Solved Independent's Cryptic Crossword Clues (April 19, 2024)
by Dheshni
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Crossword puzzles are more than just fun games. They are like exercise for your brain. When you do them, you are working out your thinking skills, learning new words, and figuring out problems. Many people enjoy doing crosswords every day to relax, get smarter, and have fun with words. If you think you are smart, give these puzzles a try and see how well you do.
Always taken aback about English reprisal
Answer: REVENGE
The clue suggests a word that means reprisal or retaliation, and the word "always taken aback about English" indicates a reversal of the word "even" (which means always) around the abbreviation for English ("E"). The answer, "REVENGE," specifically refers to the act of retaliating against someone for harm or wrongdoing.
Some expat bringing in hard worker? That's not for real
Answer: PHANTOM
"Some expat bringing in" suggests taking part of the word "some" ("S") and bringing it into another word meaning hard worker ("ANT"), resulting in "SANT." However, the clue suggests that this is not a real word, indicating that it is a "PHANTOM."
Rocky boulder is revealing avian pest
Answer: BIRD-LOUSE
"Rocky boulder" indicates the word "bird" and "is revealing" indicates "louse." The hyphen suggests that "bird" and "louse" are separate entities, but together they form "BIRD-LOUSE," referring to a type of parasite that infests birds.
Easy shot on the green - cheers near where the ball landed?
Answer: TAP-IN
"Easy shot on the green" suggests a "TAP-IN," which is a golf shot that requires a very short, light stroke to put the ball into the hole from close to the cup. "Cheers near where the ball landed?" implies that the shot was so close to the hole that it would elicit cheers from spectators.
Architectural features Prince amends, incorporating pillars
Answer: PEDIMENTS
"Architectural features" indicates "PEDIMENTS," which are triangular architectural elements typically found above columns, doors, or windows. "Prince amends, incorporating pillars" suggests rearranging the letters of "Prince" and adding "P" (for pillars) to form "PEDIMENTS."
Strength in support of church
Answer: FORCE
The clue suggests a word meaning strength, which is supported by or in favor of the church. In this context, "force" can refer to the power or influence that the church holds within society.
Are you up for some sport in afternoon? Yes, excited, name to be included
Answer: ANYONE FOR TENNIS
"Are you up for some sport in afternoon?" suggests engaging in a recreational activity, specifically tennis, during the afternoon. "Yes, excited, name to be included" indicates that the word "ANYONE" includes the letters of "YES" and "name," forming the phrase "ANYONE FOR TENNIS."
Fictional doctor often considered real?
Answer: MCCOY
The clue refers to a fictional doctor who is frequently mistaken for being real. "MCCOY" is a reference to Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, a character from the science fiction television series Star Trek. Despite being a fictional character, Dr. McCoy is often regarded by fans as if he were a real person.
The best in American murders? Chilling things for consumption
Answer: ICE CREAMS
The best in American murders?" suggests the letters "IC" (initials for "In Cold") followed by "E" (the best) and "MS" (initials for "murders"). "Chilling things for consumption" indicates that the solution is a type of food that is typically consumed cold, leading to "ICE CREAMS," which are frozen desserts enjoyed by many.
Unwilling to follow Conservative ministers?
Answer: CLOTH
The clue suggests a word meaning unwilling, followed by an indication to follow or come after Conservative ministers. In this context, "CLOTH" can be interpreted as a material that may follow or be worn by Conservative ministers, such as robes or garments
Controlling influence elevated bad temper in unelected politician
Answer: PUPPETEER
"Controlling influence" indicates a puppet master, and "elevated bad temper" suggests reversing the letters of "anger" (a synonym for bad temper). "In unelected politician" indicates that this reversed word is inside "politician," resulting in "PUPPETEER."
Stay abed? Wrong to cover skin over
Answer: SLEEP IN
"Stay abed" implies remaining in bed, and "Wrong to cover skin over" suggests that this action is not appropriate. The answer, "SLEEP IN," specifically refers to staying in bed past the usual time for waking up.
Cavalrymen capturing Australian attackers
Answer: RAIDERS
"Cavalrymen capturing Australian" implies that Australian is inside "cavalrymen," and "attackers" suggests a word that describes individuals who carry out raids or attacks. The answer, "RAIDERS," specifically refers to individuals or groups who engage in raids or surprise attacks.
Surly person in college upset lawyers
Answer: CRAB
The clue suggests a term for a surly person. "In college upset" indicates that the word for "crab" is found in "college" but reversed (upset). "Lawyers" indicates that the word "crab" is defined by a legal term. Therefore, the answer is "CRAB," which is a term for a surly or irritable person.
Still reduced quantity of light around yard on a regular basis
Answer: EVERYDAY
Still reduced quantity of light" implies a word that describes the common occurrence of the reduction of daylight. "Around yard" suggests the word "every" (as in "every yard"), and "on a regular basis" indicates that the word repeats. Therefore, the answer is "EVERYDAY," which means occurring or done every day.
Popular cycle runs involving fellows and stormy weather?
Answer: INCLEMENCY
Popular" implies that the word is well-known or commonly used. "Cycle runs" suggests the word "in" followed by a term for a cycle or repetition, which is "clemency" (opposite of stormy). "Involving fellows" suggests that "fellow" is included in the word. Therefore, the answer is "INCLEMENCY," which means stormy or severe weather conditions.
Profit from performance delivered by soldiers
Answer: RETURN
Performance delivered by soldiers" implies a word for something that soldiers do. "Soldiers" suggest that the word "return" can mean a soldier's retreat from battle or completion of a mission. Therefore, the answer is "RETURN," which can mean the profit or gain obtained from an investment or effort.
Program to take pain from running initially? I'll have anything for a quiet life
Answer: APPEASER
Program to take pain from running initially?" indicates that the initial letters of "pain from running" should be taken, which gives "PFR." "I'll have anything for a quiet life" suggests that the word "easer" (a term for something that makes life easier) is included. Therefore, the answer is "APPEASER," which means something that calms or soothes, especially to relieve pain or discomfort.
Great time, not at the start, the end
Answer: LAST
"Great time" implies that the word is related to time. "Not at the start" suggests removing the initial letter from the word "great," leaving "reat." "The end" indicates that this is the final part of the word, resulting in "LAST," which means coming after all others in time or order.
Lethargy defeats rising, requiring injection of pressure
Answer: STUPOR
"Lethargy defeats rising" suggests that the word "stupor" is hidden within "lethargy." "Requiring injection of pressure" indicates that the word "stupor" is formed by "pressuring" the letters of "rising" into "lethargy." Therefore, the answer is "STUPOR," which means a state of mental numbness or lack of alertness.
Someone transcribing Asian menus in translation
Answer: AMANUENSIS
"Transcribing Asian menus in translation" suggests that the word "amanuensis" is formed by translating the term for a person who transcribes Asian menus into English. An amanuensis is a person employed to write or copy documents, often in a professional or clerical capacity.
Medical expert, old man concealing damage, is appearing in court
Answer: PHARMACIST
"Medical expert" indicates that the answer is a person knowledgeable about medications and healthcare. "Old man concealing damage" suggests that the word "PHARMACIST" is hidden within "old man" (PHA_RMA_CIST). "Is appearing in court" indicates that this person is involved in legal proceedings, perhaps as an expert witness or consultant.
Heraldic symbol flourished over Europe, mostly tasteful
Answer: FLEUR-DE-LIS
Heraldic symbol" refers to a decorative motif used in coats of arms. "Flourished over Europe" suggests that the symbol has historical significance in European culture. "Mostly tasteful" indicates that the symbol is considered aesthetically pleasing. The answer, "FLEUR-DE-LIS," specifically refers to a stylized lily or iris that has been used as a symbol of royalty and nobility in various European countries.
Alcoholic drink not entirely bad, but not to be taken that seriously
Answer: FLIPPANT
"Alcoholic drink not entirely bad" suggests that the word "FLIPPANT" is hidden within "alcoholic drink" (FLIP_PANT). "But not to be taken that seriously" indicates that the behavior described by "FLIPPANT" is not meant to be taken seriously, implying a lack of seriousness or respectfulness.
Hooligan's about taken in, given order
Answer: NEATENED
The clue suggests a word describing an action. "Hooligan's about taken in" suggests rearranging the letters of "hooligan" (NEATED_IN). "Given order" indicates that the rearranged letters form the word "NEATENED," which means to tidy up or organize something.
Civil Service accepting single copies?
Answer: CLONES
"Civil Service accepting" indicates that the word "CLONES" can be derived from "civil" (accepting) with the removal of the letters "vi" (single copies), leaving "CL" (copies). Therefore, the answer is "CLONES," which means copies or duplicates of organisms or objects.
Politician in European country, powerful country?
Answer: EMPIRE
"Politician in European country" implies that the word "EMPIRE" is found within "European." "Powerful country" refers to an empire, which is a large political entity comprising multiple territories or nations under a single sovereign authority.
Hard work and energy will yield expectation
Answer: HOPE
"Hard work and energy" suggests that the word "HOPE" is derived from the letters "H" (hard work) and "E" (energy). "Will yield expectation" indicates that the result of hard work and energy is hope, which is a feeling of expectation or desire for a particular outcome.
Angry response within chamber is expected
Answer: RISE
"Angry response" indicates that the word "RISE" is hidden within "angry." "Within chamber" suggests that the letters of "RISE" are contained within "chamber." Therefore, the answer is "RISE," which means to move upward or to increase in level or amount.
