Scottish Daily Mail General Knowledge Crossword Answers for April 12, 2024
by Dheshni
Updated Apr 12, 2024
In this Scottish Daily Mail General Knowledge crossword, you'll encounter clues that cover various topics of word play. The special thing is its focus on a wide range of facts as well. This makes the puzzle both challenging and interesting, as you learn new things while solving it. So you read each clue carefully and think about what the answer could be based on your ideas. But anyhow, we have included the answers to this crossword.
A type of lasso (5)
Answer: RIATA
A "lasso" is a rope with a loop used for capturing animals, particularly in the American West. Another term for lasso is "riata," which is a type of long, pliant rope used by cowboys for herding cattle or catching horses. It typically has a small noose at one end.
Song by Welsh band Catatonia that reached No. 5 in the UK charts in 1998 (4,4)
Answer: ROAD RAGE
The song "Road Rage" by the Welsh band Catatonia peaked at No. 5 on the UK charts in 1998. It was a popular single from their album "International Velvet." The term "road rage" refers to aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by drivers on the road.
Dumplings of Polish origin usually filled with meat or vegetables (7)
Answer: PIEROGI
"Pierogi" are dumplings of Polish origin. They are typically made from unleavened dough and filled with various ingredients such as mashed potatoes, cheese, meat, cabbage, mushrooms, or fruit. Pierogi can be boiled, baked, or fried, and they are often served as a main dish or a side dish
____ Race, yachting event around a rock off Ireland that began in 1925 (7)
Answer: FASTNET
The Fastnet Race is a famous yachting event around the Fastnet Rock, which is located off the coast of Ireland. It is one of the classic offshore races and has been held annually since 1925. The race typically starts in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, goes around the Fastnet Rock, and finishes in Plymouth or some other port in the United Kingdom
Las ____, 1656 group portrait by Diego Velazquez set in a palace studio (7)
Answer: MENINAS
"Las Meninas" is a renowned group portrait painted by the Spanish artist Diego Velázquez in 1656. The painting depicts a scene in a palace studio, with the Infanta Margarita Teresa surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting, dwarfs, and other figures. It is considered one of Velázquez's masterpieces and a significant work of the Spanish Baroque period.
To assist or encourage (7)
Answer: SUSTAIN
"Sustain" means to support, assist, or encourage something over time. It implies maintaining or prolonging something, whether it's support for a cause, effort, or resource. For example, one can sustain a conversation by actively participating in it or sustain a business by providing necessary resources and support.
____ dress, minimalist garment created by Coco Chanel in 1926 (6,5)
Answer: LITTLE BLACK
"Little Black" is part of the term "Little Black Dress," which refers to a classic and versatile garment created by the fashion designer Coco Chanel in 1926. The "Little Black Dress" is typically a simple, elegant, and often short evening or cocktail dress, usually in black. It is considered a wardrobe staple for its timeless style and ability to be dressed up or down for various occasions.
Having wrinkles with age (7)
Answer: WIZENED
"Wizened" describes someone or something that appears shriveled, wrinkled, or aged, typically due to the effects of time. It suggests a withered appearance, often associated with old age or prolonged exposure to certain conditions. For example, a wizened face may have deep lines and wrinkles, indicating the passage of time and life experiences
____ Farjeon, children's author who had a literary award named after her (7)
Answer: ELEANOR
Eleanor Farjeon was a renowned children's author known for her works such as "The Little Bookroom" and "Elfin Music." She wrote novels, poetry, and plays for children, earning critical acclaim for her storytelling abilities. The Eleanor Farjeon Award is named in her honor and is given annually for distinguished service to children's literature.
Informal term to denote 'if something can go wrong, it will' (5,3)
Answer: SODSLAW
"Sod's Law" is an informal term that expresses the idea that if something can go wrong, it will. It's a humorous way of describing Murphy's Law, which is the notion that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It's often used to explain unexpected or unfortunate events that occur despite precautions.
Mythical animal typically depicted as a horse with a single horn (7)
Answer: UNICORN
A "unicorn" is a mythical creature often depicted as a horse with a single horn projecting from its forehead. It has been a symbol of purity, grace, and enchantment in various cultures throughout history. The unicorn is commonly associated with fantasy and is a popular motif in literature, art, and folklore.
James, midfielder who signed for Tottenham Hotspur FC in 2023 (8)
Answer: MADDISON
James Maddison is a professional football midfielder who signed for Tottenham Hotspur FC in 2023. He is known for his skill on the field, particularly in playmaking and scoring goals. Maddison has played for various clubs in his career and is recognized for his contributions to English football.
The ____ & Scratchy Show, fictional animated series in The Simpsons (5)
Answer: ITCHY
"The Itchy & Scratchy Show" is a fictional animated series within the television show "The Simpsons." It is a satirical parody of typical cartoon violence, featuring a cat named Scratchy and a mouse named Itchy engaged in extreme and often gory acts of violence against each other.
Related through a female parent's side of the family (8)
Answer: MATERNAL
"Maternal" refers to relationships or traits related to one's mother or the mother's side of the family. For example, a maternal grandmother is the grandmother on one's mother's side. Maternal instincts, for instance, are those associated with a mother's nurturing and protective behavior towards her offspring.
____ Andrews, presenter of This Is Your Life from 1955 until his death in 1987 (6)
Answer: EAMONN
Eamonn Andrews was a television presenter best known for hosting the show "This Is Your Life" from 1955 until his death in 1987. The show involved surprising a guest with a retrospective of their life, featuring appearances by friends, family, and colleagues. Eamonn Andrews became synonymous with the program during its early years.
A mixture of e.g. blueberries and sliced banana served in syrup or juice (5,5)
Answer: FRUIT SALAD
Fruit salad" is a dish made by combining various fruits, such as blueberries, sliced bananas, strawberries, grapes, and more, in syrup or juice. It is often served as a refreshing dessert or side dish, especially during warmer months or as part of a buffet spread.
A floating piece of ice detached from an iceberg (4)
Answer: CALF
In glaciology, a "calf" refers to a small fragment of ice that breaks off from the edge of an iceberg or glacier. This process is known as calving. Calves can vary in size, from small pieces to large chunks of ice, and they often float away as separate entities in bodies of water.
Set the ____, expression meaning 'to dictate the course of action' (6)
Answer: AGENDA
Agenda" refers to a list or plan of items to be discussed or acted upon, especially at a meeting or event. The expression "set the agenda" means to establish or determine the topics or priorities that will guide the course of action or discussion. It implies taking control or leadership in deciding what will be addressed.
To drain or force out again (6)
Answer: REPUMP
Repump" is a verb that means to pump or force liquid or gas out again, often after it has been previously drained or expelled. It implies the action of reintroducing or recirculating a substance, such as water or air, back into a system or container.
Body of water in the Southern Ocean named after an English polar explorer (4,3)
Answer: ROSS SEA
The "Ross Sea" is a body of water located in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. It is named after Sir James Clark Ross, an English polar explorer who led expeditions to the Antarctic region in the 19th century. The Ross Sea is known for its rich marine life and its importance in scientific research and exploration.
Sly And The Family ____, U.S. band noted for their psychedelic soul sound (5)
Answer: STONE
Sly and the Family Stone is a well-known American band recognized for their innovative blend of funk, rock, soul, and psychedelic music. Led by Sly Stone, the band achieved widespread success in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "Everyday People" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." Their sound was influential in shaping the landscape of popular music.
Following in order or succession (10)
Answer: SUBSEQUENT
"Subsequent" is an adjective that describes something that comes after or follows in order or succession. It implies a chronological sequence or progression, indicating that one event, action, or thing occurs after another. For example, a subsequent chapter in a book refers to the chapter that follows the current one.
2011 animated musical film that includes the song I See The Light (7)
Answer: TANGLED
"Tangled" is a Disney animated musical film released in 2011. It is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel and features the song "I See the Light," which is a romantic duet sung by the characters Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (also known as Eugene). The film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and music
Director whose films include Kes and I, Daniel Blake (3,5)
Answer: KEN LOACH
Ken Loach is a renowned British film director known for his socially conscious and politically charged films. Some of his notable works include "Kes," a 1969 drama about a young boy and his kestrel, and "I, Daniel Blake," a 2016 film that explores the struggles of a man navigating the UK welfare system. Loach's films often shed light on issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
Nationality of hotelier Cesar Ritz born in 1850 (5)
Answer: SWISS
Cesar Ritz, born in 1850, was a renowned hotelier who revolutionized the luxury hotel industry. He was born in Switzerland, so his nationality is Swiss. Ritz is famously associated with the development of luxurious hotels, including the iconic Ritz Hotel in Paris and The Ritz London.
____ knot, like a reef knot that is crossed the wrong way and is easily unfastened (6)
Answer: GRANNY
A "granny knot" is a type of knot similar to a reef knot but tied incorrectly, resulting in a less secure and easily unfastened knot. It is often used as a simple binding knot, but its instability makes it unsuitable for critical applications such as sailing or rock climbing.
Astrologer's diagram to represent the position of planets and stars (6)
Answer: ZODIAC
The "zodiac" is an astrological concept referring to an imaginary belt in the sky that extends approximately 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. It is divided into twelve equal segments, each associated with a specific constellation and astrological sign. A "zodiac" can also refer to a diagram or wheel representing these signs and their positions at a specific time
A substance held to be capable of turning base metals into gold (6)
Answer: ELIXIR
In alchemy and mythology, an "elixir" is a substance believed to have magical or transformative properties. It is often associated with the quest for the philosopher's stone, a legendary substance thought to be capable of turning base metals into gold and granting immortality. The concept of the elixir has been a central theme in various mystical and esoteric traditions throughout history.
Robert, filmmaker noted for directing the 1965 film The Sound Of Music (4)
Answer: WISE
Robert Wise was indeed the filmmaker noted for directing the 1965 film "The Sound of Music." The movie, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, became one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Robert Wise was a highly accomplished director, known for his versatility and skill across various genres, including musicals, dramas, and science fiction. In addition to "The Sound of Music," he directed other iconic films such as "West Side Story" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
