July 8 clues & answers
Every clue of this Indian mini crossword by Mangesh Ghogre, with the answer and, where it helps, how the wordplay works. Solve it yourself first: the puzzle is open to subscribers.
Across
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1A
August 23: World Vada ___ Day
PAV
August 23 is celebrated as World Vada Pav Day. Vada Pav is a popular Indian street food consisting of a spicy potato filling sandwiched between two slices of bread. The day honors this delicious snack, which is loved by many. The answer "PAV" refers to the bread used in making Vada Pav, making it a perfect fit for the clue.
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4A
Marathi writer Deshpande, familiarly
PULA
The answer "PULA" fits the crossword clue because it refers to the famous Marathi writer Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, who is often called "Pula" as a nickname. He is well-known in Marathi literature and has made significant contributions to the field. The clue uses "familiarly," indicating that the answer is a familiar or affectionate name for the writer. This makes "PULA" a fitting answer for the crossword puzzle.
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5A
B, on periodic table
BORON
The letter "B" on the periodic table represents the element boron. Boron is a chemical element with the atomic number 5. It is a non-metal and is often used in glass and ceramics. This makes "boron" the correct answer to the crossword clue.
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6A
___ pakoda: wierd street-food offer
OREO
The clue "___ pakoda" suggests a type of food. "Oreo pakoda" is a unique and unusual street food where Oreo cookies are dipped in batter and deep-fried. This strange combination makes it a weird but interesting snack option. People often enjoy trying quirky food pairings, making "Oreo" a fitting answer.
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7A
It may have a V-neck
TEE
A "tee" refers to a T-shirt, which often has a V-neck design. The shape of the neckline creates a "V" that is characteristic of this type of shirt. T-shirts are popular clothing items that come in various styles, including V-necks. This makes "TEE" a fitting answer to the crossword clue.
Down
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1D
Baby food, often
PUREE
The answer "PUREE" fits the clue "Baby food, often" because pureed foods are commonly made for babies. Pureeing makes fruits and vegetables smooth, which is easier for babies to eat. Many parents choose purees as a first food for their little ones because they are safe and nutritious. This makes "puree" a perfect match for the clue given.
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2D
"Jab Tak Rahega Samose Mein ___..."
ALOO
The answer "ALOO" fits the clue because it is a famous line from a popular Hindi song. The phrase translates to "As long as there is potato in the samosa," which highlights the importance of aloo in this popular snack. Samosas are often filled with spiced potatoes, making aloo a key ingredient. This catchy line is well-known in Indian culture, making it a perfect match for the crossword clue.
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3D
"The Starry Night" painter Vincent ___ Gogh
VAN
The answer "VAN" fits the clue because it is part of the name of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh. He created the well-known painting "The Starry Night." The clue uses his full name, and "VAN" is the first part. This makes it a perfect answer for the crossword clue.
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4D
Small-sized sweater?
PORE
The answer "PORE" fits the clue "Small-sized sweater" because "pore" sounds like "poor," which can mean small or lacking. A "poor" quality sweater might be small or not very good. Additionally, "pore" refers to tiny openings in the skin, which also relates to something small. This clever wordplay makes "PORE" a fun answer for the crossword clue.
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5D
One who can't type the answer to 22 + 19
BOT
The answer "BOT" fits the clue because a bot is a type of computer program that can perform tasks automatically. Bots often lack human skills, like typing or understanding complex instructions. Since the clue mentions someone who "can't type," it suggests a non-human entity, making "BOT" a perfect fit. Additionally, the numbers 22 and 19 add up to 41, but the bot itself wouldn't be able to type that answer.