses ("nurses"). The phrase "taking temperature the hospital ignored" suggests a situation where certain actions or observations are being overlooked. "Entente" fits here as it refers to a diplomatic agreement or understanding, often between nations. In this context, it suggests a cooperative agreement among nurses that the hospital administration has neglected to acknowledge.
After Chuck Berry's lover settles with the related singers
Answer: EVERLY BROTHERS
This clue hints at a musical reference related to Chuck Berry, a legendary figure in rock and roll music. The phrase "lover settles with the related singers" suggests a connection between Chuck Berry's romantic partner and another musical group. The "Everly Brothers" were a famous duo in rock and roll, known for their close harmony singing style. The clue implies that Chuck Berry's lover reached a settlement (or agreement) with the Everly Brothers.
Drop part of course on source of eye colour
Answer: SAGE-GREEN
This clue suggests finding a color term that involves removing ("Drop") a portion of the word "course" and appending it to another term related to the color green. "Sage-green" fits this description. "Sage" is a pale green color, and appending "-green" reinforces the color association. Removing "cour" from "course" results in "sage-green," indicating a color derived from the source of the word "eye" within "course."
Still stored in container terminal
Answer: INERT
This clue suggests finding a term that means inactive or motionless ("Still") and can be found within the phrase "container terminal." "Inert" fits this description perfectly as it means lacking the ability or strength to move. It can also be interpreted as being "stored" or present within the confines of a container terminal, where objects are often motionless until moved
Returning, say, nearly naked to commence jog
Answer: NUDGE
This clue indicates a wordplay involving a synonym for "Returning" ("say") and a term that means "nearly naked" or partially exposed. "Nudge" fits here as it means to push gently or prod, which could be associated with the action of commencing a jog. The word "nearly naked" hints at the removal of the last letter from "nude," resulting in "nudg" (almost naked), which is then reversed ("returning") to form "nudge."
Ship's father figure discovered here
Answer: FREIGHTER
This clue suggests finding a term related to ships or maritime transportation ("Ship's") that includes a paternal figure. "Freighter" fits this description as it refers to a ship or vessel designed for carrying cargo. The term "father figure" can be seen as "freight" (cargo) with "er" added, suggesting the idea of a ship transporting cargo, which is the main purpose of a freighter.
Gnome used to be the wrong way round
Answer: SAW
This clue involves a play on words. The word "gnome" is a homophone for "know 'em," suggesting that the answer might be a term pronounced similarly. "Used to be the wrong way round" indicates that the word should be reversed. Reversing "gnome" gives "emong," which, when pronounced, sounds like "among." However, the clue misleads by using "used to be" instead of "among." The correct answer is "saw," which is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same backward and forwards, fitting the clue's requirement to be "the wrong way round."
Intrigue as Mr Big regularly seen on screen
Answer: RIVET
This clue suggests finding a word that means to captivate or engross ("Intrigue") and involves a reference to "Mr Big" being regularly visible on a screen. "Rivet" fits the description as it means to hold someone's attention firmly, like how a rivet holds materials together. "Mr Big" could represent a prominent or significant character, and the phrase "regularly seen on screen" implies that this character appears frequently, contributing to the intrigue.
Almost convinced benefit should support redundant
Answer: SURPLUS
This clue indicates finding a term for excess or extra ("redundant") that is constructed from parts of other words. "Surplus" fits this description. "Almost convinced" suggests taking the first part of "sure" (almost convinced) and combining it with "plus" (benefit), resulting in "surplus." Additionally, the phrase "benefit should support redundant" suggests that the surplus is something additional or extra, beyond what is necessary.
Foreign Office assuming young, unknown soldier will be highly decorated
Answer: FLAMBOYANT
This clue suggests finding a term that means showy or extravagant ("highly decorated") and involves a reference to the abbreviation for the Foreign Office ("Foreign Office") and a combination of "young, unknown soldier." "Flamboyant" fits here. "FL" stands for the Foreign Office, and "AMBOY" could be interpreted as "boy" (young) and "am" (unknown). When combined with "ANT" (soldier), it forms "flamboyant," which means ostentatious or flashy.
Terms of local area network broken by electronic security breach?
Answer: LEAK
This clue suggests finding a term related to information disclosure or a breach in security ("electronic security breach") that involves the abbreviation for "local area network" ("Terms of local area network broken"). "Leak" fits this description. "LAN" stands for local area network, and "leak" means to allow information to escape or be released unintentionally, fitting the idea of a breach in electronic security.
Country album's cover version of I Care
Answer: AMERICA
This clue suggests finding a country that might have an album cover version of the song "I Care." "America" fits this description as it is a country that produces country music albums, and the term can also refer to the continent. Additionally, "I Care" could be interpreted as implying concern or caring, which aligns with the concept of a country.
Do too much exercise in obvious downpour
Answer: OVERTRAIN
This clue suggests finding a term that means exercising excessively ("Do too much exercise") and involves a reference to a clear, heavy rainfall ("obvious downpour"). "Overtrain" fits this description perfectly, indicating the act of training excessively beyond what is necessary or advisable.
Enemies rest up after losing independent vote in far from moderate state
Answer: EXTREMENESS
This clue hints at a term that describes being far from moderate or centrist ("far from moderate state") and involves a wordplay with "Enemies rest up after losing independent vote." "Extremeness" fits this description. "Enemies rest up" suggests reversing the word "enemies" to get "semeni," and then adding "extre" from "independent vote," resulting in "extremeness."
Politician needs a role with Reform ? ultimately by-election should follow
Answer: LEE ANDERSON
This clue suggests finding a person's name ("Politician") that includes a role or position related to the term "Reform" and the ultimate letters of "by-election." "Lee Anderson" fits this description. "Lee" could represent a role or position, and "Anderson" is the name. The phrase "ultimately by-election should follow" indicates taking the final letters of "by-election," which are "on," and adding them to "Lee Anderson" to form the full name
A very quiet organ on a new church show
Answer: APPEARANCE
This clue suggests finding a term that means to show or be visible ("show") and involves a wordplay with "A very quiet organ" and "on a new church." "Appearance" fits this description. "A very quiet organ" suggests removing the letters "p," "p," and "e" from the word "appear," leaving "ar," which sounds like "a" and "are," indicating "a new church." Combining "ar" and "a new church" gives "appearance," which means to show or be visible.
Implored representative of parliament to get involved with crooked members?
Answer: BOW-LEGGED
This clue involves wordplay, hinting at a physical characteristic ("crooked members") and a verb indicating pleading or imploring ("Implored"). The phrase "representative of parliament" suggests taking the word "MP" (Member of Parliament). When combined with "bow" (to implore) and "legged" (having legs), it forms "bow-legged," which describes legs that curve outward at the knees, resembling the shape of a bow.
One who is bound to tell tale about leader of government being overwhelmed by honour
Answer: OBLIGEE
This clue suggests finding a term for someone who is obligated to do something ("One who is bound to tell tale") and involves wordplay with "about leader of government being overwhelmed by honour." "Obligee" fits this description. The phrase "about leader of government" could refer to the abbreviation "PM" (Prime Minister). When "PM" is surrounded ("being overwhelmed") by "honour," it forms "obligee," which is a person who is bound or obligated to do something
Calling bird landing then flying away
Answer: TITLING
This clue suggests finding a term related to a bird's behavior ("Calling bird") and involves a wordplay with "landing then flying away." "Titling" fits this description. It could refer to the action of a bird tilting its head while calling. Additionally, "landing" and "flying away" could suggest removing the first and last letters ("l" and "g") from "tilting," leaving "titling.
Standing back without ceremonial robes
Answer: ERECT
This clue suggests finding a term that means standing upright ("Standing back") and involves removing something associated with ceremonial attire ("ceremonial robes"). "Erect" fits this description as it means upright or standing straight without any additional ceremonial attire.
Complaint as loud buzzer starts
Answer: BEEF
This clue suggests finding a term that means a complaint or grievance ("Complaint") and involves wordplay with "loud buzzer starts." "Beef" fits this description. The word "buzzer" could indicate the letter "B" (the first letter of "buzzer"), and "starts" suggests taking the first letter. So, "loud buzzer starts" implies taking the first letter of "buzzer," which is "B." Combined with "EEF," it forms "beef," which is a term commonly used to describe a complaint or grievance
Flatter all but me and Jack
Answer: TAR
This clue suggests finding a term that means to flatter ("Flatter") and involves wordplay with excluding "me and Jack." "Tar" fits this description. The phrase "all but me and Jack" suggests removing the letters "me" and "Jack" from the word "flatter." When you remove "me" and "Jack" from "flatter," you are left with "TAR," which is the answer. The clue implies that everyone else is being flattered except for "me and Jack."
