The Independent's Cryptic Clues Cracked (April 5, 2024)
by J Divya
Updated Apr 05, 2024
Test your skills by solving today’s Independent's Cryptic crossword puzzle which is full of interesting clues. We have provided clues with all the answers for today's Crossword. You can use this guide to finish the puzzle quickly. So, now let’s start solving this challenging crossword.
First person in France playing flute ? can it make you like the wind?
Answer: JET FUEL
In this clue, "First person in France playing flute" suggests the letter 'J' (the first letter of "Jeanne," a common French name) playing the word "flute," which phonetically sounds like "flew." "Can it make you like the wind?" indicates that the answer should be related to something that flies or moves swiftly like the wind. "Jet fuel" is the type of fuel used to power jet engines in aircraft, which enables them to fly swiftly like the wind. Therefore, "jet fuel" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
A new soldier (not the Engineers) is stiff in manner
Answer: ANGULAR
A new soldier" suggests the letter 'A' (the first letter of "a") followed by "soldier," which phonetically sounds like "solder." "Not the Engineers" indicates removing the letters 'ER' from "solder." "Stiff in manner" suggests an adjective describing something rigid or lacking flexibility, which fits the definition of "angular," meaning having sharp or stiff lines or corners. Therefore, "angular" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Symbol of some nationalism that could be anti-brain
Answer: BRITANNIA
"Symbol of some nationalism" suggests a word related to national identity or patriotism. "Could be anti-brain" indicates removing the word "brain" from the answer. "Britannia" is a term often associated with British national identity, symbolizing the personification of Britain or the British Empire. Therefore, "Britannia" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Hard to produce fake documents?
Answer: RIGID
"Hard to produce fake documents" suggests an adjective describing something difficult to forge or manipulate. "Rigid" fits this description, as it means stiff or inflexible, making it challenging to alter or
Small chip losing initial pigment
Answer: LAKE
Small chip" suggests a small part of something. "Losing initial pigment" indicates removing the first letter ('initial') of the word 'pigment,' which is 'P.' Removing 'P' from 'pigment' leaves 'igment,' which phonetically sounds like 'aigment.' "Aigment" is a term that can be associated with a small chip, especially in the context of a piece of paint or color. However, 'aigment' is not a common word, so it is likely a misspelling or misinterpretation.
Dancing in the disco offering lots of pleasure
Answer: HEDONISTIC
Dancing in the disco" suggests an activity associated with pleasure and enjoyment. "Offering lots of pleasure" hints at a word describing a lifestyle or philosophy focused on seeking pleasure and enjoyment. "Hedonistic" is an adjective that describes such a lifestyle or philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of pleasure and sensual indulgence, often associated with activities like dancing in discos
Managed church after chap dismisses good approach
Answer: ENTRANCE
"Managed church" suggests the word 'ent,' which phonetically sounds like 'managed.' "After chap dismisses good approach" indicates removing the letters 'g' (abbreviation of "good") and 'ood' (part of the word "approach") from the word 'entrance.' Removing 'g' and 'ood' from 'entrance' leaves 'entran,' which phonetically sounds like 'entrance.'
Sorrowful face after accepting unusual sexual style
Answer: DISMAL
Sorrowful face" suggests a word related to sadness or gloominess. "After accepting unusual sexual style" hints at a word describing something negative or unpleasant. "Dismal" is an adjective that means causing or characterized by gloom or depression, which fits the description of a sorrowful face and implies an unusual or unfavorable sexual style. Therefore, "dismal" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Roman poet's house and descendants
Answer: HORACE
"Roman poet's house" refers to the name of a famous Roman poet. "Descendants" suggests a term associated with family lineage or ancestry. "Horace" is the name of a renowned Roman poet, known for his works such as "Odes" and "Satires." Therefore, "Horace" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Ringing satisfied everything I associated with campanology initially
Answer: METALLIC
Ringing satisfied everything" suggests a word related to the sound produced by metallic objects. "I associated with campanology initially" indicates the first letter ('initially') of the words "I associated with campanology," which is 'C.' "Metallic" is an adjective that describes something made of or resembling metal, often associated with the ringing sound produced by metallic objects. Therefore, "metallic" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Can and must rip up document
Answer: MANUSCRIPT
Can and must" suggests an imperative action. "Rip up document" indicates a verb associated with tearing or destroying a written paper. "Manuscript" is a noun that refers to a handwritten or typed document, often used in the context of literary or historical texts. Therefore, "manuscript" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Fellow beginning to operate axes, following objective of hunt
Answer: FOXY
Fellow" suggests a male person or individual. "Beginning to operate axes" indicates the first letter ('beginning') of the words "operate axes," which is 'O.' "Following objective of hunt" hints at a word associated with cunning or cleverness, often attributed to certain animals in the context of hunting.
Preacher's endless babble
Answer: RABBI
"Preacher's endless babble" suggests a religious leader who delivers sermons or teachings. "Endless" indicates removing the last letter ('endless') of the word "babble," which is 'E.' "Rabbi" is a title given to a Jewish religious leader or teacher, often associated with delivering religious teachings or sermons. Therefore, "rabbi" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
British novelist gets through extended hibernation
Answer: WINTERSON
"British novelist" suggests the name of a British author known for writing novels. "Gets through extended hibernation" indicates rearranging the letters of the phrase "extended hibernation" to form the surname of the British novelist. "Winterson" is the surname of Jeanette Winterson, a British author known for her novels such as "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" and "Written on the Body." Therefore, "Winterson" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Crafty, coating vegetable in unusually smooth way
Answer: SLEEKLY
Crafty" suggests a word describing something done with skill or cunning. "Coating vegetable in unusually smooth way" hints at a word associated with smoothness or slickness. "Sleekly" is an adverb that describes doing something smoothly or with a glossy finish, often associated with a skillful or crafty manner. Therefore, "sleekly" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
British novelist omitting note about grave
Answer: AUSTERE
"British novelist" suggests the name of a British author known for writing novels. "Omitting note about grave" indicates removing the musical note 'A' from the word "grave." "Austere" is an adjective that means severe or strict in manner, often associated with simplicity or austerity. Therefore, "austere" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Ill-temper obscuring last of fun in UK summertime celebration
Answer: JUBILEE
"Ill-temper" suggests a negative emotion or mood. "Obscuring last of fun" hints at removing the last letter ('last of fun') of the word "fun," which is 'N.' "UK summertime celebration" refers to a special event or festivity held in the United Kingdom during the summer. "Jubilee" specifically denotes a celebration marking a special anniversary or event, often associated with festivities and rejoicing. Therefore, "jubilee" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Swindler's success in card game meeting with severe cut
Answer: TRICKSTER
Swindler's success" suggests a person who deceives others for gain. "In card game meeting with severe cut" hints at a word associated with card games and deceit, with a reference to a severe cut or blow. "Trickster" is a noun that refers to a person who deceives others through cunning or manipulation, often associated with card games and sleight of hand. Therefore, "trickster" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Baseball player heading off to go round American Western state
Answer: UTAH
Baseball player" suggests the first letter ('heading off') of the word "player," which is 'P.' "To go round American Western state" indicates the name of a state in the western region of the United States. "Utah" is a state located in the American West. Therefore, "Utah" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
German refusal upset this Parisian after the French tolerance
Answer: LENIENCE
German refusal" suggests the word "nein," which means "no" in German. "Upset this Parisian" hints at reversing the letters of the French word "oui," which means "yes" in French. "After the French tolerance" suggests adding the letters of the word "tolerance" after rearranging the letters. "Lenience" is a noun that refers to the quality of being tolerant or forgiving. Therefore, "lenience" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Endless surprise, working for major retailer
Answer: AMAZON
Endless surprise" suggests removing the last letter ('endless') of the word "surprise," which is 'E.' "Working for major retailer" hints at the name of a major online retailer. "Amazon" is a multinational technology company known for its e-commerce platform, making it a major retailer. Therefore, "Amazon" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Medical rig sorted out killing bugs
Answer: GERMICIDAL
Medical rig" suggests a term related to medicine or healthcare. "Sorted out killing bugs" indicates rearranging the letters of the phrase to form a word associated with eliminating or killing germs or microorganisms. "Germicidal" is an adjective that describes something capable of destroying germs or microorganisms. Therefore, "germicidal" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Show turn of speed that's respectable
Answer: LEGIT
"Show turn of speed" suggests a term related to displaying or demonstrating a respectable level of speed or performance. "That's respectable" indicates a word that is synonymous with being legitimate or genuine. "Legit" is a colloquial term that means legitimate or authentic. Therefore, "legit" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Innovative tyre seen around front of car
Answer: RADICAL
"Innovative tyre" suggests a word related to something new or revolutionary. "Seen around front of car" hints at a word that includes the letters found in "car" and "tyre." "Radical" is an adjective that describes something innovative or departing from tradition or convention. Therefore, "radical" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Striker getting criticism after game
Answer: MATCHSTICK
Striker getting criticism" suggests a term related to a person or object that ignites or starts something, followed by a term indicating receiving criticism. "After game" indicates that the word is formed by rearranging the letters of "game." "Matchstick" is a noun that refers to a small stick of wood or cardboard with a flammable tip, often used for igniting fires. Therefore, "matchstick" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Aims I love: getting drunk. Which grape variety?
Answer: MALVOISIE
Aims I love" suggests using the letters of the phrase to form a word related to grape varieties. "Getting drunk" hints at a type of grape used for making alcoholic beverages. "Which grape variety?" suggests a specific type of grape used in winemaking. "Malvoisie" is a grape variety used in winemaking, known for producing sweet wines. Therefore, "malvoisie" is an appropriate answer for the clue.
Raccoon-like creature turned up snake around hollow
Answer: RED PANDA
Raccoon-like creature" suggests a type of animal similar in appearance to a raccoon. "Turned up snake" indicates reversing the letters of the word "snake," which is 'ekans' ('snake' spelled backward). "Around hollow" suggests placing the word for 'hollow' around the reversed word. "Red panda" is a mammal resembling a raccoon, with reddish fur and a bushy tail, making it the appropriate answer for the clue.
Strong smell certainly rising ? part of skeleton
Answer: HUMERUS
"Strong smell certainly rising" suggests a word related to a strong odor that rises upward. "Part of skeleton" indicates a bone in the human body. "Humerus" is the bone in the upper arm or forelimb, often associated with the strong smell of body odor.
Staff accepting Japanese currency? Hot stuff
Answer: CAYENNE
Staff accepting Japanese currency" suggests a term related to a type of spice or seasoning. "Hot stuff" hints at a word associated with heat or spiciness. "Cayenne" is a type of chili pepper often used as a spice, known for its hot and pungent flavor. Therefore, "cayenne" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Strong Scot's excellent New Year
Answer: BRAWNY
"Strong Scot's" suggests a word describing someone physically strong, possibly a Scottish person. "Excellent New Year" indicates using the first letter ('New Year') of the word "excellent." "Brawny" is an adjective that means physically strong or muscular, often associated with robustness or vigor. Therefore, "brawny" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Not good enough for university team? University ditched with some honour
Answer: NOBLE
Not good enough for university team" suggests a term related to not meeting the standards or criteria for a university team. "University ditched" indicates removing the word for 'university.' "With some honour" hints at a word associated with dignity or respect. "Noble" is an adjective that describes someone or something possessing honorable qualities or high moral principles
Confusion in Times Square
Answer: MESS
"Confusion" suggests disorder or chaos. "In Times Square" indicates a location associated with hustle and bustle. "Mess" is a noun that refers to a state of disorder or confusion, often used colloquially to describe a chaotic situation. Therefore, "mess" is a suitable answer for the clue.
