Know the Answer and its Explanation to The Times Quick Crossword Puzzle for 23rd April 2024
by Sangeetha M
Updated Apr 23, 2024
Crossword puzzles can be big or small and easy or hard. You find easy ones in newspapers and harder ones in books or online. They're fun and help you get better at words, figuring things out, and seeing patterns. These cross
A rifle I'd misused where planes observed
AIRFIELD
"A rifle I'd misused where planes observed" leads to "AIRFIELD", suggesting a location where aircraft take off and land. The phrase implies the misuse of a rifle in the vicinity of where airplanes are monitored, hinting at a specific area associated with aviation activities.
Carbon in wrought iron is for cutter
INCISOR
"Carbon in wrought iron is for cutter" corresponds to "INCISOR", indicating a type of tooth used for cutting or biting. It suggests the presence of carbon within wrought iron, which is a component of steel often used in dental instruments like cutters or incisors.
Certain cadre, unfortunately, locked up
INCARCERATED
"Certain cadre, unfortunately, locked up" leads to "INCARCERATED", suggesting the confinement or imprisonment of a specific group or cadre. It implies an unfortunate circumstance where individuals are locked away or detained, highlighting the act of being incarcerated or held in custody.
Cold, cold incline
CHILL
"Cold, cold incline" clues to "CHILL", indicating a feeling of coldness or a decrease in temperature. It suggests a chilly or frigid atmosphere, possibly involving a slope or incline that accentuates the sensation of coldness.
Daft bird
CUCKOO
"Daft bird" leads to "CUCKOO", referring to a type of bird known for its distinctive call. It suggests a bird characterized by unusual or eccentric behavior, often associated with the cuckoo's habit of laying eggs in the nests of other bird species.
English work in Haiti destroyed country
ETHIOPIA
"English work in Haiti destroyed country" corresponds to "ETHIOPIA", indicating a nation that has experienced significant devastation or destruction. The phrase suggests the involvement of English individuals or efforts within Haiti leading to the ruin or downfall of a country, hinting at the name of another nation affected.
Evidently unhappy employee, one observing hands on face?
clock-watcher
"Evidently unhappy employee, one observing hands on face?" leads to "clock-watcher", suggesting an individual who constantly monitors the time, especially while at work. It implies an employee who appears unhappy or dissatisfied, as indicated by their habit of watching the clock, often symbolized by placing their hands on their face in boredom or frustration.
Extraordinary dormice: tail on one is ordinary
MEDIOCRE
"Extraordinary dormice: tail on one is ordinary" hints at a comparison between two dormice, one of which is extraordinary and the other ordinary. "MEDIOCRE" fits this description, indicating that the tail on one of the dormice is ordinary, suggesting a lack of distinction or excellence compared to the extraordinary dormouse.
Failure, something for Christmas dinner
TURKEY
"Failure, something for Christmas dinner" suggests a symbol of disappointment or inadequacy, particularly in the context of a holiday meal. "TURKEY" completes this phrase, representing both a bird commonly associated with Christmas dinners and a colloquial term for a person or thing considered a failure or disappointment.
Flier, bit of a laugh
LARK
"Flier, bit of a laugh" implies a humorous or amusing activity involving flying. "LARK" embodies this concept, representing a playful or enjoyable experience, often involving light-hearted fun or mischief, akin to the carefree antics of a bird in flight.
Hotpot not dry’s served up
STEW
"Hotpot not dry’s served up" hints at the preparation and serving of a moist, stew-like dish. "STEW" completes this phrase, representing a type of hotpot that is not dry, but rather moist and cooked in a savory broth or sauce, typically consisting of meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Lifeless piece of theatre nicely turned around
INERT
"Lifeless piece of theatre nicely turned around" suggests a reversal or transformation of a dull or uninteresting theatrical production. "INERT" fits this description, indicating that the lifeless piece of theater has been nicely turned around or revitalized, perhaps through innovative staging or dynamic performances.
Long fish eaten by small fish without effort
FREELY
"Long fish eaten by small fish without effort" describes a scenario where a smaller fish effortlessly consumes a larger one. "FREELY" completes this phrase, suggesting that the smaller fish is able to eat the longer fish without any hindrance or difficulty, indicating a sense of ease or freedom in the process.
Mammal after insect, one of two on the field?
cricket bat
"Mammal after insect, one of two on the field?" hints at a creature found on a sports field, involving an insect and a mammal. "cricket bat" completes this phrase, representing one of the two objects found on a cricket field, along with the cricket ball, and hinting at the sport of cricket through the mention of the cricket bat.
Mean line for painter of matchstick men
LOWRY
"Mean line for painter of matchstick men" implies a derogatory or disparaging comment directed towards a painter known for his depictions of industrial landscapes and figures. "LOWRY" completes this phrase, referring to L.S. Lowry, the artist famous for his paintings of industrial scenes and "matchstick men," often criticized for his simplistic style by some.
Measure monarch, for example
RULER
Measure monarch, for example: This clue hints at a tool used for measuring length or distance, with a subtle nod to a ruler's title. The answer is "RULER," representing both a measuring device and a person in a position of authority, like a monarch.
Metal tin, a lump processed
PLATINUM
Metal tin, a lump processed: Here, we're thinking about a precious metal often used in jewelry and industrial applications, described through its composition and processing. The answer is "PLATINUM," representing a dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal prized for its rarity and durability.
Rogue operation in effect
IMPACT
Rogue operation in effect: This clue suggests an action or event that has a significant influence or consequence, perhaps carried out in a deceitful or unauthorized manner. The answer is "IMPACT," representing the effect or impression resulting from a particular action or event, especially when unexpected or unintended.
Room where Barbie's boyfriend entertains desire
KITCHEN
Room where Barbie's boyfriend entertains desire: This hints at a location where a popular doll's companion might engage in cooking or culinary pursuits, coupled with a subtle reference to desire. The answer is "KITCHEN," representing the area in a home where food is prepared and cooked, often associated with desire or appetite.
Rubbish garment
PANTS
Rubbish garment: Here, we're considering a piece of clothing that is of poor quality or unfashionable. The answer is "PANTS," representing a garment worn on the lower part of the body, often used colloquially to describe something undesirable or ineffective.
Shabby hat worn by that man
CHEAP
Shabby hat worn by that man: This describes a worn or inferior head covering worn by a specific individual. The answer is "CHEAP," representing something of low cost or quality, often used to describe items that are shabby or inferior.
Smooch: a little peck is similar
KISS
Smooch: a little peck is similar: This clue suggests a term for a light affectionate touch with the lips, drawing a comparison to a small bird's action. The answer is "KISS," representing an act of showing affection or love by pressing one's lips against another person or object.
Source of bait that's a big issue?
can of worms
Source of bait that's a big issue?: Here, we're thinking about something that can provoke controversy or create significant problems, described metaphorically as a container of bait. The answer is "can of worms," representing a situation or topic that, once opened or addressed, leads to numerous difficulties or complications.
Wind up, containers knocked over
STOP
Wind up, containers knocked over: This describes the action of completing or finishing something, depicted as the reversal or overturning of containers. The answer is "STOP," representing the act of bringing something to an end or cessation, often symbolized by halting or overturning containers.
