Check the Answers for Universal Crossword Puzzle Clues (April 25, 2024)
by Ashnath
Updated Apr 25, 2024
Universal Crossword Answers
While solving a crossword puzzle, you might come across some difficult clues. These clues might be tricky and often involve wordplay. You need to have a good understanding of the crossword clues and wordplay to crack these clues. To solve a hard crossword puzzle, you might need regular practice and should have knowledge about various topics.
In today’s Universal crossword, some clues can be tricky and you might face difficulties to solve them. Such clues will have a question mark at the end of it which indicates that those clues need lateral thinking and different perspectives to solve. You can find the answers for all the clues here.
Explosive for Wile E. Coyote
Answer: TNT
“TNT” is the abbreviation for “Trinitrotoluene”, which is commonly known as an explosive material. It is used mainly for military purposes, and in industries and mining sites. Prolonged exposure to TNT will have harmful effects in humans causing anaemia, spleen enlargement and liver abnormalities. In the Looney Tunes, Wile E. Coyote is seen using TNT.
Degree of Difficulty?
Answer: PHD
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is considered one of the highest levels of academic degrees. It represents a level of difficulty, requiring several years of study and research. Earning a PhD typically involves deep dedication and intense intellectual effort.
Weed Discard
Answer: STEM
In plant, "stem" refers to the main body or stalk of a plant. When weeding, gardeners often discard the stems of unwanted plants along with roots and leaves to ensure that these weeds do not regrow.
What a Chicken Feels
Answer: FEAR
Chickens often feel fear, which is a basic emotion that helps in survival. This fear response can be triggered by potential predators, loud noises, or unfamiliar situations.
My and His
Answer: OUR
"Our" is a possessive pronoun used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with a group that includes the speaker and at least one other person. In this case, combining "my" and "his" into "our" signifies something shared between the speaker and the person referred to by "his," suggesting joint ownership or usage.
Buzz ___ ("The Simpsons" Soft Drink)
Answer: COLA
Buzz Cola is a fictional brand of soft drink featured in the popular TV show "The Simpsons." Buzz Cola has been part of various episodes and Simpsons-related marketing.
"Stop Choosing Such an Easy Halloween Costume Every Year!"
Answer: GIVE UP THE GHOST
"Give up the ghost" is an idiom which means to stop trying or to quit, originally deriving from a belief that dying meant releasing the spirit, or "ghost," from the body.
Cartoon Explorer
Answer: DORA
In the animated series, “Dora the Explorer”, the character “Dora Márquez”, a seven-year-old girl, is an explorer who loves to go on adventures. She is accompanied by her monkey friend “Boots”.
TV Drama Spots
Answer: ERS
"ERS" refers to emergency rooms, which are often settings for TV dramas. Shows like "ER," a popular medical drama series, are set in the life-saving environment of hospital emergency rooms.
Difficult to Tell Apart
Answer: ALIKE
The word "alike" means similar or having resemblance. When two or more objects, individuals, or situations are described as alike, it indicates that they are so similar that it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. This term is often used when comparing things that share common characteristics or appearances.
Outs' Counterparts
Answer: INS
“Ins" and "outs" are used to describe opposing states or conditions. In broader usage, "ins" can refer to being included or involved in something, while "outs" refer to being excluded or removed.
"___ to Joy"
Answer: ODE
"Ode to Joy" is a famous poem written by Friedrich Schiller and is best known for its adaptation by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final movement of his Ninth Symphony. An "ode" is a type of lyrical stanza or a poem which is written to a special person or for an event.
Present Day, for Short?
Answer: XMAS
"Xmas" is a common abbreviation for Christmas. This short version is often used in writing to refer to the holiday in a more concise way. The term "Xmas" is used particularly in informal settings and written communications.
"Stop Listening to Taylor Swift's Lead Single From 'Lover'!"
Answer: GET AWAY FROM ME
"Get away from me" could be interpreted as a playful exaggeration of someone's reaction to hearing a song too many times, suggesting a strong desire to not hear it anymore.
"Bald" Baby Bird
Answer: EAGLET
An eaglet refers to a young eagle. While not actually bald, this clue plays on the phrase "bald eagle," the name of a species of eagle that appears to have a white, bald-looking head.
Went Down One's Face, as Mascara
Answer: RAN
When mascara runs, it means that it has smeared or streaked down someone's face, usually as a result of tears or getting wet. "Ran" in this context refers to the action of the mascara moving in streaks across the face, often leading to a messy appearance.
Behave
Answer: ACT
In this context, "act" refers to behaving in a manner that is considered appropriate. It is like acting as expected by others.
Key to Getting Ahead?
Answer: SPEED
In this clue, "speed" is suggested as a metaphorical key to success or progress, often used in contexts where quick action or rapid movement is beneficial or necessary. For instance, in competitive situations like races or certain business environments, having speed can literally be the key to outpacing competitors and achieving goals more quickly.
Mess (With)
Answer: TOY
The word "toy" can be used in a casual context to indicate manipulating or tinkering with something lightly or without serious intent. This usage expresses the idea of messing with something, like how one might play with a toy.
Dog, in Spanish
Answer: PERRO
"Perro" is the Spanish word for "dog." This is a straightforward translation of dog. In Spanish, “Perro” refers to the male dog and “Perra” refers to the female dog.
Coffee Alternative
Answer: TEA
Tea is a popular beverage made from the leaves of the tea plant. It serves as a common alternative to coffee. Both beverages are enjoyed globally. Choosing tea over coffee might be based on personal taste preferences.
Cartoon "Devil," Familiarly
Answer: TAZ
Taz is the nickname for the Tasmanian Devil, a character from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons.
Hold Inside
Answer: COOP UP
"Coop up" refers to confining someone or something in a small space, similar to how chickens are kept in a coop. The phrase conveys a sense of restriction and limited freedom.
"Stop Serving This Small Dish!"
Answer: RETIRE THE SIDE
This clue uses a play on words, combining baseball terminology with culinary terms. In baseball, to "retire the side" means to end the inning by getting three outs. In a culinary context, a "side" can refer to a side dish served alongside the main course.
Clammy
Answer: DAMP
The word "damp" describes something that is slightly wet or moist, and it is often used to describe environments, surfaces, or items that are wet. The term "clammy" specifically refers to an unpleasant feeling of being cool, moist, and slightly sticky.
Have Lunch, Say
Answer: EAT
"Eat" refers to the action of consuming food, whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack.
Cartoonish Shriek
Answer: EEK
The word "EEK" is often used in comics and cartoons to represent a high-pitched shriek or scream, typically in response to a sudden scare or surprise. In visual media like comic strips or animated cartoons, "EEK" can be seen in speech balloons when characters encounter something frightening.
Santiago is Its Largest City
Answer: CHILE
Santiago is the largest city and the capital of Chile, a country in South America. Santiago is a major cultural and economic center in Chile.
Non-Native Speaker's Course, Briefly
Answer: ESL
ESL stands for English as a Second Language, a common educational program designed to help non-native speakers learn English.
Golden State Sch. That Carol Burnett Attended
Answer: UCLA
UCLA, which stands for the University of California, Los Angeles, is a prominent university located in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. Carol Burnett, a famous comedian and actress, attended this university, studying theater and musical comedy.
"Stop Eating This Deli Meat!"
Answer: QUIT COLD TURKEY
"Quit cold turkey" traditionally means to abruptly stop a habit, particularly in the context of quitting smoking or some other addictive behavior. Here, it plays on the words "cold turkey," a common type of deli meat.
Raison D'___
Answer: ETRE
The French phrase "raison d'être" means "reason for being" in English. It is used to express the fundamental purpose or justification of something's existence.
Dubai's Nation, for Short
Answer: UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the nation where Dubai is located. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country and is internationally recognized for its high buildings and luxury shopping.
Pizzas, E.g.
Answer: PIES
In many places, especially in North America, pizzas are colloquially referred to as "pies," stemming from the phrase "pizza pie." This clue points to the broader category to which pizzas belong.
One of 28 in Monopoly
Answer: DEED
In the game of Monopoly, there are 28 property deeds that players can buy, each representing ownership of a property space on the game board. These deeds are crucial elements of the game, involving buying, trading, and developing properties.
Great Deal
Answer: TON
The term "ton" in this clue does not refer to its usual meaning of a weight measure (2000 pounds). Here, it figuratively represents a large amount or a great deal of something, often used in expressions like "a ton of options" or "a ton of work."
They Look Good When They're Ripped
Answer: ABS
"ABS" refers to abdominal muscles, which are often highlighted in fitness and bodybuilding. When one has "ripped" or very well-defined abs, they are generally considered physically attractive.
Outdoorsy Sandal Brand
Answer: TEVA
TEVA is a popular brand known for its sandals that are designed to be durable and suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. The brand's products are characterized by their rugged design and comfort.
Scottish "No"
Answer: NAE
"Nae" is the word for "no" in the Scottish language. It is a common term used in everyday conversation and Scottish literature.
"Heck Yeah!"
Answer: TRUEDAT
"Truedat" is a slang expression affirming that something is true or correct, similar in meaning to "heck yeah!" or "absolutely." It is colloquial and often used to agree enthusiastically with a statement made by someone else.
Vessels for Making Soup
Answer: POTS
Pots are common kitchen utensils used for cooking various dishes, including soup. They come in different sizes and materials, and their use is essential in the preparation of soups because of their structure.
"Weird!"
Answer: HUH
"Huh" is a common expression used to indicate surprise, confusion, or disbelief about something that seems strange or unexpected. It can also be a request for repetition or clarification when something is not clearly understood.
"You Wish!"
Answer: DREAM ON
"Dream on" is a colloquial retort used to express skepticism or disbelief in response to someone's statement or wishful thinking. It implies that what the person desires or predicts is unlikely to happen.
Ideological Split in an Organization
Answer: SCHISM
A "Schism" refers to a split between strongly opposed parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief, particularly in a religious or political group. This term is often used to describe a split in an organization where members diverge in their ideologies, leading to a formal division.
Grabbed or Nabbed
Answer: TOOK
"Took" is the simple past tense of "take," which means to get into one's possession by force or skill. In the context of the clue, "grabbed" or "nabbed," it refers to the action of quickly seizing or capturing something or someone.
Otherwise
Answer: ELSE
"Else" is a common word used to refer to an alternative or a different situation, often used in phrases like "what else?" or "someone else." It is the perfect fit for the crossword clue “Otherwise” that hints at another option or condition.
Yoga ___
Answer: MAT
A "Yoga mat" is specifically designed for performing yoga exercises. It provides a non-slip surface that helps in maintaining stability during yoga poses.
Truck Setting for Going Uphill
Answer: FIRST GEAR
"First gear" is the lowest gear in a vehicle's transmission, which provides the most power to the wheels at a lower speed, useful for climbing or starting from a complete stop.
Totally Lost It
Answer: GONE APE
"Gone ape" is a slang term meaning to become very angry or to lose control emotionally. It is an expression depicting someone reacting extremely or irrationally.
Fly, to a Venus Flytrap
Answer: PREY
In this context, a "Fly" is considered "prey" for a Venus Flytrap, which is a carnivorous plant known for capturing and digesting insects like flies to obtain nutrients.
Glitz and ___
Answer: GLAM
"Glam" refers to glamour, often associated with attractive, exciting, and flashy appearance or style. "Glitz and Glam" is a popular pairing to describe elegance or allure.
Break Down, as Food
Answer: DIGEST
"Digest" is the biological process by which an organism breaks down food into substances that can be absorbed. It is the natural breakdown of food in the body to extract nutrients.
Was in the Red
Answer: OWED
Being "in the red" financially means owing more money than you have available, typically reflected in account statements where negative balances are often shown in red ink. "Owed" is the past tense of owe, indicating an outstanding debt.
Doctor's Inside Image
Answer: X RAY
An "X ray" is a type of imaging technology used in medicine to view the inside of the body without making an incision. It is commonly used to observe bones, cavities, and foreign objects inside the body.
Pub Brew
Answer: ALE
"Ale" is a type of beer brewed from malted barley using a warm fermentation method, resulting in a sweet and fruity taste. It is a common drink available in pubs.
Lost Video Connectivity, as in a Zoom Call
Answer: FROZE
In the context of a Zoom call or similar video conferencing service, when the video "froze," it means the image stopped moving, typically due to connection issues.
Hearing Aid Components
Answer: EARPIECES
"Earpieces" are parts of a hearing aid that fit into or around the ear to deliver sound directly into the ear canal.
In a Makeshift Way
Answer: CRUDELY
"Crudely" refers to doing something in a rough or makeshift manner, often implying a lack of sophistication.
Capital of Kansas
Answer: TOPEKA
"Topeka" is the capital city of the state of Kansas in the United States.
Waterproof Covering
Answer: TARP
A "Tarp" is short for tarpaulin. It is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant, or waterproof material. It is widely used as a protective cover from elements like rain or sun.
Sappho or Ocean Vuong
Answer: POET
Both Sappho and Ocean Vuong are renowned poets. In this context, "Poet" is the answer as it refers to someone who writes poetry.
Goddess Hidden in "Apotheosis"
Answer: EOS
The word "Apotheosis" contains the name of the Greek goddess "Eos" hidden within it. "Eos" is the goddess of the dawn in Greek mythology.
Punishment for a Child
Answer: TIMEOUT
"Timeout" is a disciplinary action often used for children where they are temporarily separated from an activity or group as a consequence for misbehavior.
Mexican Dish With a Fried Tortilla Shell
Answer: CHALUPA
A "Chalupa" is a Mexican dish consisting of a fried tortilla shell filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables.
Minced Words?
Answer: EDITED
"Edited" implies that words have been altered or modified, often with the implication of refinement or shortening.
Mineral Once Used as Baby Powder
Answer: TALC
"Talc" is a mineral that was historically used in baby powder due to its softness and ability to absorb moisture.
Exam
Answer: TEST
In this context, "test" refers to an examination or assessment designed to evaluate a person's knowledge, skills, or understanding of a particular subject or topic.
"Adorable!"
Answer: CUTE
"Cute" is a term often used to describe something or someone as charming, attractive, or endearing.
Employ
Answer: USE
"Use" in this context means to employ or utilize something for a specific purpose or function.
Garden of ___
Answer: EDEN
"Eden" refers to the biblical place, the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived before sin.
Four-Stringed Instruments, for Short
Answer: UKES
"Ukes" is the abbreviation for ukuleles, which are small, four-stringed musical instruments often associated with Hawaiian music and culture.
Letters at the End of a Proof
Answer: QED
"QED" stands for "Quod Erat Demonstrandum," which is Latin for "that which was to be demonstrated." It is traditionally used at the end of a mathematical proof or a logical argument to signify that the proof is complete.
Language Spoken in Vientiane
Answer: LAO
"Lao" is the primary language spoken in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It is the official language of Laos and is spoken widely throughout the country.
Bone That Protects Internal Organs
Answer: RIB
The "Rib" is a bone in the human body that is a part of the rib cage. The ribs collectively help protect vital internal organs, especially in the chest like the heart and lungs, from external injuries.
