The Independent's Mini Crossword Puzzle for Today as of April 17, 2024
by Dheshni
Updated Apr 17, 2024
Content Description
The Independent's Mini Crossword is a quick and fun puzzle that is designed to solve fast. It has a smaller grid and easier clues than big crosswords. You can easily try to fill in all the words using the clues given. It helps you to have a quick mental challenge during breaks. You can exercise your brain and vocabulary without spending a lot of time. The clues are clever and help to enjoy the puzzle.
Sign of infection
Answer: FEVER
A "fever" is a common sign of infection or illness. When the body's immune system detects an infection, it often responds by increasing its internal temperature, leading to a fever. Fever is a natural response to help the body fight off infections by creating an environment less hospitable to pathogens.
Honkers
Answer: ORGANS
"Honkers" is a colloquial term for the body parts known as "organs." In this context, "honkers" likely refers to the nose, which colloquially can be called "honker." However, in a broader sense, "organs" can refer to various internal body parts that perform specific functions, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, etc
___ tube
Answer: BRONCHIAL
The blank before "tube" suggests that a specific type of tube is being referred to. "Bronchial" refers to the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that branch off from the trachea (windpipe) and lead into the lungs. They carry air to and from the lungs, facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing
Refinement in manners, taste, etc.
Answer: CULTURE
Culture" can refer to the refinement or sophistication in various aspects of human life, including manners, taste, customs, and arts. It encompasses the shared beliefs, behaviors, and values of a society or group. In this context, "culture" represents the refinement in manners, taste, and other aspects of human behavior and expression
Command
Answer: WISH
This answer might be a bit tricky. In some contexts, "wish" can indeed imply a command, particularly in expressions like "I wish you to do something." While "wish" typically conveys a desire rather than a command, it can sometimes be used to express a polite or indirect request, similar to a command. However, without more context from the crossword puzzle, it's challenging to determine the exact reasoning behind this answer.
Apprehensive
Answer: BABY
"Apprehensive" typically means anxious or fearful about something. In this context, "baby" might refer to someone who is being overly cautious or fearful, akin to a baby who is easily scared or worried. While "baby" might not be the most common synonym for "apprehensive," it fits the theme of being overly cautious or fearful.
Little League coach, often
Answer: DAD
In many cases, especially in family-oriented activities like Little League (youth baseball), the coach might often be a father (or "dad") of one of the players. It's a common stereotype or expectation that fathers might volunteer or be asked to coach their children's sports teams, hence the association of "dad" with a Little League coach
Extreme poverty
Answer: RAGS
Rags" can symbolize extreme poverty or destitution. It suggests a state of being so impoverished that one's clothing is reduced to mere rags or tatters. The phrase "from rags to riches" illustrates the idea of someone moving from extreme poverty to wealth, further emphasizing the association of "rags" with poverty.
___-friendly
Answer: USER
Adding "friendly" after a word typically suggests something that is designed or adapted to be easily usable or accessible for a particular group. In this case, "user-friendly" refers to products, systems, or interfaces that are easy to use or navigate for the intended users. It's a common term in technology and design, indicating a focus on simplicity and accessibility.
Withered
Answer: DROOPED
Withered" describes something that has become dry, shrunken, or wilted, often due to lack of moisture or vitality. "Drooped" is a synonym that fits this description, suggesting a sagging or wilting appearance. It's commonly used to describe plants or flowers that have lost their freshness and begun to sag or hang limply.
Gold on the outside only
Answer: GILDED
"Gilded" refers to something covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint, usually on the surface only. It suggests an appearance of luxury or wealth, but the underlying material may not be gold itself. So, "gilded" fits the description of having gold on the outside only.
Maze marking
Answer: START
In a maze, the "start" is the point from which one begins navigating through the maze. It's typically marked or indicated in some way to show where the journey through the maze begins. So, "start" is the appropriate answer for the clue "maze marking."
Wintry
Answer: DARK
Wintry" often describes something associated with winter, such as cold, bleak, or lacking in light. "Dark" can be associated with winter due to shorter days and longer nights, as well as the gloomy atmosphere sometimes present during the season. So, "dark" fits the description of being wintry
Fertilizer compound
Answer: NITRATE
Nitrate compounds, such as potassium nitrate or ammonium nitrate, are commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture. They provide essential nutrients like nitrogen to plants, promoting healthy growth and improving soil fertility. So, "nitrate" is the correct answer for the clue "fertilizer compound."
