Otago Daily Times Quick Answers and Explanations for April 12, 2024
by Abisha
Updated Apr 12, 2024
Crossword puzzles are great for getting better at words and learning new ones. They are tricky, but they teach you new words. You get clues, and you fill in a grid with the right words. People who like crosswords enjoy them because they have many different puzzles and hints.
In a manner lacking energy (13)
Answer: LETHARGICALLY
Lethargically" is an adverb derived from the adjective "lethargic," which means lacking in energy or enthusiasm, feeling sluggish or drowsy. The adverb form describes how something is done in a manner that reflects a lack of energy or vitality. The clue "in a manner lacking energy" directly suggests the concept of sluggishness or lack of energy, which fits the definition of "lethargically."
Collect discarded material (8)
Answer: SCAVENGE
To scavenge means to search for or collect discarded items or materials, often for survival or reuse. It involves gathering things that others have discarded or left behind. The act of scavenging is commonly associated with scavenger animals like vultures or with individuals collecting items from trash or waste. The clue "collect discarded material" perfectly describes the action of scavenging, which involves gathering discarded or leftover items.
Alleviate (4)
Answer: HELP
To help means to make things easier or better for someone, to provide assistance or support to alleviate their difficulties or problems. The act of helping can involve various forms of aid or support, such as offering guidance, providing resources, or lending a hand in times of need. The clue "alleviate" suggests the idea of reducing or easing someone's burden, which aligns with the concept of helping
Captures (6)
Answer: TRACKS
While "captures" can have various meanings depending on the context, in this case, it refers to recording or monitoring the movements or activities of something or someone. "Tracks" can refer to footprints or marks left behind by someone or something, but it can also metaphorically imply recording or following someone's actions or progress. The clue "captures" hints at the idea of recording or monitoring, which fits the concept of "tracks" in the context of keeping tabs on someone or something
Refuge (6)
Answer: SHIELD
A shield can be a refuge or a form of protection from harm or danger. In a literal sense, a shield is a defensive tool used to block attacks and provide safety for the wielder. Figuratively, "shield" can represent protection or refuge from various threats or challenges. The clue "refuge" suggests the idea of seeking safety or protection, which aligns with the concept of a shield.
Strike (3)
Answer: NIX
Nix" is a colloquial term meaning to veto or reject something, often abruptly or decisively. In this context, "strike" can imply taking action or making a decision, which aligns with the meaning of "nix" as a verb meaning to reject or invalidate something. The clue "strike" hints at the idea of making a decisive move or decision, which fits the concept of "nix."
Accept without proof (6)
Answer: ASSUME
To assume means to take something for granted or accept it as true without necessarily having proof or evidence. It involves making an inference or jumping to a conclusion based on limited information or intuition. The clue "accept without proof" directly suggests the concept of assuming something to be true or valid without requiring concrete evidence.
Implants (6)
Answer: DRILLS
In this context, "drills" refers to the action of implanting or inserting something into a surface or material by drilling holes. It could refer to the process of installing implants, such as dental implants or surgical implants, where holes are drilled into the bone or tissue to secure the implant in place. The clue "implants" hints at the action of inserting or affixing something, which aligns with the concept of "drills" as a verb describing the process.
Bill of fare (4)
Answer: MENU
A menu is a list of dishes available in a restaurant or eating establishment, typically accompanied by their prices. It serves as a guide for customers to select what they want to order. The clue "bill of fare" is a synonym for a menu, as both terms refer to a list of food and drink options available at a restaurant or dining venue.
Children (8)
Answer: SAPLINGS
Saplings are young trees, typically those that have recently sprouted from seeds or have been transplanted. They are in the early stages of growth and development, similar to young children. The clue "children" suggests the concept of youth or immaturity, which aligns with the definition of saplings as young and developing trees.
Moody (13)
Answer: SHORT TEMPERED
Being short-tempered means having a tendency to become easily angered or irritable, often in response to minor provocations. It describes someone who has a quick or volatile temper and may react impulsively or aggressively in certain situations. The clue "moody" suggests the idea of temperament or emotional disposition, which fits the description of someone who is short-tempered.
Comes down (8)
Answer: DESCENDS
To descend means to move downward or to lower oneself from a higher position to a lower one. It can refer to physical movement, such as descending a staircase or descending from a mountain peak. Figuratively, it can also imply a decrease or decline in something, such as descending from a position of power or authority. The clue "comes down" suggests the action of moving downward or lowering oneself, which aligns with the concept of descending.
Tremble (6)
Answer: CAREEN
While "careen" might not be the most intuitive answer for "tremble" at first glance, it can indeed be associated with an unsteady or swaying movement, which can evoke a sense of trembling or instability. "Careen" can mean to tilt or sway from side to side, often uncontrollably. While it's not a direct synonym for "tremble," it does convey a similar sense of unsteadiness or movement, which fits the clue.
Smile (4)
Answer: GLOW
A smile can indeed be described as a "glow" on someone's face. While it's not the most conventional synonym for "smile," it does capture the radiant and joyful expression associated with a smile. When someone smiles, their face often lights up with warmth and happiness, which can be likened to a gentle glow. In this context, "glow" serves as a metaphorical representation of a smile.
Free (8)
Answer: LAID BACK
To be "laid back" means to be relaxed, calm, and unconcerned about stress or worry. It suggests a sense of freedom from the constraints of anxiety or tension. While "laid back" might not be the most obvious choice for "free" in the sense of not being restricted or restrained, it does capture the idea of freedom in terms of attitude and demeanor. A person who is laid back is often perceived as carefree and easygoing.
Recently (6)
Answer: AFRESH
Afresh" means anew or once more, indicating something that has happened or occurred recently or again. While it's not the most common adverb used to indicate recency, it does convey the sense of freshness or newness associated with recent events. The clue "recently" suggests the idea of something happening in the near past or occurring again, which aligns with the meaning of "afresh.
Beers (4)
Answer: FATS
This might seem a bit tricky at first, but in this context, "beers" refers to the slang term for someone who is overweight or has a beer belly. "Fats" is a word commonly associated with excess weight or obesity, particularly when referring to body fat. While "beers" could be interpreted as referring to the alcoholic beverage, in this crossword clue, it's used metaphorically to suggest the idea of excess weight, which aligns with the concept of "fats."
Takes cover (8)
Answer: SHELTERS
To take cover means to seek refuge or protection from danger or harm, typically by finding a place of shelter. "Shelters" refers to places or structures that provide protection or refuge from adverse conditions, such as shelters from rain, wind, or attacks. The clue "takes cover" suggests the action of seeking refuge, which fits the concept of "shelters" as places of protection.
Proceeding (5,3)
Answer: UNDER WAY
This phrase means in progress or in motion, typically describing something that has started and is now proceeding or advancing. "Under way" is commonly used in various contexts to indicate that an activity or process has commenced and is now underway. The clue "proceeding" suggests the idea of something in progress or happening, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of "under way."
Takes by force (6)
Answer: WRESTS
To wrest means to forcibly take something away from someone, often through physical struggle or exertion of strength. It implies seizing or capturing something by overcoming resistance or opposition. The clue "takes by force" suggests the action of seizing something through coercion or physical effort, which fits the concept of "wrests" as a verb meaning to take forcibly.
Fit in (6)
Answer: COHERE
To cohere means to be united or connected in a logical or consistent manner. In the context of "fit in," it suggests the idea of something blending or integrating well with its surroundings or within a group. When something coheres, it fits in seamlessly or harmoniously with other elements. The clue "fit in" suggests the concept of something joining or integrating with others, which aligns with the meaning of "cohere" as being united or connected.
Always (4)
Answer: EVER
"Ever" is an adverb that denotes at all times or at any time. It suggests the idea of permanence or continuous existence, emphasizing that something is true or applicable in all circumstances or throughout all time. The clue "always" directly points to the concept of perpetual existence or continuity, which fits the definition of "ever" as an adverb denoting constant or unchanging presence.
Moist (4)
Answer: OILY
While "oily" might not immediately seem synonymous with "moist," it does describe something that is damp or greasy. In some contexts, especially when referring to food or skin, "oily" can imply a state of being moist or slightly wet due to the presence of oil or grease. While "moist" typically suggests a state of dampness without specifying the cause, "oily" adds the connotation of greasiness or oiliness. So, in this context, "oily" can indeed be associated with moisture.
