The Times Concise Crossword is a daily brain teaser that’s perfect for sharpening your vocabulary and challenging yourself in a quick, satisfying burst. Fill the grid with smart answers, discover funny clues, and enjoy the satisfaction of a well constructed puzzle. Ready to test your vocabulary and have a jolly good time? Pick up a pen and pencil and let’s get started.
Monk (5)
Answer: JUDGE
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- In this clue, "Monk" refers to a religious figure, typically associated with a certain lifestyle or behavior.
- A judge is a person in authority who presides over court proceedings, making decisions based on laws and evidence. Similar to a monk who leads a disciplined and ordered life according to religious principles, a judge administers justice and maintains order in legal matters.
Male bovine (4)
Answer: BULL
- "Male bovine" refers to a specific type of animal, requiring knowledge of its characteristics or classification
- A bull is an adult male bovine, typically known for its strength and aggressive behavior. This answer fits the clue perfectly as it directly identifies the male counterpart of the bovine species
African language (7)
Answer: SWAHILI
- This clue indicates that the answer is the name of a language spoken in Africa, requiring familiarity with languages from the continent.
- Swahili is a widely spoken language in East Africa, particularly in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It's chosen as the answer because it meets the criteria of being an African language with seven letters
Jousting weapon (5)
Answer: LANCE
- The clue suggests that the answer is a type of weapon used in jousting, an activity commonly associated with medieval knights.
- A lance is a long weapon with a pointed tip, used by mounted knights for jousting and in battle during the Middle Ages. It fits the clue as it's specifically associated with the sport of jousting.
Corpulent (5)
Answer: BEEFY
- "Corpulent" describes someone or something that is excessively overweight or obese.
- Beefy is an informal term used to describe someone or something that is muscular, strong, or heavily built. While not an exact synonym for "corpulent," it fits the general idea of describing something with a large or robust physique.
Homage (7)
Answer: SERVICE
- "Homage" suggests an act of respect, tribute, or acknowledgment paid to someone or something.
- Service can be interpreted as an act of homage, as it often involves showing respect, honor, or reverence towards a person, cause, or institution. This could be through acts of assistance, duty, or devotion, making it an appropriate answer for the clue.
Baked clay (11)
Answer: EARTHENWARE
- The clue implies a material made from clay that has been baked, often used in pottery or ceramics
- Earthenware refers to objects made from clay that has been shaped and fired at a relatively low temperature. It is commonly used for pottery, dishes, and other household items. This answer fits the clue as it describes a type of baked clay used in various applications.
Hone (7)
Answer: PERFECT
- "Hone" typically means to sharpen or refine something, often referring to skills or abilities.
- To perfect something is to refine it to the highest degree of excellence or proficiency. This fits the clue as it suggests the action of honing skills or abilities to achieve perfection.
Demon (5)
Answer: SCAMP
- "Demon" typically refers to an evil or malevolent supernatural being.
- While not directly synonymous with "demon," a scamp is often used to describe a mischievous or playful person, sometimes with a slightly naughty or misbehaving quality. In folklore and popular culture, demons are often depicted as mischievous or troublesome entities, making "scamp" an apt answer for the clue.
In an incorrect manner (5)
Answer: AMISS
- The clue suggests an adverbial phrase indicating an action done wrongly or improperly.
- Amiss means not in a right or proper way, suggesting that something is incorrect, faulty, or awry. It fits the clue as it describes an action or situation done incorrectly or in an improper manner
Squirm (7)
Answer: BE WIRED
- "Squirm" typically refers to a wriggling or twisting movement, often associated with discomfort or unease.
- The answer "BE WIRED" suggests being connected to electrical wires, which could induce a squirming or wriggling sensation if one were to come into contact with them. This interpretation aligns with the idea of discomfort or unease implied by the clue.
Renown (4)
Answer: RANK
- "Renown" indicates fame, widespread recognition, or a distinguished reputation.
- In this context, "rank" can mean a high position or status, especially in terms of reputation or recognition. Being of high rank often implies being renowned or famous, making it an appropriate answer for the clue.
Welcome (5)
Answer: HELLO
- "Welcome" suggests a friendly reception or greeting extended to someone.
- "Hello" is a common and friendly greeting used to welcome someone. It fits the clue as it directly represents a welcoming expression or gesture
Mixture of styles (6)
Answer: FUSION
- This clue suggests a combination or blending of different artistic or design elements.
- Fusion refers to the merging or blending of different styles, cultures, or influences to create something new and unique. It fits the clue as it describes a mixture of styles coming together to form a cohesive whole.
Furious (5)
Answer: DIRTY
- "Furious" typically describes extreme anger or rage.
- While "dirty" doesn't directly mean furious, it can be interpreted in certain contexts as expressing anger or resentment. For example, someone might feel "dirty" or wronged by a situation, leading to feelings of anger or fury. This association makes "dirty" a suitable answer for the clue.
Attire (7)
Answer: REGALIA
"Attire" suggests clothing or garments, and "regalia" refers to the special clothing or ceremonial dress worn by someone in authority or for a special occasion, such as a king's regalia.
Indian dish (5)
Answer: TIKKA
"Indian dish" indicates a type of cuisine, and "tikka" specifically refers to a popular Indian dish made with marinated pieces of meat (often chicken) cooked in a tandoor or on a grill.
Weariness (7)
Answer: BOREDOM
"Weariness" conveys a sense of boredom or lack of interest, and "boredom" is the feeling of being uninterested or lacking engagement in one's current activity or surroundings.
Fairly obscure (6-5)
Answer: LITTLE-KNOWN
"Fairly obscure" implies something not widely recognized or understood, and "little-known" describes something that is not well-known or familiar to many people.
Cut off (5)
Answer: BLOCK
"Cut off" suggests something being stopped or obstructed, and a "block" is something that impedes progress or prevents movement.
Coffee bean variety (7)
Answer: ARABICA
"Coffee bean variety" refers to the different types of coffee beans used in making coffee, and "arabica" is one of the most common species of coffee plant, known for producing high-quality beans with a mild flavor and aroma.
Marriage ceremony (7)
Answer: SPOUSAL
"Marriage ceremony" refers to the event where two people become spouses through the exchange of vows and rings. "Spousal" relates to or pertains to spouses, thus directly connecting to the context of marriage.
Academy Award (5)
Answer: OSCAR
An "Academy Award" is commonly referred to as an "Oscar." These awards are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for excellence in cinematic achievements.
Even though (6)
Answer: THOUGH
"Even though" is a phrase used to introduce a contrasting or concessive statement. "Though" is a conjunction with the same meaning, used to introduce a subordinate clause indicating concession or contrast.
Ski run (5)
Answer: MOGUL
A "ski run" is a designated path or track for skiing. "Mogul" refers to the bumps or mounds of snow that form on a ski slope due to skiers' repeated turns and is also a term used to describe a specific type of skiing where skiers navigate through these bumps.
Indistinct (5)
Answer: MUDDY
Indistinct" means not clear or blurred, and "muddy" describes something that is not clear due to being mixed with mud or dirt. In a figurative sense, "muddy" can also refer to something unclear or confusing.
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