April 12, 2024 Independent's Cryptic Clues and Answers
by Dheshni
Updated Apr 12, 2024
This puzzle is known for its challenging levels, making it a favorite among people. By solving this crossword, you can become a master solver. Start solving these crosswords, and keep practicing them. If you know the answers and we have included the answers and explanations below to help you. So, check it.
Without a winner? New raffle needed up front (5)
DRAWN
Without a winner? suggests that there was no victor. New raffle needed up front implies that a fresh draw is required. Combining these, we get DRAWN, indicating a raffle where no one won and a new one is necessary.
Security measure: company’s installed genuine article (4,5)
FIREALARM
Security measure indicates something installed for safety. Company’s installed genuine article refers to an authentic device set up by an organization. Putting them together yields FIREALARM, a genuine security measure often installed in companies to alert in case of fire.
Soccer side, London one, second to take lead, one dealing heavy blow- (5,6)
STEAMHAMMER
Soccer side, London one implies a football team from London. Second to take lead, one dealing heavy blow- suggests the second letter of lead followed by a word meaning someone dealing a heavy blow. This gives us STEAMHAMMER, a powerful instrument that fits the clue's description.
Incline to release large bird (3)
TIT
Incline indicates a leaning or tilting motion. To release large bird suggests letting go of a big avian creature. The answer is TIT, a bird, and also a word meaning a slight inclination or slope.
Seduced German and Italian dames at the outset (5)
UNDID
Seduced German and Italian dames at the outset implies taking the first letters of German and Italian and applying the past tense of a verb meaning to seduce. This gives us UNDID, meaning to reverse or cancel something that has been done.
Problem to the rear? Hurry round rear of van- (9)
HINDRANCE
Problem to the rear? hints at an issue behind something. Hurry round rear of van- suggests a word for hurry with the last letter of van added. This gives us HINDRANCE, meaning an obstacle or impediment, fitting the clue's context.
Orchestral player promptly in support, taking little time (10)
BASSOONIST
Orchestral player promptly in support suggests a musician quickly assisting others. Taking little time implies a short duration. This results in BASSOONIST, a musician who promptly supports the orchestra and whose instrument's name is formed from two parts indicating quickness and a short period.
Commentary overlooking grand defeat (4)
LOSS
Commentary overlooking grand defeat hints at a succinct term often associated with losing. LOSS emerges as the solution, encapsulating the concept of defeat succinctly.
Like some jokes, avoiding repetition, but weak (4)
PUNY
Like some jokes, avoiding repetition, but weak directs attention to humor that lacks potency due to its diminutive nature. PUNY aptly fits this description, capturing the idea of jokes lacking in impact.
When 100 cities sprawled, millions would show self-denial (10)
ASCETICISM
When 100 cities sprawled, millions would show self-denial evokes a profound concept often associated with renunciation or abstaining from worldly pleasures. ASCETICISM, comprising ten letters, aligns perfectly with the theme of self-denial and austerity.
Battle site, area that’s imperfect, surrounded by ebbing African river (2,7)
ELALAMEIN
Battle site, area that’s imperfect, surrounded by ebbing African river leads to the historical battlefield in North Africa, marked by imperfections and situated near a flowing river. EL ALAMEIN emerges as the solution, painting a vivid picture of the location's characteristics.
Corporation’s papers given inflated appearance (5)
TUMID
Corporation’s papers given inflated appearance the clue hints at a deceptive presentation often associated with official documents. TUMID, meaning swollen or exaggerated, perfectly encapsulates the notion of inflated appearance.
Activity producing nothing after a day (3)
ADO
Activity producing nothing after a day hints at a term for futile or fruitless effort. ADO succinctly captures this idea, representing activity without significant outcome or progress.
Island car ran again after repair (4,7)
GRANCANARIA
Wrapping up, Island car ran again after repair leads to a destination known for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere, particularly after undergoing restoration. GRAN CANARIA perfectly fits this description, symbolizing an island paradise restored to its former glory.
English fat guy coming round, showing neglect (9)
DESUETUDE
English fat guy coming round suggests rearranging the letters of English fat guy to form DESUETUDE. Showing neglect describes the meaning of DESUETUDE, which refers to something being in a state of disuse or neglect.
Amend bit of text without much force (5)
TWEAK
Amend bit of text refers to changing or adjusting something slightly. Without much force indicates that the alteration is minor, hinting at the definition of TWEAK, which means to make a slight adjustment or modification.
Unsettle routine activities in attempt to rise (7)
DISTURB
Unsettle routine activities suggests causing a disruption or interruption. In attempt to rise implies a motive behind the action. Putting them together leads to the word DISTURB, meaning to interrupt or disrupt.
Leading American kept hoarding energy (5)
AHEAD
"Leading American" suggests that we're looking for a word that starts with a letter indicating a "leading" position in the English alphabet, followed by a term for an American. "Kept hoarding energy" implies that we need a word meaning "hoarding energy" or something similar.When combined, "AHEAD" fits the clue.
Claim to know who? Pardon me if doubtful (4-4)
NAMEDROP
Pardon me if doubtful hints at a term for boasting or mentioning someone's name to impress others. Claim to know who? suggests the word NAME, and Pardon me if doubtful implies that this action might be perceived negatively, resulting in the term NAMEDROP.
Fine short facial hair in an instant (5)
FLASH
Fine short facial hair in an instant suggests a word meaning quickly or suddenly. Fine implies the word FLASH, and short facial hair suggests removing the last letter, leaving us with the answer FLASH.
Feel nostalgic about 60s fashions and the Church (9)
REMINISCE
Feel nostalgic about 60s fashions suggests recalling memories or feelings of the past. And the Church indicates an additional element connected to the nostalgia. Combining both hints results in REMINISCE, meaning to indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events or experiences.
Astronomical phenomenon in two types of gold, one captured by artist (6)
AURORA
In the ethereal canvas of the night sky, an astronomical phenomenon appears in two types of gold, captivating both artist and observer alike. The vibrant display of light known as the AURORA is a mesmerizing sight, captured by artists and photographers seeking to immortalize its beauty.
Film director not supporting consuming pungent vegetable (9)
ANTONION
In the realm of cinema, a renowned film director abstains from endorsing the consumption of a pungent vegetable. This enigmatic clue leads us to the name ANTONION, referring to the acclaimed Italian filmmaker, Michelangelo Antonioni, known for his distinctive cinematic style and reluctance towards endorsing any particular dietary habits.
Henry, entering American joints, wanders vacantly (7)
MITHERS
Amidst the bustling streets of America, a wandering figure named Henry finds himself meandering through joints, his mind adrift in a sea of aimlessness. MITHERS, an anagram of Henry entering American joints, paints a picture of a lost soul wandering vacantly through the urban landscape.
Laxative … and opens bowels at last, after treatment (5,4)
SENNAPODS
Seeking relief from discomfort, individuals turn to a laxative that promises liberation from their discomfort. The solution, SENNAPODS, hints at the relief brought by senna pods, known for their effectiveness in opening bowels after treatment.
A fortune’s laid out to make classic film (9)
NOSFERATU
A substantial sum is invested in the creation of a timeless cinematic masterpiece, as a fortune is laid out to bring to life a classic film. The answer, NOSFERATU, evokes images of the iconic vampire film, symbolizing the dedication and resources required to create enduring works of art.
Clear word for ‘idiots’ turning up in dictionary (8)
DISTINCT
In the meticulous pages of a dictionary, a clear word emerges, its definition succinct yet profound. DISTINCT, spelled out as idiots turning up in dictionary, highlights the clarity and precision of language, even as it subtly reflects on the complexity of human understanding.
Two-tone dessert, plainly presented (7)
PIEBALD
A two-tone dessert typically refers to something with patches of two different colors, like a pie with contrasting fillings or a cake with layers of different flavors. Plainly presented suggests that it's straightforward or unadorned. So, the answer is PIEBALD, which means having patches of two different colors, often black and white.
River scavenger, lad at work in darkness (7)
MUDLARK
A river scavenger is someone who searches for items of value in riverbeds or along riverbanks. Lad at work in darkness implies that this person is active during the night. Therefore, the answer is MUDLARK, referring to someone, often a child, who scavenges in rivers or along the shore, especially at low tide.
Shock viewpoint expressed by Judge (6)
JANGLE
Shock viewpoint expressed by Judge suggests that the answer involves a word related to surprise or agitation, combined with a term indicating a legal authority. JANGLE fits this description, meaning to make a harsh, discordant sound, and also can refer to a heated argument, often found in a courtroom setting.
Very precise about hydrogen for specialists (5)
NICHE
Very precise about hydrogen for specialists implies a word that means specific or tailored, particularly for a certain group of people. Hydrogen for specialists hints at the chemical symbol H, which is commonly associated with hydrogen. Therefore, the answer is NICHE, meaning a specialized segment of the market or a particular area of expertise.
Blend gallons into lake- (5)
MERGE
Blend gallons into lake- suggests combining or mixing large quantities of liquid, specifically gallons, into a body of water, in this case, a lake. The dash at the end of the clue indicates that the word to be inserted is the last part of the sentence. Therefore, the answer is MERGE, meaning to combine or blend together.
