The Irish Independent Cryptic crossword might be hard to solve. These clues challenge you to think outside the box and interpret clues in unconventional ways. This will help to improve your lateral thinking skills. Try to solve today’s crossword with the help of this page.
Used to swim in the river for a day (7)
TUESDAY
Used to swim in the river for a day suggests a specific day of the week when swimming might have been a regular activity. TUESDAY fits perfectly, aligning with the clue’s context of a day of the week and the seven-letter length.
He’s lost one of the prawns, the blighter! (5)
SCAMP
He’s lost one of the prawns, the blighter! hints at a word related to the loss of a small crustacean. SCAMP matches both the length of the word and the playful, mischievous connotation implied by the term blighter.
Time-honoured part of golden wedding reception (3)
OLD
Time-honoured part of golden wedding reception indicates a traditional element of a celebration marking fifty years of marriage. OLD fits succinctly, reflecting both the duration of the marriage and the timeless nature of the tradition.
Game Doug played at Middlesex as an agitator (9)
DEMAGOGUE
Game Doug played at Middlesex as an agitator suggests a word associated with causing unrest or stirring up trouble in a sporting context. DEMAGOGUE corresponds to the length of the word and embodies the idea of someone inciting agitation or controversy.
Rags thrown on one who buys tiny jumper (11)
GRASSHOPPER
Rags thrown on one who buys tiny jumper hints at a figure who acquires possessions rapidly, possibly including garments like a tiny jumper. GRASSHOPPER fits the length of the word and metaphorically describes someone who flits from one purchase to another, akin to a grasshopper jumping between patches of grass.
State of chicken when red (5,6)
RHODE ISLAND
When chicken is cooked to perfection, it often reaches a state where its internal temperature turns a shade of red, indicating its readiness to be served. This term, ‘RHODE ISLAND’, describes not just a state of the chicken but also refers to a place, specifically the state of Rhode Island in the United States.
Change these upon arriving at the flat (9)
PENTHOUSE
Arriving at the flat implies reaching a new level, like ascending to a higher floor in a building. In this case, the answer ‘PENTHOUSE’ indicates a significant upgrade or change in living quarters upon reaching the flat.
Patient fellow finding employment (3)
JOB
Describing someone as ‘patient’ implies a quality of endurance or perseverance, which often comes into play when seeking employment. The term ‘fellow’ suggests a person, and ‘finding employment’ points to securing a job.
One giving tips without notice of cover (5)
VISOR
‘Tips’ could refer to advice or the pointed ends of an object, and ‘without notice of cover’ implies something that doesn’t entirely shield or conceal. The answer, ‘VISOR’, fits perfectly as it offers tips (shade) without fully covering the head.
Can Julie be ready in time for the celebration? (7)
JUBILEE
The term ‘celebration’ implies a joyful occasion, often marked by festivities or ceremonies. The answer ‘JUBILEE’ aligns with the celebratory context, suggesting that Julie might indeed be ready for the jubilant gathering.
Retire about fifty? Sleep on it! (5)
QUILT
‘Retire about fifty’ initially suggests someone reaching retirement age. However, ‘Sleep on it!’ hints at taking time to consider or delay a decision. The answer ‘QUILT’ fits unexpectedly, as it suggests both retiring.
Employ Sue to tidy up (3)
USE
‘Employ’ suggests utilizing someone’s services, and ‘tidy up’ indicates the specific task at hand. The answer ‘USE’ cleverly incorporates both elements, implying the action of employing (using) Sue to tidy up.
Get tired on the green? (4)
JADE
On the green implies a golf course, where one might tire out from playing. The answer that fits is JADE, which can mean both the color green and to become tired or worn out.
A sound business escort (9)
ACCOMPANY
A term related to business, possibly indicating something reliable or solid, and another word for an escort or companion. The answer, ACCOMPANY, fits perfectly as it means to go along with someone, and it’s composed of a sound
Possibly team up with egg-head when one has lost a member (7)
AMPUTEE
The phrase when one has lost a member implies that a limb is missing, leading to the answer AMPUTEE, which means someone who has lost a limb and can possibly team up with an intelligent individual, the egg-head.
Jacob’s wife in car – a Chelsea supporter? (6)
RACHEL
In car hints at a word formed from the letters of car which can mean a supporter. The answer is RACHEL, who was one of Jacob’s wives in the Bible, and the mention of Chelsea suggests a supporter of the Chelsea football club.
I’d tan it or treat in the usual way (9)
TRADITION
I’d tan it hints at a process involving tanning, which is traditionally done. The answer is TRADITION, as it fits the description of treating something in a customary or usual way, which might include tanning leather.
No hesitation in taking solarium round to Jack (6)
SAILOR
No hesitation in taking solarium round to Jack implies the absence of any delay or reluctance in bringing a specific item or action to Jack. The mention of solarium round suggests a circular motion or enclosure. The word fitting this description and the clue’s length of six letters is SAILOR.
Bird to phone at nine? Possibly (7)
PHOENIX
Bird to phone at nine? Possibly implies a bird commonly associated with a phone, hinting at a mythical creature often depicted as rising from its ashes, thus leading to the answer PHOENIX.
Melody hasn’t finished playing with the dummy (5)
MODEL
Dummy refers to a model, and melody indicates a musical note. When you combine them, you get MODEL, which means a representation or a dummy. The clue cleverly plays on the word melody to suggest something unfinished, leading to the answer.
Avoid getting involved in senseless hunger strike (4)
SHUN
The word senseless indicates a lack of reason or purpose, and hunger strike refers to abstaining from food as a form of protest. To avoid this, one would SHUN it. The clue prompts you to find a four-letter word meaning to avoid or steer clear of something.
Intelligence in the raw, I think (3)
WIT
This clue suggests considering the term for intelligence in its simplest form, which leads to WIT. Raw implies a basic or unrefined state, and I think hints at the mental process involved in understanding intelligence, subtly indicating the answer.
