Metro Cryptic Crossword Answers for 21st March 2024
by Abisha
Updated Mar 21, 2024
Metro Cryptic crosswords are popular crosswords that you can find online. These crosswords will have complex clues that need lateral thinking. Try to solve today’s crossword on your own. If you need help with any clues, you can check our page to solve them
Carmen has to invite performers around, but it's useless (11)
INOPERATIVE
"Carmen" suggests an opera. "Has to invite performers" could indicate an anagram of "Carmen has to," which is "INOPERATIVE." "But it's useless" serves as a definition of the solution.
Reversing chromosome constituent can be a plus (3)
AND
"Reversing chromosome constituent" suggests reversing the letters of "DNA," which gives "AND." "Can be a plus" suggests that "AND" can also represent the plus sign.
Star writer has a complicated problem (9)
PENTANGLE
"Star writer" hints at "pent" (as in "pentagram"), which is a type of star. "Complicated problem" suggests an anagram of "problem," which is "PENTANGLE," a type of geometric figure.
English in dire trouble, getting a duck (5)
EIDER
"English" stands for the letter "E." "Dire trouble" suggests that "dire" contains the letters "D" and "I." Putting "English" (E) inside "dire trouble" (ID) gives "EIDER," which is a type of duck.
Concerned with the origins of writer Jean, I note (7)
GENETIC
"Origins of writer Jean" refers to the first part of "Jean," which is "GENE." "I note" suggests adding the letter "I." Combining "GENE" and "I" gives "GENETIC," which is concerned with origins or heredity.
Circles the sphere it is following (6)
ORBITS
"Circles the sphere" suggests orbiting, which is what objects in space do around a celestial body such as a planet or star. "It is following" indicates that the word refers to something following a path around another object, fitting the definition of ORBITS.
Returning first class by rail, with article to the Middle East (6)
ARABIA
"Returning" suggests a reversal. "First class" could be AB (as in top class), and "rail" suggests RA. Putting AB (first class) reversed (BA), together with RA, and adding "the" (an article), gives ARABIA, a region in the Middle East.
Tricks with parents' manoeuvres (7)
ENTRAPS
"Tricks" is a hint that this clue might involve deception. "Parents' manoeuvres" suggests that "parents" might be "P" and "manoeuvres" might be "ARTS". Putting "parents" (P) around "manoeuvres" (ARTS) gives ENTRAPS, meaning deceives or ensnares.
Correct people to appear in the commercial (5)
AMEND
"Correct" suggests that something needs to be fixed. "People" could be MEN, and "commercial" could be AD. Putting "people" (MEN) inside "commercial" (AD) gives AMEND, meaning to make corrections or improvements.
Group of conspirators have a new role for the Spanish gentleman (9)
CABALLERO
"Group of conspirators" refers to a cabal. "Have a new role" suggests an anagram of "a new role," which is "CABALLERO," a term for a Spanish gentleman.
Animal from classical literature (3)
ASS
"Classical literature" often refers to ancient texts. In many classical works, such as Aesop's fables or Greek mythology, the "ASS" is a common animal character, known for its stubbornness or comedic role.
Hunter's hat (11)
DEERSTALKER
A "deerstalker" is a type of hat traditionally associated with deer hunters, especially the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. It's composed of "DEER," referring to the hunted animal, and "STALKER," indicating someone who hunts or pursues.
Fellow returns to show agreement (3)
NOD
"Fellow" suggests the use of "ON," which is "NO" in reverse or returning. "To show agreement" implies a nod of the head, which is represented by the word "NOD."
A personal assistant for each daily (5)
PAPER
"A personal assistant" can be abbreviated to "PA." When you combine "PA" with "per" (for each), you get "PAPER," which can refer to a daily newspaper or journal.
Go back when Mr Kelly returns in the custody of sappers (6)
RENEGE
"Mr. Kelly" reversed is "YK," and "sappers" suggests the abbreviation "RE" (Royal Engineers). Putting "YK" inside "RE" gives "RENEGE," which means to go back on a promise or commitment.
Coach's shoe (7)
TRAINER
A "trainer" is a type of shoe commonly worn by coaches or sports trainers. It's a double definition clue where "coach's shoe" and "trainer" both refer to the same footwear.
Victory in Europe was attainable for the green representative (9)
VEGETABLE
Evil local men meet Eve in confusion (11)
MALEVOLENCE
MALEVOLENCE (11 letters) captures the essence of the clue. It describes the quality of being cruel and wishing to do harm, which aligns with the concept of evil local men causing chaos.
His men cared badly for goods (11)
MERCHANDISE
Society girl has a list that can be discussed (9)
DEBATABLE
Retail problems put right by an advertisement (7)
TRAILER
"Retail problems" suggest the word "TRAIL." "Put right" implies the reversal of the word, which gives "TRAILER." An advertisement often comes in the form of a "trailer" for a movie or product.
Declare a sure winner, say (6)
ASSERT
"Declare" is a synonym for "assert." "A sure winner, say" hints at the definition of "assert," which means to state something confidently or forcefully.
A tax for an island (5)
ATOLL
An "ATOLL" is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets. "A tax" phonetically sounds like "ATOLL," providing a cryptic definition.
The flier's a card (3)
ACE
An "ACE" is a playing card with a single symbol on it, often representing the highest value in card games. It also refers to someone who excels at something or is highly skilled, akin to a "flier" in a particular field.
