25th March 2024 The Irish Independent Cryptic Crossword Clues and Answers
by Abisha
Updated Mar 25, 2024
Try to solve today’s The Irish Independent Cryptic crossword on your own. To complete this crossword, you need to have a strong understanding of wordplay and be familiar with many topics.
You can understand the clue structures by regularly solving the cryptic crosswords. If you need to verify your answers, you can check all the answers for today’s crossword here.
Boast about putting king in sack (4)
Ans: BRAG
Boast" suggests bragging. "About putting king in sack" indicates putting the letter "R" (king, as in Rex) inside "bag" (sack), resulting in "BRAG", which means to boast.
Too shy, perhaps? Have afterthought on where dolls can be found (3,5)
Ans: TOYSHOPS
"Too shy, perhaps?" suggests a characteristic of someone who might frequent "TOY SHOPS" instead of socializing. "Have afterthought on where dolls can be found" implies "TOY SHOPS", which are places where dolls and other toys are sold.
Declare to be found not guilty (7)
Ans: CLEARED
"Declare" suggests announcing. "To be found not guilty" implies being acquitted of a charge, which is described by the word "CLEARED".
Refusal twice for one to enter returning bulb (5)
Ans: ONION
"Refusal twice" suggests the word "NO" repeated. "One to enter" implies the letter "I" going inside "ON" (one), and then the whole word reversed ("returning"), resulting in "ONION", which is a type of bulb vegetable.
Fast coat is in condition to bring happiness (12)
Ans: SATISFACTION
"Fast coat" could refer to something that brings immediate comfort or satisfaction. "Is in condition" suggests being in a state of being content. "To bring happiness" indicates "SATISFACTION", which means the state of being content or pleased.
Order to be straight (6)
Ans: DIRECT
"Order" implies giving instructions. "To be straight" indicates being straightforward or direct, which is described by the word "DIRECT".
Waited for public address (second-hand) (6)
Ans: PAUSED
"Waited for" suggests pausing or stopping. "Public address (second-hand)" refers to a pause in a public speech or announcement. "PAUSED" fits as it means stopped momentarily.
Friend Bill with curious acne problem (12)
Ans: ACQUAINTANCE
"Friend" implies acquaintance. "Bill with curious acne problem" suggests an anagram of "Bill" and "acne", resulting in "ACQUAINTANCE", which means a person you know slightly but who is not a close friend.
Drive tractor, with bolt inside (5)
Ans: RIVET
"Drive tractor" indicates "RIV" (the first three letters of "drive"). "With bolt inside" suggests including the letter "E" (bolt) within "RIV", giving "RIVET", which is a fastener.
Peer decorated with hanging feature (7)
Ans: EARLOBE
"Peer" could refer to someone observing or examining closely. "Decorated with hanging feature" refers to the earlobe, which is adorned with earrings or other decorations.
Pray that new gear is worn at celebration (5,3)
Ans: PARTYHAT
"Pray that" suggests a wish or desire. "New gear is worn at celebration" indicates wearing a hat at a party. "PARTY HAT" fits as it refers to headgear worn at celebrations.
Abandoned port (4)
Ans: LEFT
"Abandoned" suggests left or deserted. "Port" can refer to a place where ships dock. "LEFT" fits as it means abandoned or departed from.
Support wing at the rear (8)
Ans: BACKSIDE
"Support" indicates backing or behind. "Wing at the rear" suggests the backside or posterior part of something, like an airplane. "BACKSIDE" fits as it refers to the rear or back part of something, providing support.
Awake? Maybe later (5)
Ans: ALERT
"Awake" suggests being alert or attentive. "Maybe later" implies that being alert might happen in the future. So, "ALERT" fits as it means being watchful or attentive.
Old are involved in struggle (6)
Ans: ORDEAL
"Old" can refer to the word "OR". "Are involved in" suggests including the letters "DEAL" (a struggle or difficulty), resulting in "ORDEAL", which means a difficult or trying experience.
Star costumes redesigned for leaders of the pack (12)
Ans: SCOUTMASTERS
"Star costumes redesigned" suggests an anagram of "star costumes", resulting in "SCOUTS". "Leaders of the pack" indicates "MASTERS", which when combined with "SCOUTS" gives "SCOUTMASTERS", referring to leaders in a scout group.
Threatening old man, initially, in America holding ring (7)
Ans: OMINOUS
"Threatening" suggests ominous or foreboding. "Old man, initially, in America" refers to "O" (old) and "M" (man, initially), forming "OM". "Holding ring" indicates including "RING", giving "OMINOUS", meaning threatening or sinister.
Vocalise wrong note (4)
Ans: SING
"Vocalise" means to sing or produce musical sounds with the voice. "Wrong note" suggests that "SING" is the correct answer, as it's a single musical note produced with the voice.
Running race against angry nation (5-7)
Ans: CROSSCOUNTRY
"Running race" indicates "CROSS". "Against" suggests "AGAINST". "Angry nation" hints at "COUNTRY". So, "CROSS COUNTRY" fits as it refers to a type of race held over open country, typically consisting of natural obstacles and varied terrain.
Sticking notice here on book (8)
Ans: ADHERENT
"Sticking notice" implies adhering or sticking to something. "Here on book" suggests a word that means to attach or stick, which is "ADHERENT".
Feel better and get dressed again (7)
Ans: RECOVER
"Feel better" suggests recovering from an illness or setback. "Get dressed again" implies a return to normal activity after being ill or injured. So, "RECOVER" fits as it means to return to a normal state of health or strength.
Came in confusion to picture house (6)
Ans: CINEMA
"Came in confusion" might suggest "CAME IN" rearranged to form "CINEMA", which is a place where movies are shown, often referred to as a "picture house".
For hanging ring through nose (5)
Ans: NOOSE
"For hanging" suggests a device used for hanging. "Ring through nose" indicates a loop-shaped object, such as a "NOOSE", which can be used for hanging.
Insipid fellow is a little wet (4)
Ans: DRIP
"Insipid" suggests lacking flavor or interest. "Fellow" indicates a person, and "a little wet" suggests moisture or water. "DRIP" fits as it means a small drop of liquid, often implying something slightly wet or moist.
