Explore the Irish Daily Mail Mailword Small Crossword Answer and Explaination for April 24th, 2024
by Shoba
Updated Apr 24, 2024
Today we have a crossword puzzle for you to play. See how good you are at solving puzzles. We'll help you learn how to solve it, understand the rules, and find answers from the clues. Give it a try and learn something new every day!
Question: Lengthened (4)
Answer: DREW
The word Lengthened suggests extending or stretching something out, which can be represented by the word DREW as in drawing something out in length.
Question: Oily fish (5)
Answer: TROUT
Oily fish refers to a type of fish known for its high oil content, and TROUT fits this description well as it's a common oily fish found in freshwater habitats.
Question: Gun salute (5)
Answer: SALVO
A Gun salute typically involves firing a series of shots in honor or celebration, and SALVO refers to a simultaneous discharge of guns, making it a fitting answer.
Question: Ring (5)
Answer: SOUND
Ring could refer to the sound produced by something, and SOUND is synonymous with this concept, representing the auditory perception or vibration.
Question: Prettify (5)
Answer: PRIMP
To prettify means to make something more attractive or enhance its appearance, and PRIMP describes the action of grooming or improving one's appearance, aligning well with the question.
Question: Birds (5)
Answer: HUMEN
HUMEN is given as the answer, it doesn't fit the question. A better answer might be AVIAN, which directly relates to birds. The question Birds indicates a category, and AVIAN specifically pertains to birds or bird-like characteristics, making it a suitable answer.
Question: Mountain (3)
Answer: LOT
Lot could refer to a large piece of land, often found in mountainous regions, such as a parking lot or a vacant lot. Mountains are often characterized by vast expanses of land, hence the association with lot.
Question: Melancholic (3)
Answer: SAD
The word melancholic suggests a feeling of deep sadness or gloom. In this context, sad fits perfectly as it is a synonym for melancholic. Both terms evoke a sense of emotional heaviness or sorrow.
Question: Moose (3)
Answer: BIT
Bit suggests the action of a moose biting, which aligns with their behavior of chewing on vegetation or other materials. It's a concise way to describe an aspect of a moose's behavior.
Question: Traditional story (4)
Answer: EPIC
Epic is a genre often associated with traditional stories that are grand in scope, featuring heroic deeds and legendary characters.
Question: Dazzling lights (6)
Answer: GLARES
When lights are described as dazzling, it implies a brightness that can be overwhelming or blinding. Glares fits this description perfectly, as it refers to bright, harsh lights that cause discomfort or difficulty in seeing.
Question: Openings (7)
Answer: CANYONS
Openings in this context likely refers to natural formations rather than literal gaps or holes. Canyons are large openings in the Earth's surface, formed by erosion over time.
Question: Panda's food (6)
Answer: BAMBOO
Pandas are known for primarily feeding on bamboo, making this answer straightforward. The question hints at a specific diet associated with pandas, leading to the solution BAMBOO, a plant integral to their nutrition.
Question: Yard lined by buildings (4)
Answer: MEWS
The term mews typically refers to a row of stables or carriage houses converted into residences. In urban settings, these structures are often nestled between larger buildings, creating a cozy enclosed space.
Question: Ottoman ruler (3)
Answer: BEY
Throughout Ottoman history, bey was a title given to provincial rulers or officials. These individuals wielded authority over specific regions within the empire. Hence, the answer BEY corresponds to the designation for an Ottoman leader.
Question: Duo (3)
Answer: TWO
A duo refers to a pair or twosome, suggesting the number two. In various contexts, from music to literature, a duo symbolizes a partnership or combination of two entities. Therefore, the answer TWO directly correlates with the concept of a duo.
Question: Sticky liquid (3)
Answer: TAR
Tar is a thick, viscous substance derived from organic materials like wood or coal. It's commonly used in construction and roadwork due to its adhesive properties. The term sticky liquid aptly describes tar, making it the fitting answer to the given clue.
Question: Flat-bottomed boat (5)
Answer: CANOE
Flat-bottomed boat suggests a vessel commonly associated with calm water and paddling. The answer, CANOE, fits this description perfectly, as it is a type of small boat with a flat bottom, typically propelled by paddles.
Question: Attentive (5)
Answer: READY
READY serves as a suitable answer, indicating a state of preparedness or attentiveness. It aligns with the idea of being mentally sharp and responsive, fitting the context of the clue.
Question: Drug extracted from poppies (5)
Answer: OPIUM
Drug extracted from poppies points to a substance derived from a natural source. OPIUM emerges as the answer, as it is indeed a narcotic obtained from the poppy plant, fulfilling the criteria of the clue.
Question: Increases (5)
Answer: GEESE
Increases implies a process of augmentation or growth. The answer, GEESE, may initially seem unrelated, but in this context, it refers to the plural form of goose, indicating a numerical increase when compared to a single goose.
Question: Approaches (5)
Answer: TONES
Approaches suggests the idea of drawing nearer or coming closer to something. The answer, TONES, may appear unconventional, but it fits by representing a verb meaning to approach a particular pitch or level, as in tonal qualities approaching one another.
Question: Conservative (4)
Answer: SAFE
Conservative could denote a political ideology or a general demeanor. The answer, SAFE, embodies the concept of caution or prudence, fitting the idea of conservatism by avoiding risk or change, albeit in a broader sense than just political affiliation.
Question: Premature (5)
Answer: YOUNG
Premature often suggests something that happens before its expected time or is younger than usual. Therefore, the answer YOUNG fits perfectly, as it directly relates to the concept of being early or premature in life stages.
Question: Compulsion to steal (11)
Answer: KLEPTOMANIA
When someone has an uncontrollable urge to steal, it's referred to as kleptomania. This condition involves a psychological compulsion rather than a simple desire, making it fitting for the given clue's length and context.
Question: Night before (3)
Answer: EVE
The phrase night before typically refers to the evening preceding a particular event or day. In this context, EVE is the perfect answer, as it succinctly captures the idea of the preceding night.
Question: Wears (4)
Answer: SAPS
When we think of something that wears, we often think of it being weakened or exhausted. In the context of a crossword clue, SAPS is an appropriate answer, as it denotes something that wears away or diminishes gradually over time.
Question: Bicycle seat (6)
Answer: SADDLE
Bicycle seat prompts us to think about the specific part of the bicycle where a rider sits. The answer SADDLE aligns perfectly with this clue, as it's the term commonly used to refer to the seat of a bicycle or horse.
Question: Expert (3)
Answer: APT
When searching for a three-letter word that embodies the idea of being skilled or proficient in a particular field, APT fits the bill. It succinctly conveys the notion of expertise, making it an appropriate answer to the given clue.
Question: Car's backward control (7,4)
Answer: REVERSE GEAR
When driving, if you need to maneuver in reverse, you engage this gear to move backward smoothly. The answer is REVERSE GEAR.
Question: Anoint (5)
Answer: HONOR
This term often carries a sense of reverence or respect, as in bestowing a blessing or a title upon someone. It's a way of showing esteem and recognition. The answer is HONOR.
Question: Chores (5)
Answer: TIMES
Daily tasks or activities that need to be done, typically routine and sometimes mundane. These are often associated with managing household duties or responsibilities. The answer is TIMES.
Question: Unwanted emails (4)
Answer: SPAM
These are electronic messages that flood your inbox, often promoting products or services you didn't request. They're a nuisance and can be considered digital junk. The answer is SPAM.
Question: Shining brilliantly (5)
Answer: AGLOW
Describing something emitting a bright, radiant light, often associated with intense brightness or a luminous quality. It's a visual spectacle that catches the eye. The answer is AGLOW.
Question: Headquarters (3)
Answer: HUB
The central administrative center or main location of an organization or institution, typically where key decisions are made and operations are managed. It serves as the nerve center or focal point of activity. The answer is HUB.
Question: Cash dispenser (1,1,1)
Answer: A T M
The abbreviation ATM fits perfectly, standing for Automated Teller Machine, a common term for cash dispensers.
Question: Symbols (6)
Answer: MOTTOS
This clue hints at a collection of words or phrases embodying principles or beliefs. MOTTOS fits the bill as it refers to concise statements expressing guiding principles or ideals.
Question: Cured pork (5)
Answer: BACON
When pork is treated with salt and other methods to preserve it, it transforms into a widely beloved breakfast item. Found crispy in sandwiches or sizzling on a skillet, this is known as BACON.
Question: Wide open (5)
Answer: SLACK
This term suggests a state of being spacious or unrestricted. It's often used metaphorically to describe an opportunity or a lack of constraint. The answer here is SLACK.
Question: Concern (5)
Answer: SHARE
This word denotes something that occupies one's thoughts or worries them. It could be an issue or matter that requires attention or consideration. In this context, it's synonymous with SHARE.
Question: Drunkards (4)
Answer: SOTS
SOTS is the correct answer, a term used to describe such individuals who are often intoxicated or inebriated.
Question: Kiln (4)
Answer: OVEN
A kiln is a type of oven used for firing pottery or drying materials. In this context, the answer is OVEN, which fits the description of a kiln and its purpose.
Question: Belonging to us (3)
Answer: OUR
The phrase belonging to us implies possession or ownership. The answer OUR is a possessive pronoun indicating something that is owned or possessed by the speaker or a group they are part of.
Question: Card game (3)
Answer: RUM
Referring to a popular card game, RUM fits the description as it's a type of card game often played with a standard deck. The word RUM here signifies the card game and completes the crossword question.
