The Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle is a game in the Metro newspaper. It’s a type of word puzzle where you fill words into a grid. The grid has both black and white squares. Each white square is for a word going across and a word going down. The clues given to you are a bit tricky, often having double meanings or wordplay. It’s a challenging but fun way to play with words and test your brain!
Money involved in rail strike (4)
Answer: LIRA
“Money involved in rail strike” suggests currency related to a labor stoppage within the railway industry. The answer, “LIRA,” refers to the former currency of Italy and other countries. In this context, it signifies the monetary aspect of a rail strike, indicating that money is at the heart of the labor dispute.
Seat-changer accepts the hazard of being a star (8)
Answer: ASTERISK
“Seat-changer accepts the hazard of being a star” hints at someone who willingly takes on the risk of becoming prominent despite constantly changing positions. The answer, “ASTERISK,” denotes a symbol used to highlight or emphasize certain text, often associated with significance or prominence. Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle. It aligns with the question by representing the acceptance of risk in exchange for recognition or stardom.
Diana goes to the museum to see the prima donna (4)
Answer: DIVA
“Diana goes to the museum to see the prima donna” implies a visit to an institution to observe a celebrated female singer. The answer, “DIVA,” refers to a distinguished and often temperamental female performer, typically in opera. It corresponds with the question by describing Diana’s intention to witness the performance of a renowned prima donna at the museum, highlighting the significance of the visit.
Give an account of rice beds somehow (8)
Answer: DESCRIBE
“Give an account of rice beds somehow” suggests providing a description of paddy fields in a peculiar manner. The answer, Metro Cryptic Crossword Puzzle, “DESCRIBE,” indicates the action of narrating or detailing something, in this case, rice beds. It fits the question by capturing the task of explaining or depicting the nature of paddy fields, albeit in an unconventional or indirect manner.
A real boost, despite being wounded (4,2,3,3)
Answer: SHOT IN THE ARM
“A real boost, despite being wounded” hints at receiving genuine encouragement despite experiencing injury or setback. The answer, “SHOT IN THE ARM,” refers to something that provides significant motivation or revitalization, despite adversity. It correlates with the question by representing the idea of receiving a genuine uplift, even in the face of challenges or wounds.
Step off when burning (6)
Answer: ALIGHT
“Step off when burning” implies the action of disembarking while on fire. The answer, “ALIGHT,” signifies both the act of stepping off or dismounting and being on fire. It aligns with the question by describing the action of getting off or stepping down while in flames, illustrating a scenario involving both movement and combustion.
Move restlessly, being unusually gifted (6)
Answer: FIDGET
“Move restlessly, being unusually gifted” suggests exhibiting fidgety behavior despite possessing exceptional talents. The answer, “FIDGET,” refers to the restless or uneasy movement of someone, often due to boredom or nervousness. It fits the question by describing the action of moving restlessly, despite being gifted or talented in some way.
Man has to press on, somehow, with production of cutlery (7,5)
Answer: DESSERT SPOON
Man has to press on, somehow, with production of cutlery – DESSERT SPOON: Amidst the challenges of life, this essential utensil represents a determination to continue forward, even when faced with adversity. It embodies resilience and perseverance, as individuals press on with their daily tasks, including the production of essential items like cutlery. The answer to this clue is “DESSERT SPOON,” symbolizing the resilience of human endeavor.
Responded, having read news out (8)
Answer: ANSWERED
Responded, having read news out – ANSWERED: When individuals react or reply to a communication, particularly after being informed or updated, they engage in this action of acknowledgment or response. It signifies engagement and interaction, as individuals process information and provide feedback or commentary. The answer to this clue is “ANSWERED,” representing the act of responding to news or communication.
No longer available to a king (4)
Answer: OFFA
No longer available to a king – OFFA: In historical contexts, this term refers to a monarch who is no longer reigning or in power, often due to death or abdication. It implies a transition of authority or sovereignty, as a new ruler ascends to the throne or assumes leadership. The answer to this clue is “OFFA,” representing a king who is no longer available to rule.
Petty officer took tarnished shield and rubbed it (8)
Answer: POLISHED
Petty officer took tarnished shield and rubbed it – POLISHED: When one improves the appearance or condition of an object, particularly by removing tarnish or dirt, they engage in this action of cleaning or buffing. It signifies restoration and enhancement, as individuals strive to maintain the quality and integrity of their possessions. The answer to this clue is “POLISHED,” representing the act of shining a tarnished shield.
Girl gets one in the finish (4)
Answer: ENID
Girl gets one in the finish – ENID: In the realm of names, this term refers to a feminine given name, often bestowed upon a female child at birth. It signifies identity and individuality, as each name carries unique significance and history. The answer to this clue is “ENID,” representing a girl who receives this name, which may be found at the end or “finish” of a list of names.
Lost, dear – upsetting for the guide (8)
Answer: LODESTAR
Lost, dear – upsetting for the guide – LODESTAR: When individuals feel adrift or directionless, lacking guidance or orientation, they may seek a reliable point of reference to navigate their way forward. This term signifies a guiding principle or goal, serving as a beacon of inspiration or direction amidst uncertainty. The answer to this clue is “LODESTAR,” representing a reliable guide or principle that provides direction and guidance.
Some might repair a violin to get a meal (7)
Answer: RAVIOLI
Some might repair a violin to get a meal – RAVIOLI: In culinary contexts, this term denotes a type of pasta dish consisting of filled pockets of dough, often served with a savory sauce or broth. It implies resourcefulness and creativity, as individuals may resort to repairing items like a violin in exchange for sustenance or a meal. The answer to this clue is “RAVIOLI,” representing a meal that some might obtain through unconventional means.
A case of the woman getting a crumpled hat (6)
Answer: SHEATH
A case of the woman getting a crumpled hat: “SHEATH” refers to a protective covering or case, often used for storing or carrying items like knives or swords. In this context, the phrase suggests a situation where a woman obtains or acquires a crumpled hat, which could be stored or protected within a sheath for safekeeping.
Place where I take a saint, being a holy man (10)
Answer: ECCLESIAST
Place where I take a saint, being a holy man: “ECCLESIAST” refers to a member of the clergy or a religious leader, particularly in the Christian tradition. The phrase implies a location where someone takes or brings a saint, indicating a place of worship or reverence, as ecclesiasts are considered holy individuals.
One rice pudding is colder (5)
Answer: ICIER
One rice pudding is colder: “ICIER” describes something that is colder or chillier in temperature. The phrase suggests a comparison between two rice puddings, with one being colder than the other, highlighting a difference in temperature or consistency.
Retain the stronghold (4)
Answer: KEEP
Retain the stronghold: “KEEP” refers to maintaining possession or control over something, often a stronghold or fortress. The phrase implies the action of preserving or holding onto a stronghold, reinforcing its defenses or maintaining its integrity.
Flight attendant ordered out as she riots (3,7)
Answer: AIR HOSTESS
Flight attendant ordered out as she riots: “AIR HOSTESS” refers to a female flight attendant, responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. The phrase suggests a scenario where a flight attendant is instructed or directed to leave, possibly due to involvement in riotous behavior or disorderly conduct.
Normal abbreviation for street and a road (8)
Answer: STANDARD
Normal abbreviation for street and a road: “STANDARD” refers to a level of quality, behavior, or expectation that is considered typical or customary. The phrase implies the use of standard or common abbreviations for “street” and “road,” reflecting conventional or widely accepted linguistic norms.
Go and give nothing to the new fund – it’s amusing (4,3)
Answer: GOOD FUN
Go and give nothing to the new fund – it’s amusing: “GOOD FUN” refers to an enjoyable or entertaining activity or experience. The phrase suggests the act of contributing nothing to a new fund, which is amusing or entertaining in its absurdity or irony.
Some agree certain philosophers came from this country (6)
Answer: GREECE
Some agree certain philosophers came from this country: “GREECE” refers to the Mediterranean country known for its rich history and contributions to philosophy, literature, and democracy. The phrase suggests a consensus or acknowledgment that certain philosophers originated from Greece, highlighting the country’s influential intellectual heritage.
Lease renewed to help the artist (5)
Answer: EASEL
Lease renewed to help the artist: “EASEL” is a stand used by artists to support a canvas or painting while they work. The phrase implies the renewal or extension of a lease agreement to provide assistance or support to an artist, potentially by securing a workspace or studio equipped with an easel.
Complain about the fish (4)
Answer: CARP
Complain about the fish: “CARP” refers to a type of freshwater fish often found in lakes and rivers. The phrase suggests expressing dissatisfaction or grievances about the fish, possibly regarding its taste, quality, or preparation.
