March 26, 2024: Solution To The Metro Cryptic Crossword
by Niranjani
Updated Mar 26, 2024
Ready to sharpen your brain in just a few minutes? The Metro Cryptic Crossword is the perfect daily crossword puzzle , perfect for busy schedules. Never underestimate its power. Expect sharp clues and a challenge that lives up to The Times name.
Bail out a ship before it's broken to pieces (6)
Answer: ASSIST
To "assist" means to help or support someone or something in need. In the context of the clue, "bail out a ship before it's broken to pieces," the term suggests providing aid or support to a ship in distress before it is damaged beyond repair. So, when the question describes helping a ship before it's broken to pieces and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "assist."
One who won't allow this kind of headline (6)
Answer: BANNER
A "banner" can refer to a headline or title displayed prominently at the top of a newspaper or website. In the context of the clue, "one who won't allow this kind of headline," the term suggests someone who prohibits or disallows certain types of headlines. So, when the question describes someone who won't allow a particular headline and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "banner."
Instrument shown by a publication in the States (8,5)
Answer: AMERICAN ORGAN
"American organ" refers to a musical instrument, specifically a type of organ, that is associated with the United States. In the context of the clue, "instrument shown by a publication in the States," the term suggests a type of organ that is featured or showcased in American publications or media. So, when the question describes a musical instrument associated with the United States and asks for an eight-letter word followed by a five-letter word, the answer is "American organ."
Supports grips on the ascent? (7)
Answer: UPHOLDS
"Upholds" means to support or maintain something in a raised or elevated position. In the context of the clue, "supports grips on the ascent," the term suggests providing support or stability while climbing or ascending. So, when the question describes supporting grips on the ascent and asks for a seven-letter word, the answer is "upholds."
The sum to put back in incomplete account (5)
Answer: TOTAL
"Total" refers to the sum or aggregate of multiple numbers or amounts. In the context of the clue, "the sum to put back in incomplete account," it suggests adding up or totaling the amounts in an incomplete account. So, when the question mentions the sum to put back and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "total."
Expert to make a quip (5)
Answer: CRACK
"Crack" can mean a sharp or witty remark or a quip made by an expert. In the context of the clue, "expert to make a quip," it implies someone skilled at making witty remarks. So, when the question describes an expert making a quip and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "crack."
Part of 9 Across to take around for sale, we hear (5)
Answer: PEDAL
"Pedal" refers to a part of a bicycle or other vehicle that is used for propulsion by the feet. In the context of the clue, "to take around for sale, we hear," it suggests a homophone clue where "pedal" sounds like "peddle," which means to sell goods or promote something. So, when the question mentions part of 9 Across (which is "Total") to take around for sale and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "pedal."
Literally the last part of a frolicsome game (5)
Answer: OMEGA
"Omega" is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. In the context of the clue, "literally the last part," it refers to the literal last letter. The term "frolicsome game" suggests a playful or enjoyable activity. So, when the question describes the last part of a frolicsome game and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "omega.
Concerned with seeing dilapidated coal pit (7)
Answer: OPTICAL
"Optical" refers to anything related to or involving sight or vision. In the context of the clue, "concerned with seeing dilapidated coal pit," it suggests something related to vision or sight. So, when the question describes being concerned with seeing and asks for a seven-letter word, the answer is "optical."
Female in a firm situation (13)
Answer: BUSINESSWOMAN
"Businesswoman" refers to a woman who is engaged in business activities or who holds a position of authority in a business firm. In the context of the clue, "female in a firm situation," it suggests a woman working in a corporate or business environment. So, when the question describes a female in a firm situation and asks for a thirteen-letter word, the answer is "businesswoman."
Somehow let's involve America in the conflict (6)
Answer: TUSSLE
"Tussle" refers to a vigorous struggle or scuffle, often involving physical contact or wrestling. In the context of the clue, "let's involve America in the conflict," it suggests a word meaning a conflict or struggle, with "America" somehow involved in it. So, when the question describes involving America in the conflict and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "tussle."
Polish, maybe - certainly European! (6)
Answer: FRENCH
"French" can refer to the French language or anything related to France or its culture. In the context of the clue, "polish, maybe - certainly European," it suggests a word that could mean "polish" and is definitely European. So, when the question describes something possibly related to polish and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "French."
Strings of beads on the counter (6)
Answer: ABACUS
An "abacus" is a counting tool consisting of beads arranged on rods or wires within a frame. It is used for performing arithmetic calculations by sliding the beads along the rods. In the context of the clue, "strings of beads on the counter," it describes the physical appearance of an abacus, where beads are arranged in rows or strings on a counter-like surface. So, when the question mentions strings of beads and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "abacus."
Females on the farm associated with crooks (13)
Answer: SHEPHERDESSES
"Shepherdesses" refers to women who work as shepherds, caring for and tending to flocks of sheep. In the context of the clue, "females on the farm associated with crooks," it suggests women who work with sheep and are associated with the crooks or staffs traditionally used by shepherds. So, when the question describes females associated with crooks and asks for a thirteen-letter word, the answer is "shepherdesses."
Used by the spirit producer to this day (5)
Answer: STILL
A "still" is a device used by spirit producers to distill liquids, such as alcohol, to increase their purity and strength. In the context of the clue, "used by the spirit producer to this day," it refers to the ongoing use of the still in the production of spirits. So, when the question mentions a device used by spirit producers and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "still."
Kind of spoon to slop tea all over the place! (7)
Answer: APOSTLE
An "apostle spoon" is a type of spoon featuring a figural handle depicting one of the Twelve Apostles. In the context of the clue, "kind of spoon to slop tea all over the place," it refers to a spoon with a decorative handle that could be used carelessly, potentially slopping tea. So, when the question describes a kind of spoon and asks for a seven-letter word, the answer is "apostle."
He's not unemployed, but he never does a day's work (13)
Answer: NIGHTWATCHMAN
A "nightwatchman" is a person employed to guard a building or property during the night, typically when it is vacant. In the context of the clue, "he's not unemployed, but he never does a day's work," it suggests someone who is technically employed but rarely has any significant work to do, especially during the day. So, when the question describes a person who never does a day's work and asks for a thirteen-letter word, the answer is "nightwatchman."
To annoy the French with military status (6)
Answer: RANKLE
"Rankle" means to cause resentment or irritation, typically over time. In the context of the clue, "to annoy the French with military status," it suggests causing annoyance or irritation to the French, possibly related to military ranks or status. So, when the question describes annoying the French with military status and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "rankle."
An address given by the minister (5)
Answer: MANSE
A "manse" is a house provided by a church for its minister, pastor, or clergy to live in. In the context of the clue, "an address given by the minister," it refers to the residence or dwelling associated with the minister of a church. So, when the question mentions an address given by the minister and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "manse."
Camouflaged hole near such a repository for bones (7,5)
Answer: CHARNEL HOUSE
"charnel house" is a building or vault where human bones are stored, especially those that have been exhumed from graves. In the context of the clue, "camouflaged hole near such a repository for bones," it suggests a place where bones are kept, possibly hidden or disguised. So, when the question describes a camouflaged hole near such a repository for bones and asks for a seven-letter word followed by a five-letter word, the answer is "charnel house."
Make a close search at the contest (6)
Answer: COMBAT
"Combat" refers to a fight or struggle between individuals or groups. In the context of the clue, "make a close search at the contest," it suggests engaging in a close and intense struggle or competition. So, when the question describes making a close search at the contest and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "combat."
Get to grips to settle a deal (6)
Answer: CLINCH
"Clinch" means to secure or settle something decisively, especially by taking a firm grip or control over it. In the context of the clue, "get to grips to settle a deal," it suggests reaching an agreement or conclusion by firmly grasping or controlling the situation. So, when the question describes settling a deal by getting to grips and asks for a six-letter word, the answer is "clinch."
Prominent structure we located in rocky height (5)
Answer: TOWER
A "tower" is a tall, narrow structure that rises prominently above its surroundings. In the context of the clue, "prominent structure we located in rocky height," it suggests a tall structure located on a rocky elevation or height. So, when the question describes a prominent structure located in rocky height and asks for a five-letter word, the answer is "tower."
