Irish Daily Mail Mailword Small Crossword Answers: April 22, 2024
by Gayathri
Updated Apr 22, 2024
People play crossword puzzles because they're fun and they make your brain work. When you solve puzzles, you learn new words and facts. It's like a game where you find words to fill in boxes. It's a challenge, but it feels good when you finish. You can play crosswords by yourself or with friends.
Breed of horse (4)
ARAB
This clue is asking for a specific breed of horse, and the answer "Arab" refers to an Arabian horse, a breed renowned for its endurance and distinctive appearance. This is a direct definition type of clue where the answer matches the description provided.
Conifer (3)
YEW
The clue directly describes a type of tree, specifically a conifer. "Yew" is a type of coniferous tree known for its hard and durable wood. The clue offers a straightforward definition, with "Yew" fitting precisely to the description.
Fleshy part of ear (4)
LOBE
This clue seeks a word a specific part of the ear. The "lobe" is the lower, fleshy, bulbous part of the human ear.
Jungle Book wolf (5)
AKELA
The clue references a character from Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book." Akela is the leader of the wolf pack that adopts Mowgli, the main character. This requires specific literary knowledge, providing a direct answer based on the description.
Befuddled (2,3)
ATSEA
The phrase "at sea" is a common idiomatic expression meaning to be confused, puzzled, or not understanding what to do, akin to being literally lost at sea. This clue uses a metaphorical meaning to define the state of being befuddled, thus providing an answer that fits both figuratively and literally with the description.
Verdant (5)
LEAFY
The clue "verdant" refers to something green with abundant leaves or foliage. The word "leafy" directly matches this description, as it is typically used to describe an area or thing covered with or having many leaves, thus fitting the definition of being verdant.
Laboratory item (4,4)
TESTTUBE
A "test tube" is a common piece of laboratory equipment used to hold, mix, or heat chemical substances. The clue here is straightforward, as "test tube" directly fits the description of a laboratory item.
Eye diaphragms (6)
IRISES
The iris is the part of the eye that controls the diameter and size of the pupil and thus the amount of light reaching the retina. "Eye diaphragms" describes the function of the iris, which acts similarly to a diaphragm by regulating light intake through its contraction and dilation.
Engine, briefly (4)
LOCO
"Loco" is a shortened form of "locomotive," which is a type of engine, especially one on a train. This clue provides a brief or abbreviated term for an engine, fitting the description well.
Males(3)
MEN
"Men" is the plural form of "man," and it directly refers to adult human males. This clue is a direct and simple definition, with no hidden meanings or wordplay, matching the description succinctly.
Recent (3)
NEW
The clue "Recent" directly refers to something that is new, current, or has just happened or been created. The answer "NEW" is a straightforward synonym for the word "recent," fitting the clue with no additional complexity.
Sporting appearance (3)
CAP
This clue can be interpreted in a couple of ways, but a common understanding is that "CAP" refers to a type of hat often worn in sports, such as a baseball cap. In sports, getting a "cap" also refers to being selected for a team or playing in a game, particularly in international sports like soccer, where each game played is counted as a "cap."
Emend (4)
EDIT
"Emend" means to correct or revise text or written material. "EDIT" is a direct synonym of "emend," representing the process of making changes to text to correct errors, improve accuracy, or update information.
Pressing (6)
URGENT
"Pressing" in this context refers to something that requires immediate attention or action. "URGENT" perfectly encapsulates this meaning, describing a situation or need that is critical and cannot be delayed. It is a straightforward synonym.
Inhale (8)
ASPIRATE
The verb "inhale" means to draw in breath or to breathe in. In a more technical or medical context, "ASPIRATE" involves drawing in a substance, particularly fluids or air, into the respiratory tract when breathing. It can also refer to the act of drawing in air while pronouncing certain sounds, giving the term a dual relevance in both medical and phonetic contexts.
Equal (5)
MATCH
The term "equal" can be synonymous with "match," as in to pair or equate things that are similar or identical in value, quality, or characteristics. The answer "MATCH" fits perfectly as it can mean to pair things that are equals or equivalents.
Adjusted pitch (5)
TUNED
"Adjusted pitch" directly refers to the act of tuning, such as tuning a musical instrument or other device to correct or set its pitch. The word "TUNED" is the past tense of tune, meaning to adjust the pitch, frequency, or tone to the desired level.
Not asleep (5)
AWAKE
"Not asleep" straightforwardly defines the state of being awake, which is the opposite of being asleep. The term "AWAKE" is a direct synonym for this state, capturing the essence of the clue succinctly.
Islamic title (4)
EMIR
An "EMIR" is a title of high office or command within Islamic countries, often used to denote a prince or governor. The clue directly calls for an Islamic title, and "EMIR" fits precisely as a known title in various Islamic contexts.
Sell (3)
PIY
"Sell" generally involves exchanging a product or service for money. The correct answer here seems to be mistyped or misunderstood. The provided answer "PIY" appears incorrect and is likely.
Mineral springs (4)
SPAS
"Mineral springs" are naturally occurring springs that produce water containing minerals which are often beneficial for health. These locations are frequently developed into "spas," places where people can go to relax and receive health treatments, often utilizing the mineral-rich waters.
Modified (7)
ALTERED
The term "Modified" directly means changed or adjusted. The word "ALTERED" fits this description perfectly as it signifies something that has been changed or modified from its original form.
Gioachino ---, composer (7)
ROSSINT
Gioachino Rossini is a famous Italian composer known for his operas. The answer should be "ROSSINI," which correctly fits the seven-letter requirement for the clue.
Assists (5)
ABETS
"Assists" in a context that could imply aiding or helping, particularly in a legal sense, where "abets" means to encourage or assist someone in committing a crime. The answer "ABETS" aligns well with this interpretation.
Defeated (6)
BEATEN
The word "Defeated" clearly describes the state of being beaten, overcome, or defeated in a contest, competition, or battle. "BEATEN" is a straightforward synonym for this state.
Affirmative (3)
YEA
"Affirmative" refers to a response or statement confirming agreement or the truth of a statement. "YEA" is a formal or archaic way of saying yes, used especially in voting. It is a direct answer to signify agreement or affirmation.
Sprite (3)
ELF
A "Sprite" is a mythical creature or fairy-like spirit, and "ELF" perfectly fits this description. Elves are often depicted as small, delicate, pointy-eared beings in folklore and modern fantasy, embodying the characteristics of sprites.
Path (3)
WAY
The term "path" refers to a route or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading. "WAY" is a synonym that captures this meaning, representing a direction, road, or method of doing something.
Priest's long gown (3)
ALB
An "alb" is a long white linen robe with tapered sleeves worn by a priest during liturgical services. This clue specifically points to this vestment, which is part of traditional priestly attire.
Ship's bottom (4)
KEEL
The "keel" is the central structural base of a ship, extending along the whole length of the vessel at the very bottom. It is crucial for stability and structural integrity, fitting the definition of the ship's bottom.
Once upon ---, traditional introduction (1,4)
ATIME
"Once upon a time" is a classic opening line used traditionally in fairy tales and storybooks to introduce a narrative. The clue extracts part of this phrase to fit the puzzle format.
Exhaust (3,2)
USEUP
To "exhaust" means to completely use up the resources or energy of something. "USE UP" perfectly encapsulates this, indicating the depletion or consumption of something until nothing is left.
Pacific region (7)
OCEANIA
Oceania is a geographic region that includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, spanning the eastern and western hemispheres across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This region is aptly named after its major component, the ocean, making "OCEANIA" a fitting response.
Trots (7)
CANTERS
In equestrian terms, "canters" refer to a smooth, three-beat gait of a horse that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. The clue uses "trots" in a broader sense to indicate a type of running or fast movement for horses, even though trotting itself is technically slower than cantering.
Selected (5)
OPTED
"Selected" means to have made a choice from a range of options. "OPTED" directly corresponds to making a selection or choosing something specific. It's a straightforward synonym for the action described in the clue.
Composes (6)
WRITES
"Composes" refers to the act of writing, especially the activity of writing text. "WRITES" is a direct verb that means to form (letters, words, or symbols) on a surface typically with a pen, pencil, or similar tool. It’s a direct match to the verb "composes."
Nail (4)
TACK
The word "nail" in this context is not just a fastening nail but a small, sharp broad-headed nail. "TACK" refers to a small, sharp-pointed nail, usually with a broad, flat head, used especially for affixing material to wood or other surfaces.
Surly type (5)
GRUMP
A "surly type" is a person who is bad-tempered or grumpy. The word "GRUMP" fits perfectly as it describes someone who is habitually sullen or moody.
Feminine pronoun (3)
SHE
"Feminine pronoun" directly points to the pronoun "SHE," which is used to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified.
Survey (3)
MAP
Survey" can refer to various methods of looking at or examining something. In a broader context, it refers to creating or using a map, which represents an area of land or sea showing physical features. Hence, "MAP" can be interpreted as a noun used in the context of surveying an area.
Pointed tool (3)
AWL
An "AWL" is a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather. It fits the description of a "pointed tool" precisely, being commonly used in various crafts for making precise holes.
Scottish river (3)
TAY
The "Tay" is a major river in Scotland, known for being the longest river in Scotland and the seventh-longest in the UK. This clue straightforwardly refers to this geographical feature.
