17th April 24: Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Answer and Explanation for the Clue
by Sangeetha M
Updated Apr 17, 2024
Crossword puzzles are word games that are usually played on a grid. Each square in the grid contains a letter, and the game aims to fill in the grid with words that fit both horizontally and vertically based on the clues provided. The clues are usually definitions, synonyms, or cryptic hints that help you figure out the words. To play a crossword puzzle, you start by reading the clues and trying to think of words that match them. Then, you write those words into the grid, crossing them with other words that you've already figured out.
Pledge to raise expectations (7)
PROMISE
Pledge to raise expectations: This clue hints at making a commitment to elevate hopes or standards. The answer is PROMISE, indicating a declaration or assurance to do something, often leading to an expectation of fulfillment or achievement.
Refusal to admit endless crooked dealing (6)
DENIAL
Refusal to admit endless crooked dealing: This clue involves wordplay, suggesting the rejection of acknowledging deceitful behavior without its final letters. The answer is DENIAL, representing the act of refusing to accept or acknowledge something, especially wrongdoing or misconduct.
An afterthought about better instrumentalists (7)
PLAYERS
An afterthought about better instrumentalists: This clue suggests reconsideration regarding more skilled musicians. The answer is PLAYERS, indicating individuals who perform music proficiently, with "better instrumentalists" suggesting those with superior musical abilities.
In the main, it provides the best way to stop (6)
ANCHOR
In the main, it provides the best way to stop: This clue suggests that primarily, it offers the most effective method of halting. The answer is ANCHOR, indicating a heavy object or device used to prevent movement or secure something in place, often used on ships to prevent drifting.
Leafy road for a meeting place (6)
AVENUE
Leafy road for a meeting place: This clue hints at a road lined with trees leading to a gathering spot. The answer is AVENUE, representing a wide thoroughfare typically bordered by trees or buildings, often used to access or lead to public spaces or meeting venues.
Quick movers sound like frauds (8)
CHEETAHS
Quick movers sound like frauds: This clue involves wordplay, suggesting that fast-moving entities resemble dishonest individuals. The answer is CHEETAHS, referring to the fastest land animals, and "sound like frauds" implies that their speed may be misconstrued or likened to deceitfulness.
The girl created a row (8)
MADELINE
The girl created a row (MADELINE): The clue suggests a girl's name associated with causing a commotion. "MADELINE" fits, evoking the image of a spirited or mischievous girl who might stir up a row.
In Spanish port fine artist produced "The Spitfire" (6)
VIRAGO
In Spanish port fine artist produced "The Spitfire" (VIRAGO): The clue hints at a Spanish term for a port and references an artist creating "The Spitfire." "VIRAGO" is the answer, as it's a Spanish word for a fierce or heroic woman, often associated with fine artistic depictions.
Left a learner at the doorway (6)
PORTAL
Left a learner at the doorway (PORTAL): The clue implies leaving behind a student near an entrance. "PORTAL" fits, as it refers to a doorway or entrance, where someone might be left waiting or lingering.
Descriptive of the sky in a twinkling? (7)
STARLIT
Descriptive of the sky in a twinkling? (STARLIT): The clue suggests a term describing the sky when it's illuminated with stars, possibly hinting at a quick transformation. "STARLIT" fits perfectly, conveying the image of a sky filled with twinkling stars.
Gets an unusual arrangement of factors (6)
AGENTS
Gets an unusual arrangement of factors (AGENTS): This clue hints at a term for individuals who arrange or manipulate circumstances. "AGENTS" fits, as they can be seen as entities who arrange or manipulate various factors to achieve a particular outcome.
Hurried on when strongly urged (7)
PRESSED
Hurried on when strongly urged (PRESSED): The clue implies moving quickly due to a strong insistence or pressure. "PRESSED" fits, suggesting the action of hurrying or moving forward under such circumstances.
Don't withdraw a loan (7)
ADVANCE
"Don't withdraw a loan" advises against taking back money lent. ADVANCE represents this opposite action, signifying the provision of funds before they are due, often with the expectation of repayment along with additional charges or interest.
A decent reform established by law (7)
ENACTED
"A decent reform established by law" suggests a positive change implemented through legislative means. ENACTED signifies this reform, indicating that it has been officially approved and put into effect through the legal process, often with the aim of improving conditions or addressing issues in society.
This means of escape is decidedly eccentric (3,3)
WAYOUT
"This means of escape is decidedly eccentric" hints at a unconventional or unusual route to get away from a situation. WAYOUT represents this eccentric escape route, suggesting a departure from the norm or expected path, often involving creative or unconventional methods to avoid or overcome obstacles.
No longer bound to be hired out again (8)
RELEASED
"No longer bound to be hired out again" describes something that is freed from being rented or leased. RELEASED signifies this liberation, indicating that something is no longer under obligation to be hired out or used by others, granting freedom or independence.
Wanton destruction can possibly be found on the border (6)
MAYHEM
"Wanton destruction can possibly be found on the border" suggests reckless and indiscriminate chaos possibly occurring at a boundary line. MAYHEM represents this destructive disorder, indicating violent and chaotic behavior that can lead to widespread damage and harm.
Vegetable shoot (6)
SPROUT
"Vegetable shoot" refers to the early growth of a plant emerging from the soil. SPROUT signifies this tender young growth, commonly seen in various vegetables such as beans, peas, or broccoli, indicating the beginning stages of plant development.
I mean Tom has become an old fossil! (8)
AMMONITE
I mean Tom has become an old fossil! (AMMONITE): Describing someone as an "old fossil" suggests they are outdated or antiquated, akin to ancient remains found in rocks. "Ammonite" fits, referring to an extinct marine mollusk with a spiral shell resembling a coiled ammonium compound, humorously likening Tom to a relic of the past.
Christopher's taking in a number of small pets (7)
KITTENS
Christopher's taking in a number of small pets (KITTENS): "Kittens" refers to young cats, often kept as pets, and "taking in" suggests adopting or caring for them. This word aptly describes Christopher's action of welcoming several small animals into his home, emphasizing the nurturing and companionship associated with having pets.
He has no fancy ideas about a catalogue (7)
REALIST
He has no fancy ideas about a catalogue (REALIST): A "realist" is someone who views things realistically, without indulging in fanciful or idealistic notions. This term characterizes someone with a pragmatic approach, highlighting their practicality and grounded perspective, contrasting with imaginative or whimsical thinking about a catalog.
Mechanic having benefited from better training (6)
FITTER
Mechanic having benefited from better training (FITTER): "Fitter" describes someone who is physically or mentally prepared due to training or improvement. This term aptly describes a mechanic who has enhanced their skills and proficiency through better training, suggesting readiness and competence in their profession.
Servicemen who could be spared (6)
PADRES
Servicemen who could be spared (PADRES): "Padres" typically refers to military chaplains or priests, providing spiritual guidance and support to servicemen. This word identifies individuals within the military who are not essential for frontline duties and thus could be spared for other tasks or roles, highlighting their role in attending to the spiritual needs of soldiers.
Nothing more needed to make one turn up with a cry of disgust (6)
ENOUGH0
Nothing more needed to make one turn up with a cry of disgust (ENOUGH): "Enough" denotes a sufficient quantity or degree of something, and the phrase suggests reaching a point of exasperation or disgust. This word succinctly captures the sentiment of having reached a limit or threshold, beyond which one reacts with a cry of disdain or revulsion.
