Check the Solution for the Irish Daily Mail Mailword Small Crossword 10th April 2024
by Shoba
Updated Apr 10, 2024
The Irish Daily Mail Mailword Small crossword is a fun little puzzle you can find in the Irish Daily Mail newspaper. It's like a tiny version of the usual crossword you see in the paper, perfect for a quick brain workout. Instead of the bigger grids with lots of clues, this one is compact and quicker to finish. So, if you're looking for a challenge that won't take up too much time, give it a try!
Question: Food shop (4)
DELI
A place where you can find a variety of prepared foods, sandwiches, and specialty items like cheeses and meats is commonly referred to as a DELI. It's a convenient spot for grabbing a quick meal or putting together a picnic spread.
Question: Punctuation mark (5)
COMMA
A COMMA is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause or break within a sentence. It helps clarify the structure and meaning of written language, aiding in smooth communication and comprehension.
Question: Paul ---, singer-songwriter (5)
SIMON
Renowned for his contributions to music as one-half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and for his solo career, SIMON refers to the talented singer-songwriter Paul Simon. His work spans multiple genres and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
Question: Ratites (5)
RHEAS
Among the group of flightless birds known as ratites, RHEAS are native to South America. These large, ostrich-like birds are notable for their swift running ability and are often found in grasslands and scrub forests.
Question: Fowl (5)
CAPON
A CAPON is a rooster that has been castrated to improve the quality of its flesh for food purposes. This delicacy is prized for its tender meat, making it a popular choice for special occasions and gourmet meals.
Question: Muscat citizen (5)
OMANI
Muscat citizen refers to someone from the country of Oman. The word for this is OMANI, which relates specifically to a person from Oman, a nation located in the Middle East.
Question: Industrious insect (3)
ANT
When thinking of an insect known for its industrious nature, ANT immediately comes to mind. Ants are famous for their hardworking behavior, often seen carrying food or building intricate colonies, making ANT the perfect answer here.
Question: Darn (3)
SEW
Darn is commonly associated with the act of mending or repairing fabric, typically by sewing. Thus, the answer to this clue is SEW, which denotes the action of sewing or stitching to fix a tear or hole.
Question: --- Vicious, bassist (3)
SID
The dash indicates a missing part, and bassist hints at a musician who plays a specific type of instrument. The answer is SID, a term combining the concept of being vicious and the profession of a bassist.
Question: No' votes (4)
NAYS
In parliamentary procedures, when members cast votes against a proposal or motion, they often express dissent with the word NAYS. Therefore, NAYS serves as the answer here, representing the negative votes or opposition within a voting body.
Question: Diminish (6)
REDUCE
To solve this crossword clue, you need a word that means diminish and has six letters. The answer is REDUCE, which perfectly fits the description, meaning to make smaller or lessen in size, extent, or quantity.
Question: Obsessive collector (7)
HOARDER
A person who compulsively accumulates and hoards items. The answer is HOARDER. This term refers to someone who excessively collects and stores things, often to the point of detriment to their living space or quality of life.
Question: Nevertheless (4,2)
EVENSO
When there's a need to express contrast or introduce a counterpoint to a preceding statement, the term EVENSO is commonly used. It serves as a transitional phrase, indicating a shift in perspective or continuation of thought despite previous information or circumstances.
Question: Meshes (4)
NETS
The term NETS aptly describes the intertwining or overlapping structures. Meshes suggest a complex arrangement where various elements interact or fit together, often forming a cohesive whole.
Question: Indian state (3)
GOA
Referring to one of the states within the diverse nation of India, the term GOA identifies a specific region with its unique cultural, geographical, and historical characteristics. As one of India's smallest states, Goa is renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich heritage, making it a popular tourist destination.
Question: Assay (3)
TRY
The word assay typically refers to the testing or analysis of something, often in a scientific context. In this crossword clue, TRY fits perfectly as it denotes attempting or testing something to see if it works or is successful.
Question: Sheltered side (3)
LEE
LEE is the ideal answer here, representing the protected or sheltered side of an object or terrain, typically found in relation to wind direction. It succinctly captures the concept of a calm and sheltered area away from the wind.
Question: Equestrian (5)
RIDER
With Equestrian as the clue, the focus is on a person involved in horse riding or related activities. The answer, consisting of five letters, is RIDER, indicating someone who is skilled or experienced in handling and riding horses.
Question: Skilful (5)
ADEPT
ADEPT perfectly describes someone who is highly skilled or proficient in a particular activity or field. It aligns with the idea of being capable and proficient, making it the apt solution for this crossword clue.
Question: --- Baltacha, tennis player (5)
ELENA
The blank space suggests a name, and ELENA fills it appropriately as the name of Elena Baltacha, a former professional tennis player. This answer aligns with the context of the clue, providing the specific name requested.
Question: Stratagems (5)
RUSES
The term Stratagems often refers to cunning tactics or clever maneuvers employed to achieve a particular goal. In the realm of wordplay, a synonym for this could be RUSES, denoting deceptive strategies utilized to outsmart opponents or overcome obstacles in various scenarios.
Question: Toy bear (5)
TEDDY
A Toy bear is a familiar childhood companion, often characterized by its cuddly appearance and comforting presence. When referred to in a crossword puzzle, the answer fittingly becomes TEDDY, a common nickname derived from the name of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was famously associated with the teddy bear.
Question: Pry (4)
NOSE
To Pry implies attempting to forcibly open or separate something, often in a curious or intrusive manner. In crossword puzzle terminology, the concise answer to this clue is NOSE, which humorously reflects the action of prying or poking into matters with one's nose, albeit metaphorically.
Question: Roman goddess (5)
DIANA
In ancient mythology, the Romans worshipped various deities, each representing different aspects of life and nature. One such figure is DIANA, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Within the context of a crossword puzzle, the name serves as a succinct answer to the clue referring to a prominent mythological figure.
Question: Frivolous (5,6)
EMPTYHEADED
Describing something as Frivolous suggests it lacks seriousness or importance, often associated with trivial or inconsequential matters. In the realm of crossword puzzles, the solution fitting this description is EMPTYHEADED, a phrase implying a lack of substantial thoughts or depth, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.
Question: Card game (3)
LOO
Card game leads to the answer LOO. Loo is a simple and popular trick-taking card game usually played with three to seven players. Its name originates from the sound that is made when a player wins a trick.
Question: Hostelries (4)
INNS
Hostelries points to the solution INNS. Inns are establishments where travelers can seek lodging, usually providing accommodations, food, and drink for guests. They have been a staple of hospitality for centuries, offering respite and comfort to weary travelers.
Question: Boasted (6)
CROWED
Boasted corresponds to the answer CROWED. Crowed is the past tense of the verb crow, which means to boast proudly or to express joy or triumph. In the context of the crossword clue, it suggests someone bragging or showing off about something they've achieved.
Question: Resistance unit (3)
OHM
Resistance unit yields the answer OHM. Ohm is the standard unit of electrical resistance in the International System of Units (SI). It is named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm, who made significant contributions to the understanding of electric currents.
Question: Incalculable (11)
MEASURELESS
Incalculable leads to the answer MEASURELESS. Measureless describes something that cannot be measured or quantified due to its vastness, infinity, or abstract nature. It suggests something beyond human comprehension or calculation, emphasizing its immeasurable quality.
Question: Frantic (5)
MANIC
The term Frantic hints at a state of frenzied activity or agitation, succinctly described by the word MANIC, capturing the essence of urgency and intensity often associated with the clue.
Question: Digression (5)
ASIDE
When the crossword poses the challenge of Digression, it's suggesting a departure from the main topic or a wandering from the central narrative. Here, ASIDE fits seamlessly, indicating a brief deviation or tangent within a conversation or text.
Question: Glance over (4)
SCAN
To Glance over implies a quick examination or perusal, a task effectively encapsulated by the word SCAN. This term signifies a rapid but thorough overview, often employed when skimming through written material or surveying a scene.
Question: Mistake (5)
ERROR
Mistake signifies an error or blunder, an incorrect action or judgment. The answer, ERROR, aligns perfectly with this clue, representing a deviation from accuracy or correctness, a misstep in thought or action.
Question: Child (3)
SON
Child calls for a succinct response, one that captures the essence of youth and kinship. In this context, SON stands as the fitting solution, embodying the offspring of a parent, a simple yet resonant answer to the puzzle's query.
Question: Lair (3)
DEN
In a secretive space, where beasts may dwell, lies this three-letter word, often hidden from human sight. Den, a shelter for many creatures, evokes images of safety and seclusion amidst the wilderness.
Question: Off the path (6)
ASTRAY
When wanderers stray from their intended route, they find themselves in a state of uncertainty, captured by this six-letter word. Astray, a notion of deviation, hints at the journey's unexpected turns, leading explorers into uncharted territories.
Question: Wading bird (5)
EGRET
Gracefully navigating shallow waters, this five-letter creature epitomizes elegance and poise. Egret, with its long neck and slender legs, stands as a symbol of natural beauty, often found in marshlands and wetlands.
Question: Thin fabric (5)
VOILE
Delicate and airy, this five-letter material drapes effortlessly, adding a touch of sophistication to attire. Voile, with its sheer texture, offers a blend of softness and translucency, perfect for creating ethereal garments and curtains.
Question: Conical tent (5)
TEPEE
Emblematic of nomadic cultures and outdoor adventures, this five-letter structure provides shelter in remote landscapes. Teepee, with its triangular shape and portable design, reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of indigenous peoples throughout history.
Question: Prepares (4)
SETS
Prepares it's asking for a four-letter word that means getting ready or making arrangements. The answer is SETS, which fits the clue because sets can refer to arrangements or preparations for something, like setting up a table or setting out a plan.
Question: Thread (4)
YARN
Thread is given in a crossword puzzle, it's hinting at a four-letter word that relates to something thin and used for sewing or weaving. The answer is YARN. Yarn is commonly used for knitting or crocheting, and it fits the clue because it's a type of thread often used in textile crafts.
Question: Boundary (3)
END
Boundary is prompting for a three-letter word that signifies a limit or edge of something. The answer is END, which fits the clue because an end marks the boundary or limit of a space or situation, whether it's the end of a journey or the end of a physical boundary.
Question: Couple (3)
DUO
Couple in a crossword puzzle, it's asking for a three-letter word that means a pair or a small number of things or people. The answer is DUO, which fits the clue because a duo refers to a couple or pair of individuals, objects, or elements, indicating two things that are closely associated or grouped together.
